Best Under-Bed Storage Options for College Students

The back-to-school season often marks the transition from summer to fall. With this change, adjustments to your wardrobe become necessary as well. Sweaters and coats replace t-shirts and swimsuits, while boots come out in favor of sandals. As a college student, maximizing the space under your dorm bed can help you manage these transitions more efficiently.

Consulting the Experts

To create an effective storage strategy, we sought advice from organizing experts. We followed their guidance to select the best under-bed storage options available. Our recommendations reflect their insights.

Top Picks

• Best for low beds: $39.99 (was $45.99)
• Best wheeled: $84.08
• Best for shoes: $15.19 (was $17.99)
• Best tall option: $8.98

Expert Recommendations

We consulted Rachel Winkler of Tidyspot, Pia Thompson, and Nancy Meck of Meck Organizing for their top storage picks. Each product featured has an average rating of at least four stars from 500 reviews on Amazon or 50 reviews on brand sites.

Under-Bed Storage with Handles

Riley Atkinson, a former NBC Selected page, endorses this storage option for keeping clothes neatly arranged. “Two of these containers hold my entire winter wardrobe,” she mentioned. The containers have handles on all sides, making them easy to move. They also include a small space for labels to stay organized.

Tall Under-Bed Storage

This tall, waterproof storage is ideal for beds with height, such as dorm beds with risers. It’s suitable for storing school supplies, toiletries, and more. Options range from 7- to 17-gallon sizes.

Under-Bed Shoe Storage

For those lacking space for a traditional shoe rack, this option holds 12 pairs of shoes and protects them from dust.

Sustainable Storage Solutions

Pia Thompson favors storage that is both sustainable and visually appealing. Her pick is made from recycled plastic bottle fibers, available in multiple colors, perfect for off-season clothing.

Convenient Storage Sets

Onlyeasy offers foldable under-bed bags made from polypropylene with transparent windows and metal zippers. These are easy to store when not in use.

Wheeled Storage

Sterilite’s 60-Quart ClearView Latch Wheeled Underbed Boxes have both clear lids and bases, making it easy to see stored items from every angle. They’re stackable for convenience.

Foldable Storage Options

Lidded linen boxes conceal contents and have transparent label pockets. They can be easily folded and stored away.

Vacuum Storage Bags

Spacesaver offers vacuum sealable bags that are excellent for long-term storage, reducing bag volume by up to 80%.

Choosing the Right Storage

Consider these factors when choosing storage options:

Bed Height

Knowing your bed’s height is crucial, especially if it’s elevated with risers, common in dorm rooms. Tall containers maximize vertical space, while flat options optimize surface area.

Storage Needs

The type of items you store will affect your choice. Taller storage suits stackable items, while flat options are for those needing laid-out storage.

Additional Features

Look for storage with features like handles, wheels, and dividers. These conveniences simplify maneuvering and access.

Measure First

Rachel Winkler suggests measuring the area under your bed before purchasing any storage. Accounting for support beams is also important. Bed risers add height but may not suit every room’s style. Options include wood and metal risers from retailers like Walmart and Wayfair.

Materials and Features

Container materials like plastic, canvas, or felt serve different storage needs. Canvas is suitable for bulky bedding, while clear plastic helps catalog contents. Archival garment bags preserve special clothing items. Prioritize dust-resistant options for everyday storage.

Expert Insights

NBC Selected incorporates advice from experts like Rachel Winkler, Pia Thompson, and Nancy Meck. This ensures informed recommendations free from financial conflicts.