The space under your bed has a lot of potential, but it can quickly become a catch-all for items in transition. Here are seven simple steps to guide you through the process of determining what to keep, what to let go of, and how to make the most of this space.
1. Begin by removing everything
It’s easy to lose track of all the items that have found their way under your bed, so it’s important to begin by taking a few moments to pull everything out where you can see it.
2. Identify the categories
Once you’ve gotten everything where you can see it, survey the collection. Are there any obvious groupings? You might have a category of coats, a category of shoes, a category of your camping supplies, etc.
If identifying categories isn’t easy to do at a glance, take some time to go through each item. The goal here is not to give yourself unnecessary work but to get a clear understanding of what you’re storing. When you know what you have, it’s easier to know what to do with it.
3. Ask yourself if this is the correct home for all of these items
If you have a similar category of items stored elsewhere, try consolidating everything in one place. Think about frequency of use. Do you find yourself wanting to use any of these items more frequently (i.e. exercise equipment)? If so, it might make sense to relocate them to a bin or basket nearby that’s easier to access.
4. Keep what reflects you
While you have everything out, it’s a good time to think about what to keep and what to let go of. We like to think about keeping items that reflect you and finding a second home for what doesn’t. This audio exercise is meant to help guide you through the process , with practical questions like: "Have you used this in the past year?" or “If you were moving, would you bring this with you?” Remember to give yourself space. There’s no rush here.
5. While you’re at it, start with clean slate
Before you begin putting things back, take this opportunity to clean the floor under your bed and create a fresh foundation for your newly organized space.
6. Be intentional about what you bring into the space
The area under your bed presents unique challenges, which is why there are solutions specifically designed to help you maximize the space. A set of Underbed Storage Bins will make it easier to access what you need when you need it.
7. Revisit regularly
"Out-of-sight, out-of-mind" is a saying for a reason, so try to create the habit of reevaluating what you've tucked away at least once a year. Let's say you're storing off-season clothing—when it comes time to swap things out, use it as an excuse to reevaluate your wardrobe and ensure that you're only taking out the items you need. If you find yourself always going for the same three sets of bed sheets, then consider donating the fourth.
