Whether you're short on closet space or enduring one of the major drawbacks of a small bedroom, chances are you can benefit from some extra storage space. You can turn the area under your bed into an organizational masterpiece with the proper containers.
We've spent 6,048 hours testing 18 different options in our homes. We evaluated each storage container for their capacity, quality, ease of use, durability, and overall value.
Our favorite picks allowed us to quickly access items without fully removing the container from under the bed or completely undoing the lid. These Spruce-approved storage solutions also included either well-made wheels or sturdy handles for smooth maneuvering.
Best Overall
Storage Lab Underbed Storage Containers
Durable zipper closure
Clear lid
Handles for easy access
Not as sturdy as other options
Our clear winner is the storageLAB Underbed Storage Containers. We love that when used as containers for storing clothes, they showed a large capacity thanks to the expandable design. Between the two containers, we fit roughly two-thirds of an adult closet (including bulky sweaters).
The transparent lids make it easy to see what is inside, and the durable zipper closure doesn’t tug—no matter how stuffed the containers were, the zipper didn’t snag any of our clothes. With side handles sewn onto the body, the containers are easy to access and pull out from under your bed.
Despite not having wheels, they glide effortlessly on wooden floors without causing damage or leaving scratches. We found these containers to be structured in all the right places; the material is thick and flexible, and the sides are sturdy.
They come in a set of two, though a heads-up that, depending on the size and placement of your bed, they may stick out a bit. This happened to us during testing, but it didn’t really diminish our overall experience with them.
Speaking of their placement, our 11-pound dog even took to cuddling up on the protrusion! Not only was this a super-cute development, but it also gave us more confidence in the overall quality of these containers, since her new chosen "bed" seems no worse for wear, and the zipper, plastic, and infrastructure are all still fully intact.
Dimensions: 33 x 17 x 6 inches | Material: Fabric | Wheels or Handles: Handles | Lid Style: Zipper
Best Value
IKEA SKUBB Storage Case
Discreet zipper closure
Lightweight
Breathable fabric
Easily collects dust on outer fabric
Not as sturdy as other picks
The IKEA SKUBB Storage case is another great option, especially for its budget-friendly price. At $10 a piece, these storage cases are a deal when you consider the roomy size and convenient design elements like handles, zipper closure, and breathable fabric.
We were able to fit a slew of clothes in it—15 pairs of socks, three tank tops, three long-sleeve shirts, five thick pullovers, and five thicker vests, to be exact. It was bulging a bit, but we made it work. A unique feature of this case is the ventilation nets in each corner, which allow air to circulate and keep your items fresh.
It has a hidden zipper closure that keeps the product looking sleek and minimalistic, but be wary that the zipper is very small and hard to grip at times. However, our editor, Emma Phelps, has had the IKEA SKUBB for over a year and has yet to experience any tearing near the zipper.
There’s a handle on the side to allow for easy movement, but as the fabric is pretty thin, there may be concern of it tearing if you store heavy items in the container—for us, it held up well though. We've even purchased additional bags to have a matching set!
Dimensions: 27.25 x 21.75 x 7.5 inches | Material: Fabric | Wheels or Handles: Handles | Lid Style: Zipper
What Our Tester Says
"I now have four of these bags, and they are the best. These cases were also really convenient when we moved this past summer- no packing required. And the handles make them easy to carry!" —Emma Phelps, Associate Editor
Best Plastic
Room Essentials 28qt Clear Under Bed Storage Box
Durable
Part of a larger set of coordinating bins
Transparent base
Stackable
May be hard for some to grip lid
We're big fans of the Room Essentials line of storage bins, including this 28-quart under-bed option. In our experience, the convenient size gives you lots of flexibility, and it checks the boxes of what you need from a classic storage container; it's lightweight yet sturdy, transparent, and features a firm snapping lid.
The container's clear design also gives you maximum visibility so you’ll never forget which products you stored where, and the latch lid makes for easy opening and closing while keeping out any dust or bugs.
The container has a firm shape, so it’s easy to avoid overfilling it and potentially causing damage. It stacks well too, and we've comfortably used it in the closet among other coordinating Room Essentials bins. The brand also offers a 41 quart version too, which is longer and closer in size to many of our other picks. We opted to feature the 28 quart, however, since the shape and size is a bit more unique and versatile.
There's not much we would change about this bin or its counterparts, but know that there aren't any handles or wheels, so you'll have to push or pull it into place.
Dimensions: 22.88 x 16.62 x 6 inches | Material: Plastic | Wheels or Handles: Neither | Lid Style: Snap
What Our Tester Says
"I have this container in multiple sizes, and I'll probably be adding more to the collection when my family members need to upgrade their storage. I'm partial to Target brands, and these bins definitely lived up to my expectations." —Dena Ogden, Associate Editor
Best for Shoes
Anyoneer Under Bed Shoe Storage Organizer
12 compartments per container
Transparent top
Available in multiple colors
Certain shoes only fit one per compartment
Not as sturdy as other options
If you’re a person who constantly finds themselves with an overflowing shoe rack, the Anyoneer Under Bed Shoe Storage Organizer is a fantastic option. During testing, we loved the convenient size and customizable compartments.
You can adjust the compartments to best fit your footwear—but be aware that moving them will affect the overall storage capability of the product. If you’re using it for solely (no pun intended) sneakers or sandals, you’re likely to fit 12 pairs in it; for boots and heels, you’ll have less storage space. We've also tried storing clothes in these bins, and found that they work well for garments, too.
The transparent top provides easy viewing and the handles make it easy to pull out from under the bed. However, we did note that it needs to be pulled out fully so the three-sided lid can be unzipped and shoes accessed.
The container is also quite shallow and the zipper a little flimsy, so it may be susceptible to some snagging. The cloth pull on the zipper also started to fray a bit after only a few uses, but not enough that it affected performance or required anything other than a quick trim.
Though the Anyoneer Under Bed Shoe Storage Organizer is available in four colors, so if aesthetics are a priority, there’s likely a hue to fit your existing home decor.
Dimensions: 30 x 24 x 6 inches | Material: Fabric | Wheels or Handles: Handles | Lid Style: Zipper
Best for Kids
Brightroom Underbed Fabric Bin
Kid-friendly design
Sleek design
Hinged lid
No transparent lid
Smaller than other options
A wonderful pick for a kids’ bedroom or a space with a twin bed is the Brightroom Underbed Fabric Bin. It has handles on the sides for easy access—a common feature on fabric under-bed storage containers—but the lid is different from other options.
Instead of a transparent lid to make viewing the products easy, this particular under-bed storage bin has an opaque fabric lid with a center hinge that allows for each side to lift independently. This allows for convenient and easy access, but we did find that the lids can be finicky to close.
It was very easy to assemble, though. It arrived folded up, but we just opened it up and popped in the thick rectangle base that provides its structure. The fabric bin was smaller than we anticipated, so while the smaller size means that it may not be the best pick for bedding and towels, it will be ideal for storing child and baby clothes.
Dimensions: 24.75 x 12.75 x 6.5 inches | Material: Fabric | Wheels or Handles: Handles | Lid Style: Hinged
Best Set
Sterilite Underbed Storage Box
Available in multi-pack
Clear design
Latch lid
Very sturdy
Lack of handles
Easy to overfill
Sometimes, multiple under-bed storage options are needed—especially if you have a lot of belongings and don’t have a lot of closet space (or even one at all!). The Sterilite Underbed Storage Box comes in various multipack options to suit many different needs, whether you’re after six boxes or 84 boxes.
There are also many Sterilite sizes available, from 6-quart to 90-quart. We tried out, and recommend, a six-pack of the 41-quart option, which was the perfect size and quantity for storing under the bed.
Opening and closing these bins is very simple, just like popping open a regular plastic tote or container—but be warned that if you overfill the box, the latch lid will pop open and won’t close properly. While the length of the boxes allows for ample storage space, these particular boxes are rather shallow, meaning it can be difficult to store bulkier clothing items such as jeans and sweaters.
So, when choosing a size of Sterilite Underbed Storage Boxes, consider the items you’ll be using it for. No matter the size, you can expect them to be sturdy and durable.
Dimensions: 34.88 x 16.63 x 6.13 inches | Material: Plastic | Wheels or Handles: Neither | Lid Style: Snap
Best With Wheels
Sterilite Clear View Under Bed Storage Bin
Colorful latch closure on lid
Smooth wheels
Durable design
No handles to help with movement
Susceptible to scratches
Sometimes, only wheels will do—and that’s why we like the Sterilite 60qt Clear View Underbed Storage Bin. We love this Sterilite bin for its generous size, latched lid, and durable design. If you’re storing heavy, bulky items, the addition of wheels will help you move the storage container around with ease.
We fit six pairs of chunky boots and two pairs of sneakers in the box, and we think it would be ideal for storing sweaters, jackets, or even household items like gift wrap. The wheels move smoothly and don’t get caught.
This bin is extremely sturdy and is also stackable, which is ideal if you have a few boxes to place on top of another. Relatedly, if you're looking to have this bin shipped, you'll likely need to buy it in a set since we've found that a lot of stores and retailers only send larger bins like this in batches. For a single bin, you'll want to check Target for pickup or delivery.
It’s worth noting that we did find a few scratch marks after stacking it, but besides a little general wear and tear to the appearance, it didn’t affect product performance—everything inside was still safe and secure.
Dimensions: 34.63 x 18.75 x 7 inches | Material: Plastic | Wheels or Handles: Wheels | Lid Style: Latch
Lid stays in place without snaps or latches
Attractive design
Woven material allows for some airflow
Potential for snags
Even though it'll be under your bed most of the time, there's no reason your storage solution can't be attractive. We love this handwoven seagrass basket from Pottery Barn not only for its stylish design, but also for its durable construction and convenient size.
Notably, there's also a range of coordinating basket options from Pottery Barn—more than 70 by our count—if this particular shape or style doesn't suit you. The weave on this basket is sturdy while still allowing for some airflow to your belongings.
We love that the lid can be fully removed. It rests on top and stays in place thanks to the frame of the basket. And there's no latches or hinges that can weaken over time.
A high-quality basket can be an investment, and the Savannah Handwoven Seagrass Lidded Underbed Basket is no exception. However, we do think the value is there and that this is the sort of piece that you can use for years to come.
As with most baskets, you'll want to keep an eye out for potential snags down the road. We didn't see any during our six months of testing, but we think it's good to be careful.
Dimensions: 30 x 20 x 6 inches | Material: Seagrass | Wheels or Handles: Handles | Lid Style: Separate piece
Final Verdict
The best under-bed storage container is storageLAB Underbed Storage Container, a roomy pick that has convenient handles and zipper closure, and that comes in a set of two. We're also fans of the Room Essentials 28qt Clear Under Bed Storage Box, a sturdy bin with a snap lid and clear design.
How We Tested the Under-Bed Storage Containers
We tested 18 different products in our homes, under our own beds, for a total of more than 6,000 hours. After unboxing and setting up our containers, we evaluated each based on several factors: capacity, quality, ease of use, durability, and value. We asked ourselves questions like:
Capacity: How much can we fit in each container? Did the amount of items meet or exceed our expectations?
Quality: How sturdy and stable does the container feel? Do items inside feel secure and protected?
Ease of use: How smoothly does it glide under the bed? How easy is it to pull back out, and to open, reach in, and grab what we need?
Durability: Are we seeing any dents or noticeable damage after regular usage? Do we think it will last for months or years?
Value: Is the price fair for the performance and quality that we’re seeing? Would we spend our own money on this product?
What to Look For
The Size and Amount of Storage Space
Consider how much storage space you need and the size of the items you will be storing. Depending on the size of your bed, some larger containers, like our best overall, may be visible from underneath, so it’s also worth taking into account the aesthetics of your space.
“If you live in a small space, you sometimes will need to utilize that extra space under your bed for things you’d typically keep in a chest of drawers or wardrobe—this is the case with many of my clients who are dwellers of teeny New York City apartments,” says Alex Rush, professional home organizer and founder of Spruce NYC.
A Durable and Thoughtful Design
Hard, plastic storage containers (like—you guessed it!—our best plastic pick) tend to be more durable, but fabric containers, like our best overall, are lightweight and flexible. Also, consider which type of design will look best in your space.
“For higher beds where the under-bed storage is more visible, prioritize a clean and structured look,” suggests Rush. “Sturdy bins, or even drawers, add a polished touch. And you can have fun with it! Choose bins that reflect your personal style and make you happy when you look at them.”
Accessibility Features
Think about how often you’ll be using the storage to determine which features will be of use. Handles make it easier to slide the containers from under the bed, while wheels are great to assist with moving storage that contains heavier items.
Among our picks, handles are more common on fabric selections (like our best overall and best for kids). Wheels showed up on two of our three plastic picks; the best set and the (surprise!) best with wheels.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Emma Kershaw is a writer for The Spruce and has an extensive background in writing and testing home products. Kershaw reviewed testing results for under-bed storage containers, and focused on analyzing capacity, quality, durability, value, and ease of use.
Our Experts:
- Alex Rush, professional home organizer and founder of Spruce NYC
- Dena Ogden, associate editor for The Spruce