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Storage buying guide
The 4 best under-bed storage containers, measured to fit
The space under your bed can hold a whole closet worth of sweaters, bedding and shoes. The catch is height: a box that is half an inch too tall is useless. We compared real outside dimensions so you can buy once.
By the NestHomePicks team
Updated November 9, 2026 | 11 min read
Researched from brand specs and owner feedback
We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. It never changes our rankings. Learn more.
Our top pick
Quick verdict
Sterilite 56 Qt Wheeled Latching Box
9.0/ 10 our score
The Sterilite 56 Quart Wheeled Latching Box is the easiest under-bed box to live with: wheels let it roll out with one hand, latches keep dust out, and Sterilite publishes both outside and inside dimensions so you know exactly what fits.
On this page
If your closet is full, the best storage space in your home might be the one you never see. A standard queen bed covers roughly 30 square feet of floor, and much of that space sits empty. With the right containers, it can hold out-of-season clothes, spare bedding, gift wrap and shoes, all within arm’s reach.
Most under-bed storage fails for one boring reason: it does not fit. Listings often lead with capacity in quarts or liters, but what matters first is the outside height compared with your bed’s clearance. So in this guide we lead with real outside dimensions taken from the brands’ own pages, then compare lids, wheels and materials.
We have not tested these containers under our own beds. Our picks are based on published dimensions, product features and owner feedback, and our sources are listed at the end.
Quick picks
Best for lower beds
IRIS USA Under Bed Storage Box with Easy Slide Disks, 50 Qt
Our score: 8.7 / 10
Best for small items
IRIS USA Under Bed Storage Box, 26.9 Qt, 6-Pack
Our score: 8.4 / 10
Best for bedding
Budding Joy Under Bed Storage Bags (Fabric, Clear Window)
Our score: 8.2 / 10
Side-by-side comparison
| Product | Outside size (L x W x H) | Type | Access | Best for | Our score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sterilite 56 Qt Wheeled | 33 7/8 x 18 3/4 x 7 in | Plastic box, latching lid | Wheels | Bedding and clothes | 9.0 | Check price |
| IRIS USA 50 Qt Easy Slide | 32.5 x 17.8 x 6.5 in | Plastic box with lid | Low-friction disks | Clothes and shoes | 8.7 | Check price |
| IRIS USA 26.9 Qt 6-Pack | 22 x 16.5 x 6.5 in | Six plastic boxes | Low-friction disks | Sorting by category | 8.4 | Check price |
| Fabric under-bed bags | About 39 x 20 x 7 in (listed) | Fabric bag, clear window | Handles | Comforters and sweaters | 8.2 | Check price |
How we chose these containers. We looked for widely available under-bed storage with published outside dimensions, then grouped them by height so there is an option for most bed frames. We favored lids that keep dust out and features that make daily use easier, like wheels and low-friction feet. Our scores weigh fit, ease of access, protection and value.
Detailed reviews
Best overall
1. Sterilite 56 Qt Wheeled Latching Box
A low, wheeled plastic box with latching lid and fully published dimensions.
9.0/ 10 our score
Sterilite’s 56 quart Wheeled Latching Box is built specifically for under-bed use, and it shows. The outside measures 33 7/8 inches long, 18 3/4 inches wide and 7 inches high, so it suits beds with at least about 8 inches of clearance. Inside, Sterilite lists a floor of about 30 1/8 by 15 7/8 inches and a usable height of about 6 1/4 inches, which is the number to check if you are storing flat items like folded quilts or boots.
The wheels are what make it our top pick. Boxes without wheels drag on carpet and scuff wood floors, so you end up not using them. With wheels, you can roll the box out with one hand, grab a sweater and push it back. The latching lid clips down to keep out dust and curious pets, which matters for anything you store for a whole season.
The trade-off is height. At 7 inches tall, it will not fit under low platform beds or many bed frames with center support bars. Measure first, and if you are short on clearance, look at the IRIS box below.
Our ratings
What we like
- Wheels for one-hand access
- Latching lid keeps dust out
- Outside and inside sizes published
- Long enough for bedding
What to know
- Needs about 8 in of clearance
- Rigid box takes space when empty
- Wheels add height
Outside33 7/8 x 18 3/4 x 7 in
Inside floor30 1/8 x 15 7/8 in
Inside heightAbout 6 1/4 in
Capacity56 qt
Pick this if you have enough clearance and want the easiest daily access.
Best for lower beds
2. IRIS USA Under Bed Storage Box with Easy Slide Disks, 50 Qt
A slightly lower box that glides on low-friction disks instead of wheels.
8.7/ 10 our score
If your bed is a little lower, half an inch makes a real difference. IRIS USA’s 12.5 gallon (50 quart) under-bed box measures 32.5 x 17.8 x 6.5 inches, so it needs about 7.5 inches of clearance instead of 8.
Instead of wheels, it slides on low-friction disks on the bottom. That keeps the box low while still letting it glide out over hard floors and low carpet. It is nearly as long as the Sterilite box, so it still holds a folded comforter or a row of shoes.
Sliding disks are not quite as effortless as wheels on thick carpet, especially when the box is full and heavy. If you have deep-pile carpet and enough clearance, the wheeled Sterilite will be easier. On hard floors, the difference is small.
Our ratings
What we like
- Lower 6.5 in height
- Glides on low-friction disks
- Long, roomy footprint
- Clear plastic lets you see contents
What to know
- Harder to slide on thick carpet
- No wheels
- Lid is not a latching seal
Outside32.5 x 17.8 x 6.5 in
Capacity50 qt (12.5 gal)
GlideLow-friction disks
Clearance neededAbout 7.5 in
Pick this if your bed sits a little lower or you have hard floors.
Best for small items
3. IRIS USA Under Bed Storage Box, 26.9 Qt, 6-Pack
Shorter boxes you can sort by category and reach from either side of the bed.
8.4/ 10 our score
One huge box can turn into a junk drawer. A set of smaller boxes lets you sort by category: one for winter accessories, one for gift wrap, one for spare chargers and cables. IRIS USA’s 6.7 gallon (26.9 quart) under-bed boxes come in a 6-pack, and each measures 22 x 16.5 x 6.5 inches.
The shorter length is the key benefit in small bedrooms. You only need about two feet of floor beside the bed to pull a box all the way out, which helps when the bed is close to a wall or a dresser. Three boxes fit along one side of most queen beds, so a 6-pack can fill both sides.
The smaller size means they are not ideal for bulky bedding. For a comforter or long items like wrapping paper rolls, choose a longer box like the Sterilite or the IRIS 50 quart.
Our ratings
What we like
- Six boxes for easy sorting
- Short length suits tight bedrooms
- 6.5 in profile
- See-through plastic
What to know
- Too short for comforters
- Many boxes to label
- Not wheeled
Outside22 x 16.5 x 6.5 in
Capacity26.9 qt each
Pack6 boxes
Clearance neededAbout 7.5 in
Pick this if you want to sort smaller items by category.
Best for bedding
4. Budding Joy Under Bed Storage Bags (Fabric, Clear Window)
Soft, foldable bags for bulky bedding and sweaters, with a see-through top.
8.2/ 10 our score
Fabric storage bags are the best way to store bulky, soft items like comforters, pillows and sweaters. Budding Joy is one of the most recommended brands in this style. Its 95 liter 4-pack is listed at about 39 x 20 x 7 inches, in non-woven fabric with a clear PVC window on top so you can see what is inside.
Fabric has two big advantages. It squeezes slightly, so a bag can fit under a frame where a rigid 7 inch box would catch. And it folds flat when empty, so it does not take up closet space between seasons. Reinforced handles let you pull a bag out from the side of the bed.
Fabric does not protect as well as a plastic box. It will not stop a determined pet, and it offers less protection against moisture, so avoid storing anything valuable on a damp floor. Listings for this style also label capacity differently (80, 90 or 95 liters), so check the listed dimensions, not just the liters.
Our ratings
What we like
- Squeezes to fit tight spaces
- Folds flat when empty
- Clear window
- Handles on the side
What to know
- Less protection than plastic
- Capacity labels vary by listing
- Fabric can collect dust
Listed sizeAbout 39 x 20 x 7 in
MaterialNon-woven fabric
TopClear PVC window
Pack4 bags
Pick this if you are storing soft, bulky bedding or clothes.
How to choose under-bed storage
Measure your clearance first
Before anything else, measure from the floor to the lowest point under your bed. That might be the side rail, a center support bar, or the slats themselves. Measure in a few spots, because floors and frames are rarely perfectly level. Then subtract about 1 inch so the container slides in without scraping. That number is the maximum outside height you can buy.
Also measure the depth from the edge of the bed to any center leg, and the length of the open floor along each side. Long boxes are great for bedding but need room to pull out.
Choose box or bag
- Plastic boxes protect better against dust, spills and pests, and they stack in a closet. They are rigid, so they take up the same space when empty.
- Fabric bags fit tighter spaces, fold flat and are lighter. They protect less and are best for soft items.
Decide how often you will open it
For things you reach for weekly, like shoes or workout gear, wheels or sliding disks are worth it. For true seasonal storage that you open twice a year, a simple lidded box or a fabric bag is enough.
Look at the lid
Latching lids keep out dust and pets and hold firmly when you drag a box. Loose lids are fine for frequent access. Clear lids or windows save you from opening every box to find one item.
No clearance? Raise the bed
If your bed sits too low for any of these, bed risers can add several inches of height. Choose sturdy risers rated for your bed and mattress weight, and place them on a level floor. A bed frame with built-in drawers is another option if you are replacing the bed anyway.
What to store under the bed (and what not to)
Good candidates: out-of-season clothes, spare bedding and towels, shoes you do not wear every week, holiday decor, gift wrap, keepsakes in sealed boxes, and extra pillows.
Avoid storing: important documents without a sealed waterproof box, food or anything with a smell that attracts pests, and anything that must stay completely dry if your floor can get damp. Avoid overloading the space too: a little air flow under the bed helps keep the room fresh.
How to organize under-bed storage so you use it
- Group by season or category. One box per category makes things easy to find.
- Label the short end. That is the side you see when you kneel by the bed.
- Put frequently used items closest to the edge. Keep rarely used items toward the middle.
- Vacuum before you load. Dust under beds builds up fast. Start clean and add a quick vacuum to your seasonal swap.
- Fold, do not stuff. Folded clothes fit more and wrinkle less than items pushed in loosely.
- Keep a list. A note on your phone of what lives under the bed saves you from opening every box.
Our verdict
If you have about 8 inches of clearance, the Sterilite 56 Qt Wheeled Latching Box is the easiest to live with. For a lower bed, the IRIS USA 50 Qt Easy Slide box saves half an inch. To sort smaller items, choose the IRIS 26.9 Qt 6-pack. For comforters and sweaters, soft fabric bags fit tight spaces and fold away when empty.
Frequently asked questions
Measure from the floor to the lowest part of the frame and subtract about 1 inch. Most plastic under-bed boxes need 7.5 to 8 inches of clearance. Fabric bags can fit slightly tighter spaces.
Yes if you open the box often or have carpet. Wheels let you roll a full box out with one hand. For seasonal storage you open rarely, they matter less.
Plastic protects better against dust, spills and pests. Fabric fits tighter spaces and folds flat when empty. Use plastic for keepsakes and fabric for soft bedding.
Yes. Clean and fully dry clothes first, use a lidded container or a closed bag, and check them each season. Avoid sealing anything damp.
Use bed risers to add height, choose very low fabric bags, or consider a storage bed with built-in drawers.
Choose containers with latching or tight-fitting lids, vacuum under the bed before loading, and wipe lids during seasonal swaps.
Sources
- Sterilite 56 Qt Wheeled Latching Box product page.
- IRIS USA product pages for the 50 qt Easy Slide box and the 26.9 qt 6-pack.
- Budding Joy dimensions from retail listings; check the current listing for your pack size.
Dimensions were checked in November 2026. Confirm details on the listing before you buy.
About NestHomePicks
We research home products by reading owner feedback and comparing brand specs, and we say plainly when we have not used a product ourselves. Learn how we pick.
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