11 Things You Should Never Store Under Your Bed—It Might Ruin Them, a Pro Says
By Mary Marlowe Leverette Published on 09/13/24
The Spruce / Candace Madonna
The space under your bed seems like a perfect place to stash things. But, according to professional organizer Danica Carson, under-bed storage must be done properly so you don't ruin your belongings.
If you live in a small space and lack storage options, consider how much you place under the bed. Here are 11 things you really should store elsewhere, according to our expert.
Meet the Expert
Danica Carson is an organizing expert at The Uncluttered Life and the creator of the Declutter Deck.
The Spruce / Dera Burreson
Bed Pillows
Carson says this is her number one item to never store under the bed. Pillows, in particular, are a magnet for dust mites and bacteria. Under the bed provides the perfect conditions for dust mites to thrive, she explains.
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The Spruce / Margot Cavin
Letters, Cards, and Important Documents
Number two on Carson's "never store under the bed" list are letters, cards, and important documents.
"Paper products are food for lots of little creepy crawlers—so, never store anything that has emotional or financial significance under the bed," she says.
And, important documents stored under the bed are easy to access and steal. Carson adds, Anything that contains critical or sensitive information should be stored securely, in a designated fire-proof box.
The Spruce / Ana Maria Stanciu
Electronics
Electronics should never be stored under the bed because dust can cause your devices to corrode, overheat, and degrade sensors. According to Carson, dust in electronics can also pose an increased fire hazard.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
Leather Items
"The dust that accumulates under a bed can dry out the leather and discolor it over time," says Carson. She advises that leather shoes, jackets, or purses should never be kept under the bed unless they are stored in airtight containers.
The Spruce / Fiona Campbell
Shoes
Considering the grossness of the bottom of your shoes, it's best to avoid stuffing them under the bed and let them have proper air to breathe, instead. They could smell worse and track more bacteria throughout your home, especially if you have carpet, stresses Carson.
If you must store shoes under the bed, they should be allowed to thoroughly air-dry first and then placed in airtight containers.
The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska
Hazardous Chemicals
Toxic or hazardous materials such as old paint cans or cleaning supplies should never be stored under the bed. Containers can leak and release fumes and these materials are usually highly- flammable.
Stuffed Animals and Toys
Just like pillows, stuffed animals are dust and dust mite magnets and should never be stored under the bed. Carson adds, "Toys should not be kept under the bed, as a general rule. Bacteria thrive in the conditions under your bed."
Cardboard Boxes
Stashing cardboard boxes under the bed, especially after a move, is tempting. But cardboard shoe boxes, gift boxes, and even thick paper shopping bags are food for insects like silverfish and roaches.
The Spruce / Katy Stovall
Dirty or Loose Clothes
Dirty laundry should never be tossed under the bed or stacks of clothes unless they are clean and packed in airtight, plastic containers. The best containers are lightweight and have handles and wheels so they are easy to move in and out. Clear or partially cleaner containers are best because you can see the contents without fully opening them up. Another option for clothing storage is vacuum-sealed bags. They compress so well you can store an entire season of clothes in just a couple of bags.
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Empty Suitcases
Why store empty suitcases under the bed? Put them to use to store out-of-season clothes or shoes. Suitcases, especially hard-sided styles, make excellent storage for seasonal decorations like ornaments, wreaths, wrapping paper, and linens. Designate one case for vacation and travel items, such as ski gear or beach equipment.
Food
Even if you buy in bulk and the food is nonperishable, it doesn't belong under the bed. Food, even in airtight containers, attracts insects and rodents. Plus, since it is not convenient to access things stored under the bed, food belongs in the kitchen pantry.