Under Bed Storage Ideas: Rolling Bins, Drawers, Risers and What to Store

The space under your bed is some of the biggest unused storage in your home. A standard bed can hide several bins’ worth of clothes, shoes and bedding, if you plan it. The key is matching the storage to your bed’s height and to what you actually need to reach.

This article is part of our bedroom furniture guide, where you can compare related options.

Under bed storage is any container, drawer or system that fits under a bed. It may be a plastic bin, a rolling drawer, a fabric box, a vacuum bag or a built-in drawer in the frame. It suits bedrooms, dorms and small apartments where closet space is short.

This guide explains the main under bed storage options, how to measure for clearance, how to raise a bed with risers, what to store and what to avoid, and how to keep the space clean. You’ll also find a comparison table, a checklist and answers to common questions.

Interior of modern light bedroom with pillows and blanket on bed near table with chair under shelves

Types of Under Bed Storage

Rolling bins: sources describe them as easy to pull out, good for heavy items like thick bedding or books, and helpful for people with limited mobility or back pain. They come in various sizes, so you can choose one that fits your bed’s clearance and your storage needs. One DIY guide suggests a height of about 6 to 8 inches, though that’s a single blog’s figure. Under bed drawers: a more permanent solution than rolling bins. Wheeled drawers are the usual pick for easy access. Fabric storage boxes: soft and breathable, good for clothes and linens. They can sag and collect dust if left open. Vacuum storage bags: best for bulky soft goods like winter coats, comforters and sweaters. One source says they can reduce the volume of your belongings by up to 75 percent, a manufacturer-style claim that I’d treat cautiously. Another advises looking out for bags that state they are suitable for duvet storage. Shoe organizers: flat racks or boxes that hold shoes in rows. Bed risers: not storage by themselves, but they lift the bed to create clearance. One source calls them the easiest way to lift your bed to fit containers, drawers and even luggage. Built-in drawers: some frames, like storage beds, have drawers built in. Upholstered beds may include them too. Lift-up storage bed: the mattress platform lifts to reveal a large compartment, often with gas pistons. Flat storage trays or sliding boxes: for wrapping paper, documents or flat items.

Option	Best for	Watch out for
Rolling bins	Heavy items, easy access	Needs clearance
Drawers	Daily clothes	Takes more space
Fabric boxes	Linens, light items	Dust
Vacuum bags	Bulky soft goods	Flattening down
Risers	Adding clearance	Stability

Measure Your Clearance First

Before you buy, measure the gap between the floor and the bottom of the bed frame. Measure at several points, since some frames have cross rails or legs that block space. Note the width and length of the open area.

Check these things: Height. The tallest bin must fit with room to slide. Rails and slats. Cross supports can block bins. Center support. Large beds have a center leg. Floor type. Rolling bins work best on hard floors. Carpet makes rolling harder. Wall distance. Leave room to pull items out.

Different frames offer different amounts of space. Tall-clearance frames, platform beds with generous clearance, lifting beds, trundle-style low rolling platforms and upholstered beds with built-in drawers all work differently, and one guide notes that the idea of installing rolling storage boxes and drawers greatly depends on the frame of your bed. My sources did not compare frame types in detail, so check your own frame.

How to Raise a Bed With Risers

Bed risers lift the bed to create more space. Use sturdy risers that can support the weight of your bed.

Choose the right height. Risers come in different heights, such as 3, 5 or 8 inches.
Check the weight rating for the bed, mattress and sleepers.
Check the fit for your bed legs. Some risers have cups, and some are flat blocks.
Lift one corner at a time, with a helper.
Place the risers under each leg, including the center legs.
Check stability. The bed should not wobble.
Consider the height. A tall bed can be hard to climb into, and it may look odd.

Never use unstable stacks of books or blocks. Heavy beds need strong risers.

What to Store Under the Bed

Sources commonly suggest: seasonal clothing; extra bedding and pillows; shoes; books; holiday decorations; luggage; sports equipment; gift wrap; documents in flat boxes; pet supplies (if you have the space).

Keep frequently used items in the most accessible spots, and reserve the least-used items for the deepest storage.

What Not to Store

Key points: food. It can attract pests; items that need airflow or climate control, like some leather and electronics; anything flammable or hazardous; valuables that you want to protect from theft or damage; damp or dirty items. They can cause mold; anything that could make the bed unstable.

Don’t store things that block airflow to a mattress that needs it.

Keep It Clean

Dust collects under beds. Use covered bins or zippered bags. Vacuum under the bed regularly. Pull bins out when you clean. Wipe plastic with a damp cloth. Check for moths or pests in fabric storage. Use cedar blocks or lavender sachets to deter moths, if you like. Avoid overstuffing bags, which can stress seams.

Tips for Easy Access

Key points: use bins with handles or wheels; label the sides; group items by season or type; place a small rug or hard surface so wheels roll; keep a hook or stick to pull bins out; use clear bins so you can see the contents; store the heaviest items in rolling containers.

How to Choose Under Bed Storage

Measure the clearance. Decide what you’ll store. Pick the container type. Bins, drawers, bags or boxes. Check the material. Sturdy plastic, wood or breathable fabric. Choose wheels or handles. Check the lid. Dust-proof lids help. Think about the floor. Consider risers if you need more height. Set a budget. Read reviews for notes on durability.

What mistakes should you avoid?

A few common mistakes are worth avoiding: not measuring (bins don’t fit); overloading bins (they become hard to pull); using flimsy risers (they are unsafe); storing food (pest risk); ignoring dust (use covers); blocking airflow for the mattress (some bases need ventilation).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best under bed storage?

Rolling bins and wheeled drawers are popular for easy access. Vacuum bags suit bulky soft items.

How high should under bed storage be?

It depends on your frame. One DIY guide suggests about 6 to 8 inches for rolling bins. Measure your own clearance.

Can I use bed risers?

Yes, with sturdy risers rated for your bed’s weight. They add clearance for storage.

What should I store under my bed?

Seasonal clothes, extra bedding, shoes, books and holiday decorations are common.

Do vacuum storage bags damage items?

Some items, like down, can be flattened. Check bag guidance, and avoid long-term compression of delicate items.

How do I keep the space under my bed from getting dusty?

Use lidded bins or zippered bags and vacuum under the bed often.

Conclusion

Under bed storage turns wasted space into useful space. Measure your clearance, choose bins, drawers or bags that fit and store items you don’t need every day.

Use sturdy risers if you need more height, keep the area clean and avoid storing food or damp items. With a little planning, your bedroom stays tidier and your closets less crowded.