We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Home Products Organizing We Tested Under-Bed Storage Bins, and These Are Our Top Picks Make the most of unused space with these clever storage units. By Kat de Naoum Kat de Naoum Kat is a writer, editor, author, SEO specialist, and mother based in the UK. She has over 10 years of commerce writing experience and has written for a variety of publications, including InStyle, Real Simple, Food & Wine, Southern Living, Shape, Better Homes & Gardens, Parents, and Parenting. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on May 14, 2024 In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Final Verdict Our Testing Process How to Shop Accessibility More to Consider FAQs Take Our Word for It What Is Real Simple Selects? Photo: Real Simple / Stephanie Petit If you don’t have a bed with built-in storage, that free space underneath is basically wasted. With good under-bed storage options, you’ll be able to stow certain items out of sight, like spare linens and blankets, winter clothing, and books. Because there are so many under-bed storage options available, we tested some of the most popular options on the market to find out which ones are best. We evaluated each option’s material and quality, dimensions and roominess, closure type and accessibility, and overall value. We also consulted Nicole Gabai, founder of B. Organized, a professional organization company, for tips on how to shop for under-bed storage options. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Storage Lab Underbed Storage Containers at Amazon $36 Jump to Review Best Budget: SALE Onlyeasy Foldable Under-Bed Storage Bags at Amazon $17 $13 Jump to Review Best Plastic: The Container Store Our Under Bed Box at The Container Store $104 Jump to Review Best Fabric: IKEA SKUBB Storage Case at Ikea $10 Jump to Review Best Collapsible: Amazon Basics Under Bed Fabric Storage Container Bags at Amazon $25 Jump to Review Best With Wheels: Sterilite Clear View Under Bed Storage Bin at Amazon $88 Jump to Review Best Basket: Pottery Barn Savannah Handwoven Seagrass Lidded Underbed Basket at Pottery Barn $129 Jump to Review Best Large: Rubbermaid Wheeled Storage Box at Amazon $105 Jump to Review Best Small: Brightroom Underbed Fabric Bin at Target $14 Jump to Review Best for Shoes: SALE Anyoneer Under Bed Shoe Storage Organizer at Amazon $50 $36 Jump to Review Best Overall Storage Lab Underbed Storage Containers PHOTO: Amazon $36 at Amazon What Stands Out Structured sides keep them sturdy, and the clear top allows you to see what’s inside. What Could Be Improved A more slippery underside would help them glide out better on carpet. The StorageLAB Under-Bed Storage Set was our highest-rated option, scoring perfect marks across all categories. The unit features two large-capacity containers made from a polyester blend, along with a see-through plastic window for easy identification. During testing, we noticed that the containers expanded easily, so we were able to fit several items even if it meant the storage got a bit bulkier on the top. We found them a bit large to fit beneath our queen bed, but they weren't too obtrusive. There are two pulls that are stitched on superbly, making it easy to remove the unit out from under the bed. However, we did notice that pulling the unit out was a little difficult on carpet because it lacked a smooth underside, causing it to get caught. Despite this, the unit proved to be durable throughout several tests, and the zipper never got caught or broke off—it was even able to endure the weight of our 11-pound dog with no signs of wear and tear. Each container is also extremely sturdy and flexible, all without adding any extra weight or bulk. After six months of use, it is still exceeding our expectations. Material: Polyester blend | Dimensions: 33 by 17 by 4.5 inches | Closure Type: Zipper Real Simple / Brittany McCoy Real Simple / Brittany McCoy Best Budget Onlyeasy Foldable Under-Bed Storage Bags PHOTO: Amazon $13 at Amazon What Stands Out It offers solid capacity at an accessible price. What Could Be Improved It’s not as durable as other options, and the walls aren’t super sturdy. If you’re on a budget, the OnlyEasy Foldable Under-Bed Storage Bag option has two containers that offer a ton of capacity. We were able to fit a large collection of clothing into the storage containers, and we still had a little more wiggle room thanks to its flexible lid. Due to its softer fabric, this bag style is a bit less sturdy than a hard plastic container, and it does require two hands to slide it under the bed. Even so, the items inside remained well protected from dust and dirt. The container slides well from under the bed, especially when it’s full, and there are handles both on the length and width. The zippers also held up well during testing, with no signs of damage after six months of use. Overall, the item offers great value and should hold up well if you’re only reaching for things sporadically throughout the year as opposed to daily. Material: Polypropylene non-woven fabric | Dimensions: 39.4 by 19.7 by 5.9 inches | Closure Type: Zipper Real Simple / Sarah Brekke Real Simple / Sarah Brekke Best Plastic The Container Store Our Under Bed Box PHOTO: The Container Store $104 at The Container Store What Stands Out It's totally transparent from all angles, and the smooth plastic helps it glide out from under the bed effortlessly. What Could Be Improved It’s not as easy to overfill compared to more flexible options. We were impressed by this plastic box from The Container Store, which boasts a large-capacity, transparent design that allows you to see what’s inside from all angles. During testing, the box comfortably fit around 20 summer dresses, and the lid snapped closed effortlessly. It slid seamlessly beneath our bed, even on our rug. We especially love how sturdy the container is, thanks to its solid plastic structure, which kept all of our items safe and protected. The container's firm shape means that you can’t overfill it, as the lid won't close if you stuff it too much. However, this is a small price to pay given its excellent durability. After six months of use, the box still looks just as it did on day one. While these containers are a little more expensive than fabric options, the price is definitely reflective of the product's value and features. Material: Polypropylene | Dimensions: 27.12 by 16 by 6.25 inches | Closure Type: Locking lid Real Simple / Rebecca Park Real Simple / Rebecca Park Best Fabric IKEA SKUBB Storage Case PHOTO: IKEA $10 at Ikea What Stands Out It has a soft construction for cramming clothes and a rigid bottom and sides to keep it sturdy. What Could Be Improved It’s not transparent, so you can’t see what’s inside without opening it. While there are a handful of fabric under-bed storage options on our list, we felt that IKEA’s Skubb Storage Cases rose above the rest. Each case comes in three sizes and features handles on each side for easy access. The cases easily glide from under the bed because the fabric is smooth, and they were able to hold a solid amount of sweaters, shirts, socks, and other clothing. What we really liked was how we were able to slightly overfill the container, and while the top bulged a bit, the rigid sides and bottom kept everything sturdy. We were pleasantly surprised with the durability of the container despite its low price. The fabric is very thin, and we were initially worried about the zipper ripping, but it has held up beautifully over six months of use. In fact, we even ordered two more bins to store our bulky winter wear. Our only complaint about this product is the lack of transparency, which is important for shoppers who want to easily keep track of what's inside different cases. Material: Polyester | Dimensions: 27.25 by 21.75 by 7.5 inches | Closure Type: Zipper Real Simple / Emma Phelps Real Simple / Emma Phelps Best Collapsible Amazon Basics Under Bed Fabric Storage Container Bags PHOTO: Amazon $25 at Amazon What Stands Out They’re easy to open and close, and they take up minimal storage space when not in use. What Could Be Improved They’re quite flimsy and don’t have any structure unless they’re full. The Amazon Basics Under-Bed Fabric Storage Container Set comes in a pack of two and has the ability to fold up totally flat to save on space. This feature especially comes in handy if you’re not using them, allowing you to shove them in almost any closet or at the bottom of a drawer. When we did actually use these containers, we were very pleased with their spacious capacity and ease of use—they fit our clothing and bath towels comfortably, and the sturdy canvas handles helped us to easily lift and pull them from under the bed. These storage bags have clear lids (which are more like top flaps) so you can see everything inside, and the zipper secures the flap shut without snagging. While we really like how spacious and durable these containers are, they lack structure and will only keep their rigid shape when they’re full of clothes. Although the canvas material is thin, it’s still tough and durable enough to protect all the items within it. After six months of use, we still vouch for these space-saving bags. Material: Vinyl | Dimensions: 42 by 18 by 6 inches | Closure Type: Zipper Real Simple / Chaina De La Cruz Real Simple / Chaina De La Cruz Best With Wheels Sterilite Clear View Under Bed Storage Bin PHOTO: Target $88 at Amazon What Stands Out Its sturdiness, locking lids, and handy little wheels. What Could Be Improved It’s heavier than other under-bed storage options. Wheeled under-bed storage containers are very handy for pulling and pushing units, and the Sterilite ClearView Latch Wheeled Under-Bed Box is no exception. We loved the convenience of the wheels that helped the container glide out and go back under the bed effortlessly, preventing any heavy lifting or awkward maneuvering. The wheels also remained smooth throughout the testing period, never got stuck, and didn’t cause any damage to the floor underneath. The set comes in a pack of four sturdy plastic boxes, and each lid secures on with latches. While there’s no protruding handle, there are molded pulls under the clasps that you can grab to maneuver the boxes. The boxes are impressively long, so you can fit a lot of stuff in. That said, we found that they can be quite heavy when they're at maximum capacity. If you don’t find yourself needing to lift the boxes very often, you can avoid this con altogether by allowing the wheels to do their thing. Material: Plastic | Dimensions: 34.63 by 18.75 by 7 inches | Closure Type: Latching lid Real Simple / Kyle Tran Best Basket Pottery Barn Savannah Handwoven Seagrass Lidded Underbed Basket PHOTO: Pottery Barn $129 at Pottery Barn What Stands Out It’s roomy and great for displaying. What Could Be Improved It’s expensive and doesn’t offer the same level of protection as other competitors. As the most attractive storage item on our list, the Pottery Barn Savannah Handwoven Seagrass Lidded Under-Bed Basket is ideal for beautifying beds that have visible space beneath them. The box is 6 inches high, so it can fit under most beds comfortably, but it’s surprisingly roomy—we were able to fit six small blankets perfectly. The hinged lid pops up and down effortlessly, but there is no latch to keep it securely shut, which allowed items to bulge out when it was slightly overfilled. The lack of airtightness was the main issue we ran into with this basket. The two handles on the sides of the storage basket are basically cut-outs, allowing dust, lint, and pet hair to easily get in. If you want to use this pick for storing and protecting clothing, we recommend using protective bags inside the box. This would also protect the clothes from potentially getting caught on the box since it’s made from snaggable, woven seagrass. After six months of use, we have no further complaints, though. While this basket may be more fashionable than functional, its impressive performance makes it worth the purchase. Material: Iron, seagrass, wicker | Dimensions: 30 by 20 by 6 inches | Closure Type: Lidded Real Simple / Jodi Espinosa Real Simple / Jodi Espinosa Best Large Rubbermaid Wheeled Storage Box PHOTO: Amazon $105 at Amazon What Stands Out It’s highly durable, and the wheels add extra mobility. What Could Be Improved It’s pricier than other options, and the wheels take up some storage space. Rubbermaid’s Under the Bed Wheeled Storage Box is a very heavy-duty and pricey option that we can ensure will last a long, long time. The unit felt solid and sturdy throughout the six-month testing period, and the wheels allowed for easy maneuvering, which was definitely needed considering how large the box is. With 68 quarts worth of space, this is one of the larger under-bed storage options on this list. Luckily, accessing the contents was simple since the lid can be removed halfway on each side (or taken off completely). While the wheels are convenient, it's worth noting that their design takes up some valuable corner space inside the boxes. Since the boxes are pretty spacious otherwise, some may not find this to be too much of an issue. Capacity aside, this is a super sturdy option that will keep everything inside well-protected from damage and dust. Material: Plastic | Dimensions: 43.1 by 19.5 by 6.6 inches | Closure Type: Hinged lid Real Simple / Stephanie Petit Best Small Brightroom Underbed Fabric Bin PHOTO: Target $14 at Target What Stands Out The box is visually appealing and can open halfway on either side. What Could Be Improved It’s not very spacious and lacks waterproof capabilities. The Brightroom Under-Bed Fabric Bin is a cute under-bed storage option for those looking to stow away small belongings. We really liked that we were able to access our items from either end of the box and that its small size made it easy to store away. However, the tradeoff of its compact size is it's small capacity. The box was able to hold a decent amount of garments, but when it came to larger items or multiple shoes, we quickly ran out of space. Although the box’s capacity is a bit of a double-edged sword, it was surprisingly sturdy despite being made entirely of fabric. Moreover, everything that was in there stayed safe and free of dust and debris. The only thing that we could see being an issue is the box’s waterproof capabilities, since the lid doesn’t latch or lock tight like other under-bed storage bins. Regardless, it's great for hardwood floors, thanks to its scratch-free fabric construction. Material: Fabric-covered cardboard | Dimensions: 24.75 by 12.75 by 6.5 inches | Closure Type: Hinged lid Real Simple / Sierra Estevez Real Simple / Sierra Estevez Best for Shoes Anyoneer Under Bed Shoe Storage Organizer PHOTO: Amazon $36 at Amazon What Stands Out It has separate compartments for keeping shoes organized and protected. What Could Be Improved The cloth pull on the zipper started to fray a bit after a few uses. The adjustable Velcro dividers on Anyoneer’s Under-Bed Shoe Storage Organizers make them ideal for keeping shoes neat and tidy. Two organizers come in each pack, and each has enough space to fit 12 pairs of shoes. Alternatively, you can store other small- to medium-sized items in them or remove the dividers to fit larger things, like clothes and bed linens. The Velcro dividers are great since they’re customizable and can be moved around to configure the piece as needed. The box is also pretty easy to zip and unzip, but you do have to fully remove it from under the bed to be able to unzip it completely. Since the box doesn't have much height, the zipper sometimes snagged, and it got caught on clothes inside when we overstuffed it. The cloth pull on the zipper also started to fray a bit after only a few uses, which was disappointing but not a dealbreaker—after six months of use, the bag continues to be part of our routine. Material: Fabric | Dimensions: 30 by 24 by 6 inches | Closure Type: Zipper Real Simple / Katy Stovall Real Simple / Katy Stovall Final Verdict The StorageLAB Under-Bed Storage Set is our top pick, thanks to its structured and sturdy construction, lightweight design, and pulls that make bringing it out from under the bed effortless. Its zippers are strong and glide easily, and it's clear top makes it easy to see what’s in each bin. Moreover, there are two units per set, making it excellent value for money. If you're seeking a less-expensive option, we recommend the Onlyeasy Foldable Under-Bed Storage Bags, which boast an impressive capacity given their low price. Our Testing Process To come up with our list of the best under-bed storage options, we tested 17 units in our own homes over a period of six months. We conducted several tests to evaluate factors such as each unit’s type, material, quality, dimensions, roominess, closure type, accessibility, durability, extra features (like wheels), and overall value for money. During testing, we evaluated how many objects could fit in each storage organizer, how easily it opened and closed, how secure and protected the items in the container were from possible damage and debris, and how easily the container could glide under the bed and back. We also tested each unit’s strength and durability by paying attention to its overall structure, if any zippers got stuck or broke off, and if lids became warped or did not fit properly. Additionally, we checked for wear and tear, and we examined the bottom of the containers to see how the surface held up from being pushed and pulled. Real Simple / Kyle Tran How to Shop for Under-Bed Storage Solutions Like a Pro Material When searching for the best under-bed storage options, Gabai stresses the importance of quality: You want a good quality container to avoid it from cracking, falling apart, or being difficult to open or close. Under-bed storage options typically come as plastic containers with lids, but there are other options available, like structured fabric bags made from polyester, or linen, for instance, or woven basket types. Gabai advises, however, that if you’re looking for a durable and highly-protective option, you may want to consider plastic containers. Fabric containers won't protect your belongings over time as well as an airtight container will, and they also don't slide very easily. Size Storage containers for under the bed come in a variety of sizes, so before you commit to buying a unit, think about what you need it for. If you plan on storing only small objects or a few articles of clothing, you may not need an oversized option. Conversely, if you’re putting away clothes for an entire season or need something that can hold blankets and sheet sets, a larger box is going to be ideal. The most important thing to keep in mind when it comes to your under-bed storage unit’s size is how much space you have between your bed and the floor. Before buying anything, you should measure the height of the space under your bed to make sure the container will easily slide underneath it. “If needed, use bed risers to create some extra space," Gabai says. "And don’t forget to see if there are any obstructions like a metal frame that prevents certain containers from sliding underneath.” Accessibility No matter what under-bed storage you select, it’s important that your unit can be easily accessible. This means that you should be able to pull it out from under the bed and return it to its place with minimal hassle. “If you need to stretch your arms or flail about to reach your boxes, you likely won't reach for them very often,” Gabai says. To avoid this, it’s best to find options that aren’t too cumbersome to maneuver, and if they have wheels, even better! More Under-Bed Storage to Consider NestNeatly’s SmartCube Under-Bed Storage Bag Set: These large bags come in a set of three, and since the sides are flexible, you can overstuff them as needed. We found the bags easy to open and close during testing, and the zipper didn't cause any problems. Given their large size and fabric bottom, we had some difficulty dragging them out from under the bed. The unstructured sides felt a fairly flimsy, too. Overall, though, the stored items did stay clean, fresh, and protected. Sterilite’s Ultra Latch Storage Box Set: This set is a durable and convenient option, and the six boxes included are also stackable. All of our items fit comfortably, but we did find ourselves wishing that the containers were just an inch or so deeper. When we overfilled them, the lid would not fully snap closed due to the rigidity of the material. There was also a tiny bit of space between the lip of the containers and their lid, which made them less protective than other options. During testing, however, we didn’t notice any dirt or debris in the bins or on the items. Questions You Might Ask What is the best use for under-bed storage? Under-bed storage is ideal for out-of-season clothing, shoes, accessories, and blankets and sheets. That said, you don’t need to limit yourself to these items. If you have objects like fine china or holiday decor that needs to be put away, you can also use under-bed storage options to hold them. Generally, Gabai recommends using them to stow away items that you won’t need to access often. A great alternative to under-bed containers, according to Gabai, is luggage. You may just need to also purchase bed risers if your suitcase needs more room to fit underneath your bed frame. Is plastic or fabric under-bed storage better? Gabai says that plastic under-bed storage options are great because they are easier to pull out from under the bed. “A plastic option will slide whether it's on carpet, wood, or tile flooring,” she says. Many plastic containers are also airtight, which will better protect your items. On the other hand, fabric containers aren’t as airtight and could prove challenging to pull out if they’re resting on top of a rug or carpet due to their rough exterior. On the contrary, fabric options are often more affordable, lighter in weight, and easier to store away when not in use. They’re also a more sustainable option for those trying to cut down on plastic use. Does under-bed storage create more dust? Under-bed storage does not create more dust. “Dust is often created by dirt, all the skin cells that fall off our body, or fabric fibers,” Gabai says. “Storing items in bins under your bed would not add to this, but anything that is dry or could flake off might contribute to dust, such as books, rugs, fireplaces, or pets.” If you are noticing dust near your under-bed containers, it’s likely that already-existing dust is just settling on or around it. Take Our Word for It This article was written by Kat de Naoum, who has over 10 years of commerce-writing experience. Kat is also the commerce editor-at-large at Thomas-Xometry, the leading U.S. online platform for supplier discovery and product sourcing. For this article, we tested multiple under-bed storage options and researched and considered factors such as each product’s material, dimensions, capacity, closure type, accessibility, and overall value for money. Kat also spoke to Nicole Gabai, founder of B. Organized, a professional organization company. What Is Real Simple Selects? Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn’t an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company. Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums.