The Smarter Way To Do Under-Bed Storage Without Plastic Bins

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If your home is low on storage space, it's likely you've resorted to stuffing items under the bed. To keep things organized, you may have even packed everything nicely into plastic storage bins, but it turns out doing so can have an impact on your health. Bulky, overcrowded plastic bins can block off the air flow under your bed, which can prevent moisture from escaping your mattress. This leads to a damp mattress and uncomfortable sleeping conditions, making it harder to get a good sleep. Plastic storage bins are extra likely to trap moisture against the mattress because they are non-permeable, which is why containers made out of fabric, or even baskets, are a better option

You can replace your plastic storage bins with breathable under-the-bed solutions without sacrificing the practicality of the clear plastic. There are a variety of fabric baskets and bins that have clear windows so you can easily see what's inside, such as the collapsible storage baskets from Dimj. Fabric containers can also still provide structure and security to your items, as options like Vailando's underbed storage bins come loaded with features that include reinforced walls and adjustable dividers. Even if the underside of your bed is doubling as a closet, utilizing a variety of fabric bins and baskets will help you keep your bedroom more organized than ever.

Promoting air flow under your bed isn't just beneficial to your mattress — it will also increase the longevity of a lot of the things you're likely to store down there, including spare linens, bulky winter coats, and extra blankets. Plastic bins can also trap moisture inside, which in turn leaves your clothes trapped with the moisture. Unventilated moisture leads to mold and mildew, so breathable fabric storage solutions are recommended when it comes to keeping your textiles in pristine condition. Luckily, if something has already been afflicted, it is possible to save mold-stained clothing. If you're worried about bugs creeping into your clothes, you can add a natural insect repellant like a cedar block to the bins.

Along with switching to fabric containers, there are a few other steps you can take to improve the air flow under your mattress, like raising up your bed frame a few inches. Doing so creates more space for both storage and air. It's also recommended to store breathable items under the bed, such as the linens that benefit from fabric containers. Whatever storage option you choose, be sure not to stuff too many storage containers underneath your bed. Even if you're using cloth bins, this will drastically reduce the air flow. Plus, it will make it much harder to clean under the bed without lifting it.