Messy Under-Bed
How to fix the messy under-bed area where things tend to go and get lost forever. If you want to keep this area clean and never have to deal with this black hole again, then what you need is a plan. One that will take you from messy to organized in a way that sticks forever.
Use these ideas to declutter your bedroom in a way that sticks, keeping you on the path to a more organized home.
When I was a kid, the space under my bed was basically my go-to storage spot. Cleaning my room? Easy—I’d just shove everything under there. Problem solved… or so I thought. Of course, all I really did was turn a tiny mess into a much bigger one. And honestly, who even knows what stuff ended up lost under there.
If your under-bed situation as an adult looks anything like mine did back then—or you’re tackling someone else’s messy under-bed chaos—don’t worry. These tips can help you get it under control!
Messy Under-Bed? Here’s How to Fix It for Good!
If you’ve been avoiding The Great Under-Bed Decluttering Project, now’s the time to tackle it with a plan that’s simple to follow, will transform the mess, and is guaranteed to leave you feeling happy with the end result.
This is a big project and you will want to be sure you have the time you need to see it all the way to done. Pick an afternoon when the house is quiet—maybe when most of the family is out or, at the very least, busy doing their own thing. That way, you can fully focus and get it done without interruptions.
Step 1: Pull It All Out
Start by taking everything out from underneath your bed. Yes, everything. Don’t try to organize or sort just yet—this step is all about creating a blank slate. Use a broom to empty the area, pulling or pushing it out where you can sort through it more easily.
You can either sort things right on the floor or move the items up onto your bed so you can easily see exactly what you’re dealing with. Be sure to use an old blanket to protect your comforter.
You might find long-lost items or even things you forgot existed. Trust me, it’s like a treasure hunt… sprinkled with dust.
Step 2: Sort and Simplify
Before you start to sort, take a minute to set up your containers.
- Put Away: Items that you are going to keep but belong in another area.
- Keep: Any items that will stay under the bed.
- Donate/Sell: Things in good condition that you no longer need but could be useful to someone else.
- Trash: Anything that is snagged, torn, stained, chipped, or broken.
Begin by picking up the first item and putting it into the container where it belongs. Be honest with yourself. If you haven’t touched something in years and it doesn’t have sentimental value, let it go. Keep working until everything has been touched and sorted.
Step 3: Deep Clean the Space
Before putting anything back, take a few minutes to clean this area thoroughly. The good news is that with the stuff gone, it should only take a handful of minutes to get done.
- Vacuum or sweep the floor.
- Wipe down your bed frame.
- If your bed has slats, dust those too.
- If the floor is anything other than carpet, mop it and let it dry.
Step 4: Decide What Belongs Under the Bed
Now that you’ve got a clean canvas, it’s time to decide what deserves a spot underneath your bed. Keep in mind this area is prime storage real estate, so think in terms of practicality and how often you use items that you plan to keep here.
Here’s what’s great for under-bed storage:
- Out-of-season clothing: Perfect for sweaters in the summer or beachwear in the winter.
- Shoes: Especially those you don’t grab daily.
- Bedding: Sheets, comforters, and pillows can fit neatly in flat containers.
- Luggage: If your suitcases are compact enough, they’re a smart fit.
- Holiday decor: Seasonal items that you only need once a year.
Step 5. Think About an Upgrade
If you’re planning to use the space under your bed for frequently used items, it might be time to upgrade your bed frame. There are frames with built-in drawers or even ones that lift up to reveal the entire storage space underneath.
Einhomn Full Size Metal Bed Frame with 2-Tier Hidden Storage & 2 Drawers, Upholstered Platform Bed with Charging Station, Ergonomic Headboard & Steel Slats, No Box Spring Needed, Easy Assembly
Allewie Queen Size Lift Up Storage Bed, Modern Wingback Headboard, Hydraulic Support, No Box Spring Needed, Light BeigeDICTAC Corner Bed Frame with Bookcase Storage and Led Lights Twin Size Metal Platform Bed Frame with Storage Drawers and Charging Station Twin Daybed for Living Room,Bedroom & Guest Room,Oak Gray
Not only is this option surprisingly affordable, but they come in all sorts of styles and sizes, so you can find one that works perfectly for your bed.
Step 6: Choose the Right Containers
To keep things neat, organized, and easy to keep up with, containers are the answer. The good news is there are loads of options, so you can find just what you need to make this area more functional.
- Flat storage bins with wheels: Perfect for sliding in and out easily. These containers tend to work better on hardwood or tile.
- Vacuum-sealed bags: Great for compressing bulky items like comforters or big sweaters. Keep things in a slide-out bin and use labels so you know what is in each bag.
- Shoe organizers: Choose ones with clear tops so you can see your shoes at a glance. Be sure your organizer has a lid to keep dust out.
- Plastic containers with lids: Sturdy and great for stacking, these work well for protecting items from dust and moisture. These containers tend to work better on carpets.
- Fabric under-bed storage bags: Lightweight and flexible—ideal for clothing or linens. These containers tend to work better on hardwood or tile.
Yecaye Under Bed Storage with Wheels, 2Pack Under Bed Storage Containers, Under Bed Shoe Storage Organizer, Rolling Under Bed Metal Drawer for Clothes, Blankets(30.71 x 16.93 x 6.69 in)Rubbermaid Cleverstore Under the Bed 70 Qt Wheeled 2-Pack, Clear Storage Bins with Latching Lids, Stackable, BPA-Free, Made in USAOnlyeasy Foldable Underbed Bags 2 Pack – Blankets Clothes Comforters Storage Bag Breathable Zippered Organizer for Bedroom with Clear Window and 4 Handles, 39.4×19.7×5.9 in, Linen-like Grey, MXDUBBP2IRIS USA 33 Qt Plastic Under Bed Storage Organizer Bin Container with Secure Lids and Durable Black Buckles, 3-Pack, Multi-Purpose for Clothes Shoes Clothing Bedding, Short, ClearMr IRONSTONE Large Under Bed Storage Containers with 6 Wheels, Upgraded Metal Under Bed Shoe Storage Holds Up to 80LBS, Rolling Under Bed Drawers Organizer for Clothes Toys Books Blanket, 2 PackINAYA Under Bed Shoe Storage Organizer Set of 2, Fits 32 Pairs, Underbed Shoe Box Storage Containers Adjustable Dividers w/Bottom Support, Clear Foldable Shoes Storage w/Reinforced Handles
Make sure to label your bins or bags if they’re not transparent. This way, you’ll know exactly what’s inside without having to rummage through everything.
Step 7: Maintain Your System
The key to keeping this under-bed transformation from becoming a hot mess all over again is having a plan that is easy to keep up with. If it’s too complicated, odds are you will have a mess all over again.
Keep it simple:
- Pay attention to labels and be sure they are clear and easy to see.
- Use containers that are easy to use and require a few steps to access what is inside.
- Keep frequently used items to the front and less frequent in the back.
- When you slide something back under, make sure it belongs there.
- Do a quick check every few months to declutter anything unnecessary.
- Every month, do a clean up under your bed to keep the dust under control.
By having a plan for maintaining and cleaning, you can relax knowing that your under-bed storage system will stay organized and clutter-free. If you do find yourself in need of a major reorganization, simply refer back to these steps and start again with a clean slate.
Clutter Free is Healthier
Did you know that maintaining an organized under-bed storage system can also benefit your overall well-being? A cluttered living space can lead to stress and anxiety, while a neat and organized one can promote a sense of calmness and relaxation…perfect for a bedroom.
So, not only are you creating more physical space by streamlining the area under your bed, but you’re also contributing to a healthier area where you can rest and sleep at the end of the day.
Cleaning up that messy under-bed area might seem overwhelming at first, but breaking it down into steps can get you on track. With the clutter gone, the space cleaned, and an organized layout that is easy to keep up with, you’ll tackle another area all the way to done.
Plus, you’ll know exactly what’s under there—no more surprise piles of junk or runaway socks. Your bed just got an upgrade.
