Things You Should Never Store Under the Bed

Many of us use the space under our beds for storage. It’s a handy spot to tuck away items we don’t use every day. People often choose this area because it’s out of sight and doesn’t take up valuable floor space.

But not everything should go under your bed.

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Picking the right items to store there is really important. Some things can cause problems if you keep them under your bed, like attracting pests or creating bad smells. By being careful about what you put there, you can keep your bedroom safe, clean, and cozy.

Frequently Used Items

Storing items you need regular access to under your bed might seem convenient, but it can lead to several problems that make your daily routine more challenging.

Examples of such items include:

• Daily-wear clothing and accessories
• Frequently used shoes
• Charging cables and electronics
• Toiletries and grooming items
• Exercise equipment you use regularly
• Work or school supplies needed daily
• Bedding you change frequently (like the spare set of sheets you might switch out every week)
• Commonly used bags or purses

Daily Hassle

Having to bend down and reach under the bed multiple times a day is inconvenient and can strain your back. This repeated action becomes especially frustrating when you’re in a hurry or trying to get ready quickly. Items can also shift position under the bed, making them harder to find when you need them most.

Creates Clutter

When you frequently access items stored under the bed, you’re less likely to put them back properly each time. This leads to a messy, disorganized space that defeats the purpose of storage. Items left partially sticking out or hastily shoved under the bed can also collect more dust and make cleaning difficult.

Better Storage Solutions

Instead of storing these items under your bed, keep them in easily accessible locations:

• Use closet organizers for daily clothes and accessories
• Install hooks for bags and frequently worn items
• Place a shoe rack in your closet or entryway
• Keep daily essentials in dresser drawers
• Use bedside tables for immediate needs
• Install wall-mounted storage for frequently accessed items

Remember, under-bed storage is best reserved for seasonal or occasional-use items that you only need to access a few times a year. This keeps your daily routine efficient while maintaining an organized, clutter-free bedroom space.

Food and Drinks

Storing food and drinks under your bed is a big no-no. It might seem like a good hiding spot for snacks, but it can lead to some serious problems.

If you need to keep ready snacks and drinks close, a bedroom mini-fridge is a better idea.

Attracts Pests and Rodents

Keeping food under your bed is like rolling out a welcome mat for unwanted critters. Even if food is sealed, the smell can attract ants, cockroaches, and even mice or rats. These pests are drawn to the easy meal and dark, quiet space.

Once they find this food source, they’ll likely stick around and explore other parts of your home. Pests can multiply quickly, turning a small problem into a big infestation. They can damage your belongings, spread diseases, and be very difficult to get rid of.

Dealing with a pest problem is much harder and more expensive than simply keeping food out of your bedroom in the first place.

Creates Bad Smells

Food stored under your bed can create nasty odors that are hard to eliminate. Even if the food is in sealed containers, smells can still seep out over time. The warm, dark environment under your bed can make these smells worse.

As food starts to go bad, the odors can become really unpleasant. These smells can seep into your bedding, clothes, and carpet. You might get used to the smell and not notice it, but visitors to your room certainly will.

Getting rid of these odors often requires more than just removing the food, often some of the harsher tactics for removing musty smells from bedding. You might even need to deep clean your entire room.

Health Issues from Spoilage

The space under your bed isn’t a good place for storing food because it can spoil faster than you might expect. The dark, often warm environment is perfect for bacteria and mold growth.

Even packaged foods can go bad if kept in these conditions for too long. If you forget about food stored under your bed, you might accidentally eat something that’s no longer safe. Consuming spoiled food can lead to food poisoning, causing symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Some types of mold that grow on old food can also cause allergic reactions or respiratory problems. It’s always safer to keep food in proper storage areas like your kitchen or pantry.

Important Documents

Storing important documents in a box under your bed may seem like a clever hiding spot, but it’s actually a risky choice. This practice can lead to several problems that might cause you stress or trouble in the future.

Risk of Water Damage

Keeping documents under your bed exposes them to potential water damage. If there’s a leak in your roof, a burst pipe, or even just high humidity, moisture can seep into the space under your bed.

Paper is highly susceptible to water damage, which can cause ink to run, pages to stick together, or documents to become illegible. Even small amounts of moisture over time can lead to mold growth, which can destroy important papers.

Water damage can be especially devastating for irreplaceable documents like birth certificates, marriage licenses, or family heirlooms. Once these documents are water-damaged, they may be costly, difficult or even impossible to replace.

Harder to Find in Emergencies

In case of an emergency, you might need to quickly access important documents. Storing them under the bed makes this task much more difficult.

In situations like a fire, medical emergency, or natural disaster, every second counts. Fumbling around under your bed, possibly in the dark or in a panic, wastes precious time. You might not remember exactly where you put specific documents, leading to further delays.

This difficulty in accessing important papers could have serious consequences, especially if you need to evacuate quickly or provide information to emergency responders. And that’s not taking into account the risk of damage in certain emergencies, such as house fires.

May Lose or Forget Them

The “out of sight, out of mind” principle applies strongly to items stored under your bed. It’s easy to forget what you’ve put there, especially if you don’t access these documents frequently. Papers can easily slip between the bed frame and the wall, becoming lost.

Over time, you might forget you even stored certain documents under your bed. This can lead to panic when you need a specific paper and can’t remember where you put it. If you move or change beds, there’s a risk of accidentally leaving important documents behind.

Keeping track of important papers is much easier when they’re stored in a designated, easily accessible place like a filing cabinet or a fireproof safe.

Flammable Items

Many common household items that people might store under their bed are surprisingly flammable. Here are some examples of flammable items to avoid storing under your bed:

• Stacks of old newspapers, magazines, books, or other documents
• Aerosol cans (hair spray, deodorant, sunscreen, air fresheners, paint)
• Cleaning chemicals
• Paint supplies
• Cardboard boxes
• Old clothes

It’s important to recognize that these everyday objects can become serious hazards when stored improperly under your bed. You don’t want to create a fire hazard waiting to happen.

Why It’s a Risk

Keeping flammable items under your bed significantly raises the chances of a fire starting or spreading rapidly in your bedroom. The enclosed space under a bed often has poor air circulation, which can cause heat to build up.

This heat, combined with flammable materials, creates a perfect environment for fires to ignite. If a fire starts elsewhere in your room, these items can fuel it, making it spread faster and burn hotter.

The location under the bed also means a fire might go unnoticed for longer, giving it time to grow before anyone realizes there’s danger. Electrical outlets near the bed pose an additional risk, as a spark could easily ignite nearby flammable materials.

Safety Concerns for the Whole Household

Storing flammable items under your bed doesn’t just put you at risk — it endangers everyone in your home. A fire that starts in one bedroom can quickly spread throughout the house, threatening the safety of all occupants.

The toxic smoke produced by burning chemicals or plastics can be just as dangerous as the flames, making it hard for people to escape. In a fire emergency, every second counts, and having additional fuel sources in bedrooms can make the situation much more dangerous.

This practice also puts firefighters at greater risk if they need to enter your home to fight a blaze. By minimizing flammable items un bedrooms, you’re helping to protect not just yourself, but your entire household and even emergency responders.

Cosmetics and Beauty Products

Storing makeup and skincare products under your bed might seem like a space-saving solution, but it can be costly and potentially harmful to both your products and your health.

Temperature Fluctuations

The space under your bed can experience significant temperature changes that affect the quality and safety of cosmetics. Heat can cause products to melt, separate, or become grainy, while cold temperatures might change their texture permanently. These fluctuations break down active ingredients in skincare products, reducing their effectiveness and potentially wasting your investment.

Even worse, the changing temperatures can compromise preservatives, leading to faster spoilage. The constant expansion and contraction from temperature shifts can also damage packaging, further exposing products to contamination.

Risk of Contamination

The dark, often dusty environment under the bed creates ideal conditions for bacteria growth. This is particularly concerning for liquid or cream products that can easily harbor microorganisms. Products in jars that require you to dip your fingers in are especially vulnerable to contamination in this environment.

Makeup brushes and beauty tools stored under the bed can collect dust and bacteria, which then transfer to your skin during application. Natural ingredients in cosmetics are even more susceptible to spoilage in these conditions, potentially causing skin irritation or infections.

Expiration Concerns

When cosmetics are tucked away under the bed, it becomes all too easy to lose track of important product information. You might forget when you opened that expensive serum or miss signs that your foundation has gone bad.

Products can quietly expire without you noticing changes in color, smell, or texture. This “out of sight, out of mind” approach often leads to using products well past their prime, which can be harmful to your skin and health.

Better Storage Solutions

Instead of hiding your cosmetics under the bed, consider creating a dedicated beauty space in your bathroom or bedroom vanity. Transparent drawer organizers keeps products visible and easily accessible. Wall-mounted storage can maximize vertical space while keeping everything within reach.

If space is truly limited, a dedicated beauty cabinet, even a small one, provides a more suitable environment than under the bed. The key is keeping products in a temperature-controlled environment away from direct sunlight and excessive heat or cold.

Remember that proper storage extends the life of your cosmetics and protects your investment in these often expensive items. Your nighttime skincare routine deserves a better home. One where products remain safe, effective, and ready to use whenever you need them.

Dirty Laundry

Storing dirty laundry under your bed might seem like a quick fix to hide a mess, but it’s a habit best avoided. This practice can lead to several issues that affect both the cleanliness of your room and your overall well-being.

Creates Unpleasant Odors

Dirty laundry piled under your bed can turn your bedroom into a smelly space. Sweat, body oils, and food stains on clothes continue to break down, releasing unpleasant odors. These smells can permeate your mattress, bedding, and even your clean clothes.

The enclosed space under the bed traps these odors, making them more intense over time. You might become nose-blind to the smell, but visitors to your room will likely notice it.

Even after removing the dirty laundry, the odors can linger, requiring extra effort to freshen up your bedroom. This constant exposure to bad smells can affect your sleep quality and overall comfort in your own space.

Can Attract Bugs or Mold

Dirty laundry creates an ideal environment for unwanted guests. The moisture from sweaty clothes or damp towels can lead to mold in the bedroom, especially in the dark, enclosed space under your bed.

The mold can spread to your mattress or carpet, causing health issues and requiring expensive remediation. Mattress mold is difficult if not impossible to get rid of, and usually you just have to replace it entirely.

As for pest invaders, insects like moths and silverfish are attracted to the organic materials in dirty clothes, especially if there are food stains.

These pests can damage your clothes and spread to other areas of your home. In some cases, the presence of dirty laundry can even attract larger pests like mice, who might see it as potential nesting material.

Feels Messy

Stuffing dirty laundry under your bed contributes to a general feeling of disorder in your bedroom. Even if the laundry is out of sight, knowing it’s there can create a mental burden. This hidden mess can make it harder to relax in your own space.

When you need to find specific items of clothing, you’ll have to dig through the pile, potentially spreading dirt and odors around your room. This habit can also make it easier to procrastinate on doing laundry, leading to a buildup of dirty clothes.

Over time, this can affect your overall cleanliness habits and make it harder to maintain an organized living space. A tidy, clutter-free bedroom promotes better sleep and a more peaceful state of mind.

Electronics and Batteries

While it might be tempting to tuck away old phones, laptops, chargers, or spare batteries under your bed, this storage choice can create serious safety hazards and damage expensive devices beyond repair.

Fire and Safety Risks

The environment under your bed poses significant fire hazards when it comes to electronics and batteries. Even disconnected devices with batteries can overheat in this enclosed space where air circulation is limited.

Lithium-ion batteries, commonly found in phones and laptops, are particularly dangerous as they can swell, leak, or even ignite when exposed to heat or pressure.

The combination of dust accumulation, poor ventilation, and potentially flammable materials like bedding creates perfect conditions for an electrical fire to start and spread rapidly.

Dust and Moisture Damage

The space under your bed naturally collects dust, which can be lethal for electronics. Dust particles infiltrate devices through their ventilation ports and gather on internal components, acting as an insulator that traps heat. This accumulated dust can cause devices to malfunction, short circuit, or fail completely.

Additionally, the area under beds often experiences higher humidity levels, especially in homes with carpeting or in basement bedrooms. This moisture can corrode battery terminals, damage circuit boards, and create condensation inside devices, leading to permanent damage that’s often irreparable.

Performance Degradation

Electronics stored under the bed frequently experience extreme temperature fluctuations, which can severely impact their performance and longevity. Batteries stored in these conditions may lose their capacity to hold a charge or develop memory effect issues.

Hard drives in laptops or external storage devices can experience mechanical failures when subjected to these temperature changes. The magnetic strips on credit cards, key cards, and other electronic payment devices can become demagnetized, rendering them useless.

Accessibility Issues

When electronics are stored under the bed, cables often become tangled, making it difficult to identify and retrieve specific items. This can lead to accidentally pulling or straining cords and connections, potentially damaging both the cables and the devices they’re attached to.

In case of emergency, like a device overheating or battery swelling, quick access becomes crucial but challenging in this confined space.

Proper Storage Solutions

Electronics deserve dedicated storage spaces that protect their functionality and your safety. Create a designated area in your home office or living space using drawer organizers or storage boxes specifically designed for electronics.

Keep devices in climate-controlled environments where temperature and humidity remain stable. Use silicon moisture absorbers if storing in enclosed spaces, and ensure proper ventilation around all electronic items.

For batteries, maintain a small, organized storage container in a cool, dry place away from metal objects. Never store different types of batteries together, and keep them in their original packaging or use plastic battery cases. Regularly inspect stored electronics and batteries for signs of damage, swelling, or corrosion.

Disposal and Recycling

Rather than storing old or unused electronics under your bed, consider proper disposal or recycling. Many electronics retailers and manufacturers offer recycling programs for outdated devices. Local electronic waste facilities can safely dispose of batteries and devices that are no longer functional.

Valuables and Cash

Storing valuables and cash under your bed might seem like a clever hiding spot, but it’s actually a risky decision. This practice can lead to several problems, from security issues to personal inconvenience.

Easy Target for Thieves

Hiding valuables under your bed makes them an easy target for thieves. Many burglars know to check under beds when searching for valuable items. The predictability of this hiding spot puts your possessions at high risk.

In the event of a break-in, thieves can quickly access and steal your valuables without having to search extensively. This is especially dangerous if you’re not home when the burglary occurs.

Even if you think your hiding spot is clever, experienced thieves are likely familiar with common hiding places like under the bed. This false sense of security can lead to significant financial loss if your valuables are stolen.

Risk of Forgetting

Storing valuables under your bed can lead to forgetfulness and frustration. It’s easy to misplace small items like jewelry or important documents in the large space under a bed. You might forget exactly where you placed certain items, leading to panic when you need them quickly.

This can be especially problematic for items you don’t use frequently. Over time, valuables can shift or get buried under other things, making them even harder to find.

The stress of searching for misplaced valuables can be significant, especially if you’re in a hurry or need something for an important event.

Better Storage Alternatives

There are much safer and more practical ways to store your valuables and cash. Consider these options instead of keeping them under your bed:

• A small safe (portable or bolted to the floor)
• Safety deposit boxes at banks
• Fireproof and waterproof document boxes
• Digital safes with combination locks or biometric access

By using proper storage methods, you can have peace of mind knowing your valuable items are secure and easily accessible to you.

FAQs

Is it okay to store books under my bed?

While books are generally safe to store under your bed, it’s not ideal. The space under your bed can accumulate dust, which may damage books over time. Moisture can also be an issue, potentially leading to mold growth on paper. Plus, books can be a fire hazard due to their flammability.

If you must store books in the bedroom, use sealed plastic containers to protect them. For long-term storage, it’s better to use bookshelves or dedicated storage boxes in a dry area of your home.

Is it okay to keep shoes under the bed?

While it’s not harmful to store shoes under your bed, it’s not the best place either. Shoes can bring in dirt and outdoor allergens, which you might not want near your sleeping area. There’s also a risk of unpleasant odors developing, especially with frequently worn shoes.

If you do store shoes under your bed, use closed containers or shoe organizers to keep them clean and contained. For better organization and hygiene, consider a dedicated shoe rack in your closet or entryway, keeping the shoes out of the bedroom.

Is it safe to keep extra bedding or pillows under the bed?

Storing extra bedding or pillows under your bed is generally safe and practical. However, it’s important to use sealed containers or storage bags to protect them from dust and potential pests.

Vacuum-sealed bags are excellent for saving space and keeping bedding fresh. Remember to air out stored bedding occasionally to prevent musty odors. This is one of the better uses for under-bed storage, as long as you keep things clean and organized.

Can I store out-of-season clothes under my bed?

Storing out-of-season clothes under your bed can be a good space-saving solution, but it requires proper preparation. Use airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags to protect clothes from dust, moisture, and pests.

Add cedar blocks or lavender sachets to deter moths and keep clothes smelling fresh. Ensure all clothes are clean and completely dry before storage to prevent mold growth. Rotate your clothes seasonally, and inspect them for any issues when you bring them out of storage.

Can I keep my guitar or other musical instruments under the bed?

I cannot recommend keeping musical instruments under your bed. The environment under a bed can have fluctuating humidity levels, which can damage wooden instruments like guitars and even some metal instruments.

Dust accumulation can also affect the instrument’s sound quality and mechanics. There’s also a risk of accidentally stepping on or dropping something on the instrument. It’s better to store musical instruments in their cases in a climate-controlled area or displayed safely on stands.

Can I keep cleaning supplies under the bed?

Cleaning supplies should not be stored under your bed as this poses several safety risks. The chemicals in cleaning products can release fumes that you might inhale while sleeping, and some products could leak or spill, potentially damaging your flooring or creating health hazards.

Storing cleaning tools like brooms, mops, and gloves under the bed isn’t as risky as storing chemical cleaning products, but it still isn’t ideal for several reasons. These items can collect and spread dust, dirt, and moisture around an area where you sleep and even introduce bacteria and other contaminants to your sleeping area.

These items are best stored in a well-ventilated utility closet or laundry room, away from living spaces and out of reach of children and pets.

Can I use under-bed storage in a small apartment to maximize space?

Absolutely! Under-bed storage can be a great way to maximize space in a small apartment. Invest in bed risers to create more storage space underneath. Use flat, wheeled containers for easy access to your items.

Organize your under-bed storage by category, and label containers for quick identification. However, remember not to overload this space with items that are better stored elsewhere, like valuables or electronics.

Can I store items near a floor vent?

It’s not a good idea. Blocking vents with stored items can significantly reduce your HVAC system’s efficiency, force it to work harder, and lead to higher energy bills. Additionally, restricted airflow can create uneven heating and cooling throughout your home, making some rooms uncomfortable.

From a safety perspective, storing items too close to heating vents can create a fire hazard, particularly with items that are flammable or heat-sensitive. Even with cooling vents, moisture from condensation can accumulate and potentially damage stored items or lead to mold growth. The air circulation from vents can also blow dust and debris, requiring more frequent cleaning.

Overall, it’s best to keep your bed away from a floor vent, along with other items. If you must store items near vents, maintain at least a 12-inch clearance around the vent opening to allow proper airflow.

How often should I clean under my bed if I use it for storage?

You should aim to clean under your bed at least once a month if you’re using it for storage. Regular cleaning prevents dust buildup, deters pests, and allows you to check on your stored items.

Remove all storage containers and vacuum thoroughly, including the sides of your mattress. Wipe down storage containers before replacing them. This regular maintenance not only keeps your storage area clean but also helps maintain good air quality in your bedroom.

Should I store a mattress topper under the bed?

It’s not a good idea, as the limited airflow and potential moisture buildup can lead to mold, mildew, and unpleasant odors developing in the foam or padding materials. The dark, enclosed space under a bed also attracts dust and debris which can work their way into the topper’s material, making it unhygienic to later use on your bed. Plus, many toppers are simply too bulky to stash under the bed.

Instead, store your mattress topper in a well-ventilated closet or storage area, ideally in a breathable storage bag that protects it from dust while allowing air circulation, and consider using a vacuum storage bag to compress it if space is limited (though be aware that long-term compression can affect some types of memory foam).

Conclusion

Storing items under your bed may seem convenient, but it’s important to be selective about what you keep there.

Avoid putting food, important documents, electronics, flammable items, dirty laundry, and valuables in this space. These items can attract pests, create fire hazards, or get lost when you need them most.

Instead, use the space under your bed for storing extra bedding, out-of-season clothes, or storage containers with non-perishable items.

Remember, a clutter-free sleeping area can lead to better rest and peace of mind. By being mindful of what you store under your bed, you can keep your bedroom safe, clean, and organized.

Make smart storage choices to create a healthier, more comfortable living space. If you need extra height for more space, consider a set of bed risers.