The Under-the-Bed Storage Mistake You Didn't Know You Were Making

As convenient as it is to shove everything humanly possible under your bed, it isn’t in your—or your mattress's—best interest. Experts say that improper under-the-bed storage can affect the health of your mattress and the quality of your sleep more than you realize. Luckily, with a few small tweaks, you can properly utilize this space.

To get the inside scoop, we chatted with two experts who shared their advice on what works and what doesn’t when it comes to under-the-bed storage. They revealed the easy switches you can make to keep your mattress fresh while maximizing storage. 

Why Airflow Matters More Than You Think

Surprisingly, improper under-the-bed storage can actually have a big impact on your sleep space—and sleep. According to sleep health expert Jordan Burns, your body naturally releases heat and moisture during sleep. So if you’re shoving too many items or non-breathable materials (like plastic containers) under your bed, you could be trapping that moisture into your mattress. 

“Under normal conditions, that moisture disperses through the base of the mattress into the surrounding air,” explains Chris Townsend, home moving expert at Three Movers. “Block that airflow, and the moisture has nowhere to go.” Since no one wants to sleep on a perpetually damp mattress, this can negatively impact your quality of rest. 

What Under-the-Bed Storage Can Do to Your Mattress

That trapped moisture can shorten the lifespan of your mattress, too. "Eventually, this can cause the materials to break down prematurely, especially in foam-based mattresses, and lead to a less supportive and comfortable sleep surface," Burns says. "Airflow ensures your mattress stays dry, fresh, and in good working order."

Besides breaking down the mattresses' materials, trapped moisture can lead to an accumulation of some less-than-ideal companions. Think mold, mildew, and dust mites, which all thrive in damp environments. “Even if you can’t witness this process, the moisture that gets trapped under the mattress can eventually contribute to a situation that impacts both hygiene and sleep quality,” Burns says. 

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Under-the-Bed Storage: Try This, Not That

Good under-the-bed storage can be a game-changer (hello, space-saving!), but getting it wrong can be costly for the health of your mattress and stored items. Here’s what our experts say works and what doesn’t.

IN: Raising Your Bed Frame

“More clearance means better air movement, and that benefits both the mattress and whatever you're storing underneath,” says Townsend.

OUT: Forcing Things to Fit

Shoving things under your bed that you struggle to slide in or out rarely works out well. If you can’t easily move what you’re storing, it defeats the purpose of under-bed storage (and can even damage your mattress or flooring with time).

IN: Use the Space for Lightweight Items

Reserve your under-bed storage space for lightweight items. Townsend recommends seasonal clothing, flat items, or spare bedding.

OUT: Airtight Plastic Containers

“They do not allow for any airflow at all,” Burns says. In fact, plastic containers in general are a problem because they can trap moisture.”

IN: Breathable Storage Materials

Instead of plastic storage containers, opt for storage solutions crafted of more breathable materials. “Fabric containers or baskets are better because they allow for some air to get in,” Burns says.

OUT: Overcrowding

Both of our experts say you need to leave room for airflow underneath your bed. “The mistake most people make is filling every available inch because it looks tidier, but tidy storage and safe storage aren't always the same thing,” says Townsend.

IN: Bed Frames with Built-In Storage

If you're looking to upgrade your bedroom furniture, consider a bed frame with built-in storage. Built-in drawers or compartments are usually designed with airflow in mind, which means you won’t compromise your mattress or trap moisture.