Under-bed storage mistakes are pretty common. At first glance, it appears harmless. Simply slide some boxes underneath, and voila, you have organized your clutter. However, when using under bed storage, there are potential risks associated with moisture, pests and safety risks due to lack of visibility.
Moisture will collect under the bed due to the lack of ventilation in this area. The less air circulation, the greater opportunity for moisture to remain. Additionally, extreme temperatures caused by your heater or air conditioner will also affect the material of the item. This will cause many items to degrade at a faster rate than normal. Also, since the area is not visible to the eye, you are more likely to forget about the items and therefore miss the signs of deterioration sooner rather than later.
Things You Should Never Store Under Your Bed:
Important Documents
You should never store birth certificates, passports, contracts or insurance papers under the bed. Moisture can damage the paper, and you will be scrambling in case of an emergency. A waterproof, fire-resistant safe is a much better option.
Electronics
Your laptop, tablet, cord, or backup drive can accumulate dust, and limited airflow can cause electronics to overheat if left connected. Electronics are best stored in clean, dry, well-ventilated locations.
Food (even sealed)
Even sealed snacks can attract pests. Crumbs or faint smells can draw insects or rodents. Food does not belong in bedroom storage.
Worn Shoes
Shoes bring moisture, bacteria, and debris from outside into your home. If you put frequently used shoes under your bed, you run the risk of trapping odors and introducing dirt into your sleep area. Using a shoe rack by the entrance provides better airflow.
Flammable Materials
Fire risks include candles, paper goods, cleaning supplies, especially those located near heat sources or electrical outlets. All flammable materials should be stored in well-ventilated, cool cabinets.
Paper Items or Photos
Photographs and memory boxes are sensitive to humidity and temperature fluctuations. Photographs will eventually become curled, faded or stuck together. Instead, place them in archival quality storage boxes on a closet shelf.
Leather Goods
Leather bags, belts, and jackets require good airflow. Leather can become brittle in a dry climate, while in a humid climate it will begin to grow mold. There are no optimal conditions for either climate under a bed without climate control.
Damp Linens or Clothes
It’s particularly important to avoid putting damp linen or clothes under your bed. Any amount of dampness creates a fertile environment for mold and mildew growth. Make sure all of your bedding and clothes are completely dry before you store them anywhere, including under your bed.
Irreplaceable Valuables
Don’t hide jewelry boxes, money, or valuable items in your bed. Since it is out of sight, out of mind, you’ll have a hard time tracking any damage to these valuables or noticing their disappearance.
Unorganized Exercise Equipment
Tangled resistance bands, tangled yoga straps or loose weights collect dust quickly. Tangled equipment also has the potential to trip you up when you pull them out. Placing the equipment in an upright basket will provide both accessibility and cleanliness.
Many people unknowingly use under bed storage in ways that ultimately lead to damage or health problems. As stated previously, there are many options available for safely storing items under your bed. For example, off-season clothing works well when it is clean and placed in breathable containers. Likewise, extra linens are safe to store, provided they are completely dry.
Plastic bins with lids provide protection from dust and pests. Natural fabrics can also be vacuum sealed for temporary storage; however, occasionally opening them to allow for airflow will prevent them from becoming too tightly packed.
To maximize the effectiveness of your under bed storage, it is recommended to elevate the containers off the floor and vacuum the space under the bed regularly. Check the items you store under your bed every few months to determine if there is any damage to them. Performing regular maintenance checks will greatly improve the overall efficiency of your under bed storage system.
Pre-Storage Checklist
Prior to placing any item under your bed, ask yourself:
• Is the item completely dry?
• Are you sealing the item properly?
• Will moisture ruin the item?
• Do I need to have access to the item immediately?
• Will the item attract pests?
If you are unsure on any of these questions, then it is likely that you should find another way to store that item.
While under bed storage is not inherently problematic, it is not suitable for everything. By avoiding items that are susceptible to moisture, electronics, etc., you can utilize this storage space efficiently and effectively.
The key is to be deliberate in your selection of items for storage, to use the correct type of container, to maintain the cleanliness and dryness of the items, and to inspect them periodically. With some basic care, you can successfully utilize your under bed storage space without inadvertently creating additional problems in the area below your bed.
