The Best Under-Bed Storage for Kids’ Rooms

When you’re a kid, the space under the bed holds a lot of potential. It can be a nebulous lair for monsters, a grotto for flashlight-lead exploration, or a black hole into which random objects like socks and books disappear, never to be seen again. But when you’re a caregiver, that under-bed realm presents a golden opportunity for storing all your little one’s extra linens, clothes, toys, and keepsakes.

With the right organizational items, that under-bed space can be both functional and beautiful. I chatted with Ahyoung Moon Burrows, an organization expert who has worked for over 15 years designing products to simplify life for families and is the cofounder and creative director of babyproofing product company Pom, and Barbara E. Tanaka, strategic home design and organizing adviser at Real Estate Bees, to identify the best under-bed storage products.

Under-bed storage can be divided into either soft or hard options. Soft options are typically zippered bags — look for heavy-duty canvas or other sturdy materials for those. Hard options are often plastic, including clear bins and open crates, but can also be made of wood or woven materials, like baskets. 

“Soft storage is great for families because it offers flexibility. It molds to the space, protects delicate items like linens or seasonal clothing, and can compress when not in use,” Burrows explains. “Hard bins are the better choice for anything that needs structure or stackability, like books, toys, or keepsakes. I always tell parents to mix the two: soft where you want adaptability and hard where you need durability.”

“I love under-bed storage organizers with casters,” Tanaka says. “They’re easy to pull out, offer plenty of space, and make use of the full width of the bed. If you buy something without casters, it becomes much harder to pull out — especially as it gets heavier — and it also makes cleaning under the bed more difficult.” 

Burrows echoes Tanaka and adds, “I love the small details that make storage easy: low-profile wheels, sturdy sides, zippered tops, and clear or semi-clear bins so you can see what’s inside.” She also notes that “pieces that slide neatly under most beds get used the most. If it glides easily and stays organized, families actually use it.”

“Under-bed storage is one of the most overlooked spaces in the home, but thoughtful design can turn it into a little moment of magic,” Burrows says. “When materials feel good, access is intuitive, and the colors and shapes spark joy. Families actually use the space beautifully. Storage stops being a catchall and becomes part of the home’s rhythm, adding calm, color, and ease to everyday life.”

Like any organization method, it’s important to have a system in place, especially for kids’ rooms. Work with your child to identify what goes where so that they know what belongs under the bed, how to store it properly, and how to access it when they need it. For pre-readers, visual labels can be really helpful. Try to cull items in storage biannually so you know what you have, you have exactly what you need, and you don’t have anything extraneous.

When it comes to storing things under the bed, it’s important to think practically about what’s going to go down there: Ideally, it will be items that are not used every day, like extra towels, linens, and blankets, or offseason clothes and shoes. However, if the items are more frequently used, like toys or books, you’ll want to find bins that open easily, on casters for quick access. Here are some smart solutions for every need.