16 Bedroom Storage Ideas to Maximize Your Space, According to Professional Organizers

Use the Top of Your Closet

Utilize the often under-appreciated area at the very top of your closet. "You can maximize that space by getting storage bins," says Melissa Maker, cleaning expert and founder of Clean My Space. "Or, if you're up for a DIY project, you can raise the bar to a comfortable height where you can still use it, and then install a lower bar to quickly double your closet space."

File Instead of Stack

When storing items in bedroom dresser drawers, they should be filed horizontally instead of stacked. "When you stack items, you can't see what's at the bottom and that stuff usually gets forgotten. When you file them, you can see everything so that it all gets even wear," says Maker.

Minimize Items on Surfaces

The best rule of thumb to organize your bedroom is to keep surfaces clear of unnecessary items. "For any tabletop surfaces in the bedroom, such as the dresser, nightstand, and so forth, try to keep items on there to a minimum if you want your bedroom to be a serene space," Maker suggests.

Avoid Using Catch-Alls

While it might be tempting to leave items like jewelry or loose change in a catch-all, try keeping just your essentials on display. "I would say to have a 'zero catch-all' rule. While trays, bowls, and baskets look nice, they encourage us to throw things in there that otherwise wouldn't have a home," says Maker. "For example, on my nightside table, I have a tray that holds hand and foot cream that I put on before bed, earplugs, and my jewelry. But I don't use it for anything else."

Look for Furniture with Storage Features

Like all furniture with multiple purposes, storage ottomans and storage benches are very useful. "They're great because they can go at the foot of the bed and double as a piece of furniture," says Maker. "They can be used to store bulky items, too. If you want a more rustic version and you're looking to up-cycle, you can get a cedar chest." Consider thrifting items for one-of-a-kind options at a discount.

Store Clothing Properly

It's important to store clothes properly to maintain their longevity. Maker suggests using garment bags for formalwear like dresses or suits, as well as anything that requires breathability such as down jackets. "Other clothing can be stored in air-tight containers or vacuum-sealed bags," she says.

Buy the Right Dresser

Choose a dresser that works for your space and garments. "Underwear, socks, and bras really want to be in some sort of drawer, but not so deep that they get lost in there," says Darla DeMorrow, certified professional organizer. Drawers with a 4 to 6-inch depth are ideal. "Anything deeper, and things get piled on top of each other, making it hard to find your favorite socks, even with drawer dividers," she says.

Manage Out of Season Clothes

Try finding space in your closet for out-of-season clothes, rather than storing them in a forgotten bin. "Utilize the very high shelves and the dark, awkward corners for storage," DeMorrow says. "You probably need less space than you think: Fuzzy sweaters can occupy an eye-level shelf during the winter, while your shorts sit up on the high shelf. Swap them at the end of the shoulder season (spring and fall)," she suggests.

Opt for Custom Storage

If it's time for a renovation or remodel, getting a custom closet is a great way to fit your storage options to your needs. "Maximize your closet from floor to ceiling and wall to wall, so you have space for everything you own," says DeMorrow.

Use Under Bed Storage

Don't be afraid to use the area under your bed for extra storage. "Under-bed storage can be a transformative way to manage out-of-season items or shoes," says Meredith Goforth, founder of House of Prim. Use a clear bin with wheels so it's easy to access and see all of its content.

Replace Your Hangers

Don't underestimate how much room bulky plastic hangers can take up in your closet. "I always suggest replacing them with matching slim velvet hangers for an instant difference," says Goforth. "They create more space and help keep clothes from slipping off hangers and ending up on the floor."

Keep Your Bedroom Strictly a Bedroom

Avoid making your bedroom double as an office, laundry folding room, or storage room. "If your bedroom is doubling as other rooms of the home, the most impactful thing you can do is move those activities elsewhere," says Goforth. "The solution
for your bedroom can actually lie in solutions in other areas of the home. Move your workout gear to the garage, set up a folding table by your laundry room..." You get the idea.

Use Dividers

Keep your drawers tidy by using dividers. "I love using dividers to keep items accessible and neat," says Goforth. "They help when it comes to maintaining drawer organization over time, which prevents overfilling.

Maximize Vertical Storage

Utilize vertical space for storing jewelry, hats, purses, and more. "There’s often a tiny sliver of wall space inside closets where hooks can add organization for necklaces, purses, scarves, and even camisoles or bras," says DeMorrow.

Light Up Your Closet

A dark corner of a closet can quickly collect stray clothes and shoes. Eliminate this problem by adding a light to your closet. "When the entire closet is visible, it feels bigger, and even those corners are more useful," says DeMorrow. "The one-time hassle of hiring an electrician is nothing compared to the joy of always being able to see what’s in your closet."

Alternatively, there are also battery-operated and rechargeable closet lightening options that you can install yourself. Some simply adhere to the wall for an instant glow-up (literally).

Opt for a Captain's Bed

Maximize all the space underneath your bed by swapping your bed for a base with storage drawers—also known as a captain's bed. "You can often get the equivalent of a full dresser underneath your mattress," says DeMorrow. "Make sure all the drawers open easily without bumping into a nightstand or other furniture."