Under-Bed Storage Ideas

If you're like most people you can use some extra storage space, and one good place to find just that is under your bed. Sure, they make such under-the-bed storage systems, which you can purchase and put together, but why pay for a kit when you can easily make them yourself.

There are various items that you can use to make the under-bed storage containers but it requires something with sides, to hold your stuff in place, and something that's not too tall, so that it will easily slide under the bed. One idea is to use ordinary drawers.

You can often find drawers, in or out of the dresser, at yard sales, flea markets and old country stores. If you must purchase the entire dresser to get the drawers, make sure it's inexpensive enough to justify throwing the cabinet out - or use the cabinet as a toy box or other handy item.

Casters have been used for years to move heavy items around but now you can purchase the new, improved version of casters. The objects are generally round and have ball bearings installed on one side. They aren't tall, like casters, making them perfect for under-bed storage usage. Find these handy helpers at most home improvement stores and some department stores. You can also order them online and from magazines.

Purchase the flat casters and put one under each corner of each drawer. If there's enough room you can place two drawers, side-by-side, on each side of the bed. Be sure and know how much room you have to work with before purchasing the drawers.

Another way to get the under-bed drawers is to purchase cheap cardboard sets. They come in with a cardboard cabinet that you put together. Use the cabinet portion for another project and implement the drawers for the under-bed storage system. Again, use the flat casters to make it easy to slide the drawers.

For twin and other small beds consider smaller items for storage units, such as serving trays. The trays must have four sides, to keep stuff from falling out, but they will easily fit on a couple of casters and slide in and out of their space. They're perfect for using in kids' rooms.

Look around in household departments to find all types of wire racks. They make them to hold shoes while in the dryer, for holding cleaning supplies, and for all sorts of purposes. The wire racks are great for storing blankets, pillows and other bedroom items. You can also purchase hard plastic bins of all shapes and sizes which can hold quite a bit, then scoot under the bed.

Many people complain that their homes don't offer enough storage space but you can make extra room by creating a set of under-bed storage units. You'll be surprised at how much neater you can keep your bedroom, and just how much storage room there is under your bed!