Under the Bed Storage: Neato or Veto?
Here’s something I can’t seem to chalk up a definitive opinion on: under-bed storage.
On the one hand, I totally understand the practicality of this storage method; especially if you’re living in a small space, that vast area under your bed seems a shame to waste. However, I also definitely subscribe to the belief a la the feng shui methodology that storing a bunch of stuff under your bed is a no-no in terms of energy/ serenity.
In his book, “Clutter Busting,” Brooks Palmer writes, “Your bed needs to be a place of peace. It’s where intimacy is generated and maintained. Anything that blocks that intimacy is clutter…The things under your bed resonate energy. You don’t see the items, but you feel them. If you cook lasagna in the kitchen, you smell it in the living room. If you’ve got something that you don’t want to deal with and you try hiding it under the bed, it’s hidden visually but it’s still calling out to you. You may as well put it all under the covers with you.”
So I want to know your thoughts– hooey nonsense, who needs it, and why would I ever sacrifice that precious storage space? Or right on, the energy resonates, and I think it should be kept clear?
Image credits: Martha Stewart, Atlanta Bartlett
14 Comments
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14 Comments
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on April 26, 2012 at 9:39 am
Great post Annie! As a Feng Shui enthusiast, and a professional organizer, I agree that it’s best to leave the space under your bed free. However, if space is an issue, I believe that using that space to store bed linens and soft clothing such as sweaters, will not disturb your peaceful slumber.
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on April 28, 2012 at 11:22 am
I agree with you, Sally. I think it’s optimal to keep it clear, but like your suggestions for what things are okay to store under there.
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on April 26, 2012 at 9:57 am
I would love to be free of under the bed storage but in a small rowhouse with very limited closet space, I use literally every last inch of under the bed space for clothing storage. The rolling bins in the first image are an attractive solution for those of us short on space!
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on April 26, 2012 at 10:46 am
to me it’s practical to have the items close at hand so my underbed storage on the right side is the spring/summer sheets (percale) and the light weight blanket & quilt, on the left side is the winter flannel sheets and the wool blankets & toasty quilt … so only 1/2 of the storage is taken up at any one time, but it’s a great space and easy to get to when weekly sheet changes or seasonal changes happen.
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See I think the pitfall with under the bed storage is that people shove things under there and have no clue what’s there. I love that you know exactly what’s what, and have a system for which side to store things. Great idea!
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on April 26, 2012 at 10:56 am
I like to keep the area under my bed clear. I do not store anything there and can run Rumba and she keeps it dust free too.
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on April 26, 2012 at 12:15 pm
Great post Annie !! I am a fan of under the bed storage, but main because my place is so small! But there are way to chic it up like built in drawers.. Plus you can always cover it up with a bed runner! 🙂
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on April 26, 2012 at 12:51 pm
I’ve actually been thinking alot abotu feng shui today since it was brought up in my class last night. I defintiely do store things under my bed but I haven’t looked in the containers in years. It’s time to let them all go. And I’ll definitely reconsider ever putting anything back. Great post!
And thanks so much for the words of encouragement about my decorating project. It’s so true that the space needs fresh eyes. I’m considering hiring my instructor from last night. 🙂 xoxo
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Love this comment! So awesome to hear how much that class inspired you. I think that’s the danger with keeping things under the bed, you are definitely not alone! Most people put containers under there and forget about them. I say it’s high time for you to venture under there and clear it out!
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on April 26, 2012 at 3:55 pm
so much to consider! on the one hand id love to have a clear empty space under my bed, but in a rental that isnt going to happen 🙁 my compromise for myself is making sure everything goes in neat little bins and boxes so nothing is spilling out the sides!
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Perfect compromise! Love that.
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on April 26, 2012 at 4:36 pm
I always hated storing stuff under my bed although it was a necessity. Recently my husband and I bought a “captain’s bed” that has storage drawers on each side, but also sits up off the ground. It’s kind of the best of both worlds. 🙂
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Totally the best of both worlds! Thanks for the comment!
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on April 26, 2012 at 11:01 pm
I only really store stuff under there when it can’t be seen 🙂 haha. But I do like the picture of the baskets under the bed!
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Great post Annie! As a Feng Shui enthusiast, and a professional organizer, I agree that it’s best to leave the space under your bed free. However, if space is an issue, I believe that using that space to store bed linens and soft clothing such as sweaters, will not disturb your peaceful slumber.
I agree with you, Sally. I think it’s optimal to keep it clear, but like your suggestions for what things are okay to store under there.
I would love to be free of under the bed storage but in a small rowhouse with very limited closet space, I use literally every last inch of under the bed space for clothing storage. The rolling bins in the first image are an attractive solution for those of us short on space!
to me it’s practical to have the items close at hand so my underbed storage on the right side is the spring/summer sheets (percale) and the light weight blanket & quilt, on the left side is the winter flannel sheets and the wool blankets & toasty quilt … so only 1/2 of the storage is taken up at any one time, but it’s a great space and easy to get to when weekly sheet changes or seasonal changes happen.
See I think the pitfall with under the bed storage is that people shove things under there and have no clue what’s there. I love that you know exactly what’s what, and have a system for which side to store things. Great idea!
I like to keep the area under my bed clear. I do not store anything there and can run Rumba and she keeps it dust free too.
Great post Annie !! I am a fan of under the bed storage, but main because my place is so small! But there are way to chic it up like built in drawers.. Plus you can always cover it up with a bed runner! 🙂
I’ve actually been thinking alot abotu feng shui today since it was brought up in my class last night. I defintiely do store things under my bed but I haven’t looked in the containers in years. It’s time to let them all go. And I’ll definitely reconsider ever putting anything back. Great post!
And thanks so much for the words of encouragement about my decorating project. It’s so true that the space needs fresh eyes. I’m considering hiring my instructor from last night. 🙂 xoxo
Love this comment! So awesome to hear how much that class inspired you. I think that’s the danger with keeping things under the bed, you are definitely not alone! Most people put containers under there and forget about them. I say it’s high time for you to venture under there and clear it out!
so much to consider! on the one hand id love to have a clear empty space under my bed, but in a rental that isnt going to happen 🙁 my compromise for myself is making sure everything goes in neat little bins and boxes so nothing is spilling out the sides!
Perfect compromise! Love that.
I always hated storing stuff under my bed although it was a necessity. Recently my husband and I bought a “captain’s bed” that has storage drawers on each side, but also sits up off the ground. It’s kind of the best of both worlds. 🙂
Totally the best of both worlds! Thanks for the comment!
I only really store stuff under there when it can’t be seen 🙂 haha. But I do like the picture of the baskets under the bed!