A bed frame with storage lets you store bedding, seasonal clothing, luggage, shoes, books, toys, and other infrequently used items directly beneath the mattress. Built-in drawers or lift-up bases create organised, accessible space that reduces clutter throughout the rest of the bedroom — without requiring any extra furniture.
If your wardrobe is overflowing or you just want a tidier bedroom, a storage bed can be the most practical change you can make. One of the most unused locations in any home is the space under a regular bed. That wasted space becomes a neat, accessible storage area with a bed that has built-in drawers or a hydraulic lift base.
Here's exactly what you can store — and how to make the most of every centimetre.
Spare Bedding and Linen
This is the most obvious use — and for good reason. Extra pillows, duvet inserts, throws, and sheet sets take up a surprising amount of wardrobe space. Storing them under the bed keeps them close at hand without crowding your shelves.
Use vacuum storage bags to compress bulky duvets and free up even more room. Many Australian households have two or more sets of linen per bed — a storage base handles all of it neatly.
Seasonal Clothing and Accessories
Winter coats, knitwear, scarves and boots don’t have to be on sale all year round. One of the best bedroom organization hacks you can try is rotating seasonal apparel into under-bed drawers.
Pack items into flat, lidded containers if using a lift-up base, or fold them directly into built-in drawers. Label everything clearly so seasonal swaps take minutes, not half a morning.
What About Summer Items During Winter?
Absolutely store them. Lightweight linen sets, swimwear, shorts, and breathable summer clothing compress well and sit neatly under a bed for months at a time. Store with a small cedar ball or moisture absorber to keep everything fresh.
Luggage and Travel Gear
Suitcases and travel bags are awkward to store anywhere — too large for most shelves, too bulky for the top of a wardrobe. A hydraulic lift-up storage bed is particularly useful here, as the deep open base can fit a full-size suitcase flat.
You can also store travel accessories inside the luggage while it's stored: packing cubes, travel adaptors, first aid kits, and toiletry bags. It keeps everything together and ready for the next trip.
Shoes and Footwear
The biggest issue in Australian bedrooms, especially in apartments and smaller homes, is the clutter of shoes. Under-bed drawers are great for shoes you only wear sometimes – formal footwear, boots, or seasonal sandals that don’t deserve daily closet real estate.
Use individual shoe boxes or a flat shoe organiser tray to keep pairs together and protect them from dust. This keeps frequently worn shoes accessible elsewhere while rarely worn pairs are stored cleanly away.
Books, Games, and Hobby Items
Bedroom bookshelves fill up quickly. Under-bed drawers work well for storing books you've already read, board games, craft supplies, or hobby items used occasionally rather than daily.
This is especially useful in children's bedrooms, where toys and games tend to accumulate fast. A storage bed frame in a kid's room can replace the need for a separate toy chest or bookshelf entirely.
Storage Bed Ideas for Kids' Rooms
Built-in drawers under a single or king single bed frame are a practical fit for children's rooms. Store:
- Puzzles and board games
- Art and craft supplies
- Out-of-rotation toys
- Spare school stationery
- Sports gear used seasonally
It reduces floor clutter significantly and teaches kids an easy habit of putting things away.
Home Office Overflow and Documents
For apartment residents or those working from home without a dedicated office, under-bed storage can handle overflow items: archive boxes, printer paper, spare tech accessories, or reference books.
Store documents in sealed archive boxes to protect against dust. Keep the drawer organised with dividers or smaller containers so nothing gets buried or forgotten.
Lift-Up Base vs. Built-In Drawers: Which Stores More?
What You Should Avoid Storing Under a Bed
Not everything belongs under the bed, even with built-in storage. A few things to keep out:
- Food or perishables — attracts pests and creates hygiene issues
- Damp or wet items — leads to mould in an enclosed base
- Hazardous materials — not safe in a sleeping environment
- Items used daily — defeats the purpose of under-bed storage; keep them accessible elsewhere
How to Maximise Under-Bed Storage Space
Even the best storage bed works harder with a bit of organisation. A few practical tips:
- Use vacuum-seal bags for bulky bedding and clothing to significantly reduce volume
- Label all containers clearly, especially seasonal items you won't touch for months
- Group items by category — linen together, shoes together, hobby items together
- Audit under-bed storage twice a year to remove items that no longer need to be there
- Use flat, stackable containers in lift-up bases to maximise vertical space
Is a Storage Bed Worth It for Apartments?
In smaller apartments — which are increasingly common across Australian cities — every square metre matters. A storage bed is often the single most efficient furniture investment available, replacing the need for additional wardrobes, storage ottomans, or hall cupboards.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the average floor area of new apartments in Australia has been declining over the past decade, making smart storage solutions more relevant than ever for urban residents.
For families and homeowners, the benefit is less about space constraints and more about organisation — keeping the bedroom calm, clutter-free, and easy to maintain without constant tidying.
If you're ready to make the most of your bedroom space, The Mattress Boutique offers a well-curated range of storage beds designed for both style and serious function — explore the full collection to find the right fit for your room and lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best thing to store under a bed with storage?
Spare bedding, seasonal clothing, and luggage are the most practical items for under-bed storage. These are bulky, infrequently used, and take up valuable wardrobe space — making them a perfect fit for built-in drawers or a lift-up base.
How much can you fit under a storage bed?
It depends on the bed type. A hydraulic lift-up base can hold a full suitcase, multiple duvets, and boxes of clothing. Built-in drawer bases offer more organised but slightly limited space, typically enough for shoes, linen, and folded seasonal items.
Is a storage bed good for a small bedroom or apartment?
Yes — a storage bed is one of the most space-efficient furniture choices for small rooms. It eliminates the need for extra storage furniture and keeps the room visually clean. It's especially practical in apartments where wardrobe and cupboard space is limited.
Can I store clothes under a storage bed?
Absolutely. Seasonal clothing folds neatly into under-bed drawers or vacuum bags for lift-up bases. Keep items clean and dry before storing, and use a moisture absorber to prevent mustiness during long storage periods.
What should I not store under a bed?
Avoid storing food, damp items, or anything hazardous under a bed. Also avoid storing daily-use items — under-bed storage works best for things accessed occasionally, like seasonal clothing, extra linen, or luggage.
Do storage beds work for children's rooms?
Yes, storage beds are excellent in children's rooms. The built-in drawers can hold toys, craft supplies, books, and seasonal clothing — reducing floor clutter and making tidying up much simpler for both kids and parents.
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