Clothes Storage for Under the Bed: What Works and What to Avoid

You want to use the space under your bed for clothes storage. Maybe your closet is full, your dresser is overflowing, or you need a place for seasonal clothes. Under-bed storage is a great way to keep clothes organized and out of the way. Here’s what works and what to avoid for clothes storage under the bed.

Clothes storage for under the bed is storage designed to fit in the space beneath a bed frame. This space is ideal for seasonal clothes, extra bedding, and items you don’t need to access daily. The key to good under-bed storage is choosing the right containers (sealed, shallow, with wheels), organizing by season and category, and maintaining the storage regularly.

To use under-bed storage for clothes, choose sealed plastic bins or vacuum storage bags, measure the space under your bed, wash clothes before storing with Tide Free and Gentle, fold neatly, label each container, and check every 3 months. Don’t store damp clothes, don’t use cardboard boxes, and don’t store items you need frequently.

What Works

Sealed Plastic Bins

Sealed plastic bins are the best option for under-bed clothes storage. They protect clothes from dust, moisture, and pests. Look for bins that are 6 to 8 inches high to fit under most beds. Choose clear bins to see what’s inside.

Vacuum Storage Bags

Vacuum storage bags compress clothes to save space. They’re best for bulky items like winter coats, sweaters, and bedding. Seal the bag, vacuum out the air, and slide under the bed.

Under-Bed Storage with Wheels

Under-bed storage containers with wheels slide easily under and out from under the bed. This makes it easy to access your clothes without lifting the bed.

Fabric Storage Bags

Fabric storage bags are a budget-friendly option. They’re breathable, which prevents moisture buildup. Look for bags with zippers and handles.

Labeling

Label each container with its contents and the season. This saves time when you need to find something.

What to Avoid

Cardboard Boxes

Don’t use cardboard boxes for under-bed storage. They attract pests, absorb moisture, and can damage clothes. Use sealed plastic bins instead.

Storing Damp Clothes

Don’t store damp clothes under the bed. Damp clothes can mold and mildew in the enclosed space. Always dry clothes completely before storing.

Storing Frequently Needed Items

Don’t store items you need frequently under the bed. Under-bed storage is best for seasonal and rarely used items. Store everyday items in your closet or dresser.

Overfilling Containers

Don’t overfill containers. Overfilled containers can be difficult to slide under the bed and can damage clothes. Fill to 80% capacity.

Storing Without Washing

Don’t store dirty clothes. Dirty clothes can attract pests and develop odors. Always wash before storing.

How to Set Up Under-Bed Clothes Storage

Step 1: Measure the Space

Measure the height, width, and depth of the space under your bed. Most beds have 6 to 12 inches of clearance. Choose containers that fit.

Step 2: Choose the Right Containers

Choose sealed plastic bins, vacuum storage bags, or fabric storage bags based on your needs and the space available.

Step 3: Wash Clothes Before Storing

Wash all clothes before storing with Tide Free and Gentle. Add Lysol Laundry Sanitizer to the rinse for disinfecting.

Step 4: Dry Completely

Make sure clothes are completely dry before storing. Damp clothes can mold and mildew.

Step 5: Fold Neatly

Fold clothes neatly to maximize space and prevent wrinkles. Use the flat fold method for most items.

Step 6: Add Odor Protection

Add a sachet of Arm and Hammer Baking Soda to each container to absorb odors.

Step 7: Label Each Container

Label each container with its contents and the season. This saves time when you need to find something.

Step 8: Slide Under the Bed

Slide the containers under the bed. Make sure they fit easily and don’t get stuck.

What to Store Under the Bed

Item	Best Container	Notes
Winter sweaters	Sealed plastic bin	Fold flat, add baking soda
Winter coats	Vacuum storage bag	Compress to save space
Summer clothes (in winter)	Sealed plastic bin	Wash before storing
Extra bedding	Sealed plastic bin	Fold neatly
Swimwear (in winter)	Sealed plastic bin	Small items, use small bin
Heavy blankets	Vacuum storage bag	Compress to save space

How to Maintain Under-Bed Clothes Storage

Every 3 Months: Check and Rotate

Step 1: Pull out each container and check the contents.

Step 2: Check for moisture, mold, or pests.

Step 3: Swap seasonal clothes as needed.

Step 4: Replace baking soda sachets.

Seasonal: Rotate

Step 1: Swap seasonal clothes. Store off-season clothes under the bed.

Step 2: Wash seasonal clothes before storing with Tide Free and Gentle.

Step 3: Add baking soda for odors.

Recommended Products

Detergent: Tide Free and Gentle

Stain removers: OxiClean Max Force Spray, Dawn Ultra Dish Soap, Shout Advanced Grease Busting Foam

Laundry sanitizer: Lysol Laundry Sanitizer

Ink remover: Amodex Ink and Stain Remover

Machine cleaner: affresh Washing Machine Cleaner

Baking soda: Arm and Hammer Baking Soda

FAQ

What is the best under-bed storage for clothes? Sealed plastic bins are the best option for under-bed clothes storage. They protect clothes from dust, moisture, and pests. Look for bins that are 6 to 8 inches high with wheels for easy access.

How do you store clothes under the bed? Measure the space, choose sealed containers, wash clothes before storing with Tide Free and Gentle, dry completely, fold neatly, add baking soda for odors, label each container, and slide under the bed.

Can you use vacuum storage bags under the bed? Yes. Vacuum storage bags are great for bulky items like winter coats and heavy blankets. They compress clothes to save space. Seal, vacuum out the air, and slide under the bed.

What should you not store under the bed? Don’t store damp clothes, dirty clothes, frequently needed items, or items in cardboard boxes. Don’t overfill containers or store in direct sunlight.

How often should you check under-bed storage? Check under-bed storage every 3 months. Check for moisture, mold, or pests, swap seasonal clothes, and replace baking soda sachets.

References

1. The Spruce. “Under-Bed Storage Guide.” thespruce.com.
2. Good Housekeeping. “Storage Guide.” goodhousekeeping.com.
3. Better Homes and Gardens. “Under-Bed Storage Ideas.” bhg.com.
4. HGTV. “Storage Guide.” hgtv.com.