8 Things You Should Never Store Under the Bed Again
Under-bed storage seems like a good idea—out of sight, out of mind. But in reality, it can cause more problems than it solves. Some things don’t belong down there, whether it’s for safety, cleanliness, or simply to keep them in good shape.
Dust, moisture, pests, and poor airflow make it a risky spot for certain items. If you’ve been sliding things under the bed without a second thought, here’s what you might want to rethink.
Important Paperwork
Documents like birth certificates, tax forms, or insurance policies can get damaged fast under the bed. The area tends to collect dust and trap humidity, which can warp or stain papers over time.
It’s also one of the first places to go in a flood or water leak. Keep important files in a sealed, fireproof container somewhere more secure and accessible.
Off-Season Clothing in Trash Bags
If you’ve been stashing winter coats or swimsuits in garbage bags under the bed, you’re risking mildew and damage. Those bags don’t breathe, and the plastic traps moisture against the fabric.
Use breathable fabric bins or under-bed containers with lids instead. Your clothes will stay cleaner, fresher, and won’t come out smelling like an attic.
Electronics or Cords
Tucking power strips, chargers, or even small appliances under the bed seems convenient—until something overheats or shorts out. There’s not enough airflow down there to keep things cool and safe.
Even if nothing goes wrong, all that dust builds up and can mess with your devices over time. Keep electronics stored somewhere clean, dry, and well-ventilated.
Shoes You Actually Wear
The space under your bed isn’t a good long-term home for everyday shoes. It’s dusty, dark, and easy to forget. That’s a recipe for musty smells and scuffed uppers.
If you want to store shoes down there, use a container with compartments or a fabric shoe organizer designed for under-bed use. Otherwise, give your go-to pairs a better spot.
Food or Snacks
This one might seem obvious, but it happens—especially in kids’ rooms or dorms. Keeping snacks under the bed invites pests fast. Mice, roaches, and ants will find it before you do.
If you need food storage in a bedroom, keep it sealed in airtight containers and stored up off the floor. Crumbs and wrappers are enough to create a problem.
Heavy Items
Shoving a big bin of books or weights under the bed might seem like a space-saver, but it can put unnecessary pressure on the bed frame and flooring underneath.
Over time, that weight adds stress to joints and slats. If you’re storing anything bulky, find a sturdier spot—like a closet shelf or storage bench.
Old Bedding You Never Use
That extra set of sheets or lumpy old pillow you keep “just in case” under the bed probably isn’t helping you. If it’s been sitting there untouched, it’s collecting dust and allergens.
Keep only what you actually rotate through. Anything else is wasting space and can make your bedroom feel more cluttered than it is.
Sentimental Items
Under the bed isn’t the place for keepsakes you actually care about. Between dust, pests, and possible moisture, it’s not a safe long-term home for photo albums, baby clothes, or memory boxes.
If you want to hold onto something, give it a real spot. Use a sealed bin in a closet or labeled container in a climate-controlled area.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
