7 Things You Should Never Store Under Your Bed—But Probably Are

Under-the-bed storage can be a game changer for items you want to keep out of sight, like seasonal clothes, spare bedding, and accessories. However, as tempting as it is to use this space as a catch-all for your things, not all of your possessions should be stowed away beneath your bed. Several items are better kept elsewhere where they won't be forgotten or neglected. Ahead, organizational experts share the items you should never store under the bed—and where to keep them instead.

Shoes

Next time you consider kicking off your shoes and placing them under your bed, think again. Not only is this one of the fastest ways to lose shoes, but doing so can make your bedroom messier, and it's not great for your shoes. “Shoes tucked beneath the bed can gather dust and debris," says Tina Priestly, owner & CEO at Ready, Set, FRESH. 

To keep your shoes safe and pristine, they are better off stowed elsewhere. Certified professional organizer Sarit Weiss suggests storing your shoes in your closet or near your entryway on a shoe rack to keep them visible and easily accessible.

Documents

While it might seem sensible and space-efficient to store documents under the bed, consider storing them elsewhere. Paper is more likely to be damaged, deteriorate, or even disintegrate if left unattended over time in a dark, stuffy place. Weiss recommends going through your papers and only keeping the necessary documents and storing them in a secure drawer.

Unused Electronics

If you have a collection of stray charging cords, old cameras, or outdated phones under your bed, experts recommend moving them to a different location to avoid creating a tangled mess. Melanie Summers, a certified professional organizer, says to store old gadgets and tangled cords in a designated tech box elsewhere in your home to keep your under-bed space serene and tech-free. 

Seasonal Items

While it might seem practical, storing seasonal items, whether it's clothes or holiday décor, under your bed can lead to a cycle of neglect and dust accumulation, Summers says. It is better to store your seasonal items in eye-level bins in a basement, closet, garage, or other easily accessible area. Rotate the bins when you're done with them so next season's supplies or clothes are in front. 

Frequently Worn Clothing and Accessories

Accessing the clothes and accessories in your regular rotation can be a constant hassle if they are at floor level. As the saying goes, out of sight, out of mind. Weiss says to hang and store in-season clothes in your closet, where they will be easily accessible and visible. Similarly, avoid storing accessories you need regular access to underneath your bed, like hair clips, jewelry, handbags, etc. She also recommends storing your frequently used items in your closets, on shelves, or in drawers to ensure they are ready to grab and go at a moment’s notice. 

Personal Momentos

It can be fun to go through the sentimental keepsakes you've been storing under your bed, but experts say these items are best kept somewhere else in your home. “It’s not just about the physical clutter”, says Summers. “Storing items with emotional weight, like old journals or gifts from past relationships, can subconsciously affect your mood and energy.” 

An alternative to storing these personal mementos under your bed might be to organize them in pretty boxes and devote a closet shelf to them. Priestly recommends preserving photos in albums free of acid or scanning them for digital storage.

Leather Items

The environment under your bed is prone to a build-up of dust and bacteria, which can wreak havoc on your leather items. Rather than keeping leather jackets, shoes, and purses under your bed, consider storing them in a hall closet where they'll be better protected. When stored in the wrong area, leather can even develop mold or crack over time, says Priestly.