Under the bed might be your go-to place to put anything you can't find the space for, but you may want to think twice about what you're stashing down there. Certain items can end up affecting the air quality and cleanliness of you room, while others might just get ruined. "Your items can get damaged by dust, moisture, insects, or rodents," Artem Kropovinsky, an interior designer and founder of Arsight tells Best Life. "They can also lose their value, quality, or relevance over time."
Keep reading to learn about the items home experts say should never be stored under your bed.
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1 | Luggage
Diego Cervo / ShutterstockA common item many people keep under their bed, that might even be under yours right now (no judgment), is luggage. Turns out, that under-the-bed suitcase might be the reason your room is so dusty.
"Luggage can collect dust, dirt, and allergens, which can negatively affect the bedroom's air quality and worsen allergies or asthma symptoms," explains Kropovinsky. "Keeping luggage under the bed can make it challenging to clean and vacuum the area, leading to a buildup of dust and allergens."
Instead of stuffing your suitcases and duffle bags under your bed, try to keep these items in a dedicated storage area—like a closet, attic, or basement—where it is less likely to impact the cleanliness and air quality of your bedroom.
2 | Important papers
fstop123/ iStockIt's tempting to stash papers and documents like passports or birth certificates under your bed, but you might want to rethink that decision.
"[It can] lead to them getting dirty, damaged, or difficult to access in an emergency," says Olivia Parks, lead organizer and owner of Professional Organizer New Orleans.
Papers can also become flammable, hold mold, or deteriorate when stored under your bed. You should keep important documents in plastic bins in a space that will not retain moisture, advises Leslie Kilgour, personal organizer and founder of Get It Straight. Even better, store them in a "secure, fire-resistant safe or container so they're both protected and easy to access when needed," suggests Parks.
The same logic applies to books and magazines.
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3 | Shoes
luanateutzi / iStockIf you can never have enough shoes, as the saying goes, then you probably don't have enough storage space for your footwear either. But stashing your shoes under your bed can cause them to get dusty, dirty, or damaged. "Dirt and dust buildup can cause discoloration of the shoes…and even deterioration of the material," says Kilgour.
They can also get damaged under your bed because "limited space and potential overcrowding can crush shoes," Parks explains. In trying to fit one more item under your bed in what feels like a game of Tetris, you might be unknowingly squashing your favorite heels you were storing away for special occasions.
Kropovinsky suggests keeping your shoes either in shoe racks, boxes, in a closet, entryway, or a hanging shoe organizer. But if you really have no other space for your shoes aside from under your bed, Brandie Larsen and Ryan Eiesland of HomeSort say to at least store them in an under-bed shoe organizer to keep them in top condition.
4 | Electronics
vejaa / iStockYou might be tempted to stash your old computer or stereo system under your bed, thinking they'll be safe down there. But it turns out, this can not only destroy these devices, but they can also become a fire risk.
"It is inadvisable to store electronic devices and batteries under your bed," Kropovinsky stresses. "These items can be negatively affected by temperature changes, dust, and humidity, resulting in damage or diminished performance. Moreover, storing electronics close to the bed might present a fire risk if a malfunction occurs."
These expensive items can also become a target for theft because "it's easier for people to find [them] and possibly steal," Kilgour warns.
Instead, you'll want to keep any electronic or battery-operated devices in a "temperate, dry location away from direct sunlight and dampness, such as a dedicated storage space or a drawer," says Kropovinsky.
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5 | Things that don't actually fit
iStockThe space under your bed might start becoming a catch-all for things you don't use often or just have nowhere else to store. And while this might feel convenient at the moment, over time it can create a problem, especially if the items don't actually fit (like that cardboard box you had to squish to get under there).
"Your bed is the focal point of your bedroom," says Kropovinsky. "Having items peeking out from under your bed can ruin this effect and make your bed look like it's floating on a pile of junk."
He also notes that this can make it difficult, if not impossible, to clean and vacuum under your bed, which can lead to dust accumulation and poor air quality.
