Shallow underbed storage bags are an ideal solution for storing linens, seasonal items and other necessities when closet space is limited. Not everyone has the luxury of a dedicated linen closet. We have closets, but none that we could reserve for guest linens, so I needed a more creative option. My main sheets fit in our dresser, but guest sets needed a home. I searched for shallow underbed storage that would slide into tight spaces, like beneath our rattan daybed.
Do you forget what items you store under the bed? Here’s a solution!
I used to avoid underbed storage because I would forget what I put there. The solution is simple: be intentional. A few organizing principles I follow are helpful—use items you will actually use, group related items together, and put them where it makes sense to you. If those three things are met, remembering stored items becomes much easier.
For example, storing camping gear and Christmas serving platters together under a guest bed doesn’t make much sense and will likely lead to confusion later. If underbed is your only option for different categories, try a system to keep track—label bags, post a seasonal storage chart in a closet, or note locations in a planner. Any small habit that clarifies what’s where will save time and frustration.
Three reasons I like these shallow underbed storage bags
Besides solving our guest linen storage problem, these shallow underbed storage bags work well for several reasons.
- The fabric fronts make them look tidier than hard plastic bins. Even when they’re visible under the bed, the fabric gives a softer, less cluttered appearance.
- The bags are shallow enough to fit under low-profile furniture. Our rattan daybed sits close to the floor and has tricky supports; these slim bags slide into narrow spaces that bulkier containers can’t reach.
- They have solid side panels and handles, so they hold their shape and are easy to slide in and out. Unlike floppy zippered bags that collapse when squeezed into tight spaces, these maintain form and are more convenient to use.
What fits in the bags under the bed?
We fit two shallow underbed bags under our daybed. One bag holds winter twin bedding for our REI sleeping cots and the sofa that doubles as a bed. The other bag stores spring and summer cotton sheets and lighter blankets. Because the available height is limited, we reserve these shallow bags for sheets and thin layers rather than bulky comforters.
Under a double guest bed we store two more of these zippered bags for that bed’s linens and blankets. There’s room for additional bags, but we also keep a couple of slim guitars in that space. It’s an odd choice, but with limited climate-controlled storage in the house, that spot works for instruments that can’t be left in a garage or crowded closet.
I’ll explain where we keep the bulkier bedding like mattress pads next.
Where I store bulkier bedding like mattress pads
Fluffier mattress pads and thick comforters don’t compress as well for underbed storage, so we keep those in lidded rattan trunks. Trunks and lidded benches are ideal for bulky items if you need extra storage that doubles as furniture. Other alternatives include dressers or storage ottomans placed at the foot of a bed. These solutions keep larger bedding protected and accessible without crowding underbed space.
Double duty for maximizing small spaces
When living in a smaller home, furniture that serves multiple functions is essential. Our daybed functions as an office seating area, a TV-watching couch with plenty of pillows for back support, and a guest bed when needed. Thanks to shallow underbed storage bags, it now also provides discreet storage for guest linens. Choosing pieces that multitask helps stretch limited square footage while keeping the home organized and comfortable.
Small homes challenge you to be creative with storage, but that can be a fun and rewarding exercise. Intentionally choosing containers that fit your space and a simple system to keep track of where things are stored turns underbed space into a valuable asset.
I hope these ideas are helpful for making the most of small spaces and keeping linens and seasonal items neat and accessible.
Related inspiration on The Inspired Room:
- Small Space Storage Tips: Making Room for What You Love
- How to Decorate When Your Front Door Opens Into Your Living Room
- 5 Clever Ways to Make a Small Space Cozy & Inviting (+ Apartment Tour)
- 9 Clever Organizers to Tidy Your Home
- Storage Cabinets for Linens and Things
Do you make any of these common disorganization excuses? Kick excuses to the curb with tips on decluttering and organizing. Explore more organizing inspiration in the organization category for helpful ideas and practical solutions.