Boxes that fit under the bed

The space under a bed is the largest unused storage area in most bedrooms, and the one where boxes most often fail to fit. The problem is never the width or the length. It is the height: a box that is half an inch taller than the gap between floor and bed frame simply does not go in.

Measure the clearance first

Lie on the floor and measure from the floor to the lowest part of the bed frame, not to the mattress. Slats, centre support legs and metal frames often hang lower than the side rails. Take the smallest number you find and subtract half an inch (about 1 cm) so the box can slide without scraping.

Typical clearances:

• Platform beds and beds with drawers: often under 4 in (10 cm), too low for most boxes.
• Standard bed frames: 6 to 8 in (15 to 20 cm), which is where most under bed boxes are designed to fit.
• Beds on risers or metal frames: 9 to 14 in (23 to 35 cm), enough for regular storage totes.

What to look for

Under bed boxes are wide and long so they use the space, and low so they fit. Wheels help on carpet but add height, so check the total height including wheels. Lids matter for dust. Clear plastic lets you see what is inside without pulling everything out, and fabric boxes with a zip are lighter and fold flat when empty.

The search below is set to boxes up to 7 in (18 cm) high. If your bed has more room, drag the height slider up and more boxes appear.