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13+ DIY Under-Bed Storage Projects for Apartments

Under-bed space is one of the most underused storage areas in apartments. 

With a few DIY upgrades, you can turn that hidden zone into highly functional storage for clothes, shoes, linens, and seasonal items without adding bulky furniture. The best projects are low cost, renter friendly, and easy to customize to your bed height and room style.

Here are DIY under-bed storage projects that help apartment living feel more organized and spacious.

1. Rolling Under-Bed Crate Drawers

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Turn crates into pull-out drawers.

• Add caster wheels underneath
• Easy grab and slide access
• Great for clothes and shoes

2. DIY Under-Bed Storage Boxes With Lids

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Build simple shallow boxes.

• Use plywood or MDF
• Add cutout handles
• Stackable design

3. Fabric Covered Storage Bins

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Wrap plain bins in fabric.

• Matches room decor
• No tools required
• Soft, lightweight option

4. Under-Bed Shoe Drawer Trays

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Make flat rolling shoe trays.

• Low profile boards
• Add small wheels
• Keeps pairs visible

5. Repurposed Drawer Under-Bed Units

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Reuse old dresser drawers.

• Add wheels to bottom
• Instant sliding storage
• Vintage character look

6. Vacuum Bag Storage System

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Create a labeled bag system.

• Use vacuum seal bags
• Ideal for bedding
• Saves maximum space

7. Cardboard Box Upgrade Project

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Reinforce and wrap boxes.

• Double wall cardboard
• Cover with contact paper
• Budget friendly solution

8. Sliding Basket Storage System

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Use long wire baskets on sliders.

• Easy visibility
• Good airflow
• Great for laundry overflow

9. Pallet Base With Built In Storage Slots

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Build a raised pallet platform.

• Creates storage gaps
• Rustic style option
• Raises bed height

10. Under-Bed Book Storage Drawers

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Create shallow book drawers.

• Perfect for paperbacks
• Easy pull handles
• Keeps shelves less crowded

11. Zip Pouch Clothing Organizers

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Sew or buy zip fabric pouches.

• Dust protected storage
• Flexible sizing
• Easy to label

12. PVC Frame Sliding Storage Cages

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Build a light frame container.

• PVC pipe structure
• Fabric or mesh wrap
• Lightweight and custom sized

13. Pegboard Bottom Bed Frame Hack

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Attach pegboard under frame.

• Hang shallow bins
• Modular layout
• Tool free variations possible

14. Lift Up Bed Platform DIY

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Create a hinged lift platform.

• Bed lifts upward
• Large hidden cavity
• Higher effort, high reward

Final Thoughts

DIY under-bed storage works best when you measure clearance first and design for easy sliding access. Choose wheels, handles, or soft bins so you actually use the storage instead of avoiding it. In small apartments, hidden horizontal storage often makes the biggest difference.

Think shallow, smooth, and labeled.

FAQs

How much height do you need for under-bed storage

Usually at least 6 to 8 inches of clearance works well.

What is the easiest under-bed DIY project

Rolling crate drawers are the simplest starter project.

Is under-bed storage good for clothes

Yes, especially off-season clothing and linens.

How do I keep under-bed storage dust free

Use lidded bins, zip bags, or fabric covers.

Can renters do these projects

Most are renter friendly and removable without damage.