The best under-bed storage for dorms, small apartments and more

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Back-to-school season is here, and before you know it, so will the end of summer. And like every change in the season, there’s also a change in wardrobe. You may swap your t-shirts and swimsuits for sweaters and coats and your sandals for boots . If you’re a college student , then chances are you’re on the lookout for items to store under your dorm bed.

To make the most of that area, we consulted organizing experts on what to keep in mind when buying under-bed storage, and compiled a list of recommendations with their guidance in mind.

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The best under-bed storage

To find the best under-bed storage, we asked three experts for recommendations: Rachel Winkler, owner of home organizing service Tidyspot, home organizer Pia Thompson and Nancy Meck of Meck Organizing.

Our list also includes options that have at least a 4-star average rating from 500 reviews or more on Amazon or at least 50 reviews on their brand sites.

Best under-bed storage with handles

StorageWorks Large Under Bed Storage Containers

This under-bed storage option comes recommended by former NBC Selected page Riley Atkinson, who says she they’re perfect for storing clothes of all sizes. “Two of these containers store my entire winter wardrobe,” she says. “I love the thick gray and white striped fabric because it looks nice, so I don’t need to cover the containers with a bed skirt.” They’re also easy to maneuver from under the bed thanks to the handles on all of the sides, according to Atkinson. Plus, they also have a small space on the side to put a label and stay organized.

Best tall under-bed storage

Hdx Tough Storage Tote

This tall and waterproof storage option is ideal for home and under- bed storage, mainly if you have a tall bed or one with risers. Many dorm bed frames are designed to be taller so they are suitable for storage. This particular option is ideal for storing school supplies , toiletries, books, blankets, some food items , sports equipment, coats and much more. They also come in many other sizes, including 7-, 9-, 14- and 17-gallon options.

Best for shoe storage

Onlyeasy Sturdy Under Bed Shoe Storage

If you don’t have room for a shoe rack or simply prefer to keep them out of the way, this under-bed shoe storage option is the answer. It holds 12 pairs of shoes at once and is best for running shoes , sandals , flats, slides, boat shoes and more. It’s dustproof, according to the brand, and it has a divider for each of your pairs of shoes.

Best sustainable under-bed storage

Open Spaces Underbed Storage

Thompson said she appreciates storage that’s both sustainable and aesthetically pleasing, and this set of two from Open Spaces , each with a single handle, is a favorite of hers. “They’re made of recycled plastic bottle fibers, come in a beautiful color and are perfect for storing off-season clothing,” she explained. You can spot or steam clean each bin, according to the brand, and you can put up to three of them under a full, queen or king mattress , according to Open Spaces.

Best under-bed storage set

Onlyeasy Foldable Underbed Bags (2 Pack)

This set of two Foldable Underbed Bags from Onlyeasy — which are made from polypropylene and designed to be both wear-resistant and damp-proof — include a transparent top window, metal zipper and four handles. Conveniently, Onlyeasy says you can fold these bags flat whenever you’re not using them.

Best wheeled under-bed storage

Sterilite 60-Quart ClearView Latch Wheeled Underbed Box

You should also prioritize snap lids and wheels when it comes to storage boxes, like these 60-Quart ClearView Latch Wheeled Underbed Boxes from Sterilite which come with clear lids and bases, so you can see your items from every angle. Even more convenient, you can stack the boxes atop each other, if your bed is elevated at all.

Best foldable under-bed storage

Iwill Create Pro Underbed Storage

If you care less about seeing the inside of your under-bed storage containers — and simply want them to sit easily and subtly underneath your bed — this lidded linen box might be a good option. It has two zippers, six handles on four different sides and a transparent label pocket for marking what’s inside. You can take away its structure by removing its internal board, making it easy to fold up and store. It currently comes in three colors.

Best vacuum storage bags

Spacesaver Premium Vacuum Storage Bags

These vacuum sealable options are ideal long-term storage, since packing the bags and sucking the air from the bags can be more of a process. That said, they give you a lot more space than the other options on this list. This pack from Spacesaver contains six bags. Each bag comes with a double-zip seal and triple-seal turbo valve to get all the air from the bag in the suction process, reducing the volume of the bag by 80%, according to Spacesaver.

How we picked the best under-bed storage

There are a few important factors to remember when choosing the best under-bed storage option for your living space. Here’s everything our experts recommended keeping in mind to make this list:

How to shop for under-bed storage

Before buying under bed storage — whether it’s plastic bins, boxes or fabric containers — you should determine your ideal measurements and preferred materials.

Measurements

First and foremost, you probably want to take out a tape measure, suggests Winkler and Thompson. “Before purchasing under-bed storage, you must measure the area under your bed, taking into account the height as well as the location of any support beams,” says Winkler. “All beds are different, so you want to ensure what you buy will fit.”

If your bed is lower to the floor, bed risers could be an option for added height. “These have come a long way since the ones from our college days,” says Thompson. Instead of ones made from plastic that can clash with the rest of your bedroom’s design, retailers like Walmart and Wayfair offer them in wood, metal and more.

Materials and features

Under-bed storage itself is usually made from plastic, canvas or felt. Deciding between them depends on how much you have to pack away. Winkler recommends canvas for storing bulkier bedding and jackets since the material is more “malleable than a standard under-the-bed plastic storage box.” But that doesn’t mean you should completely cut off plastic — clear plastic can be helpful for knowing exactly what’s inside a container, she added. For special items like a wedding dress or a vintage, unique piece, Thompson advises looking for archival garment bags . These bags are designed to keep clothes preserved and protected from humidity and other potential damage.

For everyday items, search for storage that’s designed to repel dust and dirt since both are more likely to gather underneath a bed, Thompson suggests. Accordingly, seek out containers with closed lids or zippers to avoid finding dusty items once you open an under bed storage. And wheels “allow you to easily access what you need, especially if they are heavy and help you avoid using your arm strength to pull out storage,” according to Thompson.

Meet our organizing experts

At NBC Selected, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

Why trust NBC Selected?

Ambar Pardilla Ambar Pardilla and Justin Krajeski are former editors at NBC Selected.

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