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Jaime Costiglio

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DIY Underbed Storage Bins from Plywood

February 16, 2011

Don’t let that space under the bed go unused!  Maximize the functionality of all that square footage and make easily accessible underbed storage bins on wheels.  I’m sharing quick, simple and easy free plans down below.

diy underbed storage bins

A DIY tutorial to build storage bins to fit under the bed. Make that underbed space 100% functional with storage bins on wheels.

My girls recently bunked their beds but whether your beds are bunked or not truly doesn’t matter because there will almost always be unused space under the bed.  That dark underbed space where the monsters live is prime real estate for some serious storage!

bunk beds with unused underbed space
I designed and built three long storage bins specifically to fit under the girls bunk beds.  The plans down below are very easy to modify to fit your space.
bunk beds with underbed storage bins
three plywood underbed storage bins on wheels

Underbed Storage

  • makes use of unused space
  • storage clothing, shoes, accessories, toys
  • easy for kids to use

These storage bins are made from 1/2″ plywood painted white with wheels attached.  They are very basic and simple but help to keep all the things exactly where they are accessible and organized.  In hindsight I probably should have added a hardware pull.  Maybe a handle or cut out finger hole would be great but they are easy enough to grab and pull out just as boxes.

diy underbed plywood storage boxes on wheels

Consider Your Underbed Space:

  • First I measured the length of the unused empty space then subtract 10″ or so for ample spacing between bins.  These bins are each 21″ wide and there’s plenty of room for movement.
  • Next measure the depth, my bins are 40″ deep and still hide just enough under the bed.
  • Lastly measure the height.  For the height you want to take into consideration your wheel height and leaving a bit of open space at top to grab the bin (or less if you’re going with hardware pulls).  My bins are 7″ tall which is plenty.  I’m a firm believer that kids do better with shallow drawers and bins.  If you make the bins too deep all the clothes get piled and lost and nobody can find anything.
underbed storage bins dimensions
Click here for a PDF printable version of these plans.

Supplies:

  • 1 – full sheet ½” plywood
  • #6 – 1 1/4” wood screws
  • ½” wood screws
  • wood glue
  • 5 – 1” stationary wheels

Cut List:

  • 2 – ½” plywood @ 7” x 39” (long sides)
  • 2 – ½” plywood @ 7” x 21” (short sides)
  • 1 – ½” plywood @ 21” x 40” (bottom)
painting plywood storage boxes
To build the boxes attach the short ends to the long sides first using wood glue and countersunk screws.  Be sure to predrill for your screws to avoid splitting the plywood.  Then attach the bottoms.  Prime and paint as you like to coordinate with your bedroom space.
diy plywood storage boxes with wheels
Lastly attach five wheels to the underside for easy rolling in and out.  I added the middle wheel to help carry the weight of the bin once filled.  Also I used swivel wheels but I highly recommend using stationary wheels which helps the bins stay on track under the bed.
underbed pull out storage bins for kids clothes
These storage bins hold a ton of clothes!  They are super accessible to pull out and kids can see exactly what is in the bin without having to fumble through.  I only wish I built them sooner!
In other updates I added plug in wall sconces for the girls so they can read while in bed:
bunk beds with wall sconces
And painted a wooden letter for each girl to attach to their footboard:
footboards with single letter monogram
Two sisters sharing a room with their baby brother on the other side!  Truly I love having all the kids in one room, it’s sort of like camp except this is real life and they are learning to live with each other which makes for great life experiences.  Ah the joys of a shared bedroom.
wood bunk bed with storage bins

Thanks for joining me for this underbed storage bins project.  Please leave any questions in the comments below and be sure to follow me on social media for sneak peeks, tools and project inspiration:

Instagram / Pinterest / Facebook / Youtube / Twitter

SHOP THIS PROJECT:

underbed storage bins free plans
Diy underbed storage bins

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Filed Under: BUILD, DIY, FURNITURE, ORGANIZATION, STORAGE47 Comments

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Mel says

    February 16, 2011 at 7:25 PM

    Great storage solution.

    Reply
  2. A Vintage Vine says

    February 16, 2011 at 8:18 PM

    OMgosh! Love it…..the room is looking perfect! You never get enough storage in a girls room!

    Reply
  3. Holly says

    February 16, 2011 at 10:11 PM

    Jaime, that was a brilliant idea. You can never have enough storage, and these look great too!

    Reply
  4. BEACH BUNGALOW says

    February 16, 2011 at 11:25 PM

    So cute! You can never have enough storage!

    Stop by the Beach Bungalow sometime soon and say hello!

    Sue
    xo

    Reply
  5. Pam - diy Design Fanatic says

    February 17, 2011 at 5:51 AM

    Wonderful and so neat! My daughter definitely needs these. Under her bed is scary! Your under bed storage is really great!

    Reply
  6. Rene says

    February 17, 2011 at 11:23 AM

    Those storage bins are fantastic! I need to make one for our pantry. You are such an inspiration Jaime!

    -Rene

    Reply
  7. Madigan at madiganmade says

    February 17, 2011 at 11:49 AM

    What a great solution. It looks clean and neat (and easy to access, too).

    Reply
  8. Denise says

    February 17, 2011 at 12:37 PM

    Wow. I am really loving this room. It looks like a photo out of a magazine.

    Denise
    Extreme Personal Measures

    Reply
  9. Restoration House says

    February 17, 2011 at 6:49 PM

    Great idea Jaime! Wonderful extra storage.
    Kim:)

    Reply
  10. Judy says

    February 18, 2011 at 12:04 AM

    Wow, what a great idea. That's awesome storage. I am a follower. I would love for you to come and check out my blog and follow me back. We are neighbors…I am from Rockland.

    Reply
  11. Little Lovables says

    February 18, 2011 at 3:55 PM

    Wow, you are truly amazing, what a great storage solution! I so wish I had an ounce of those skills.

    Reply
  12. Laurel @ Ducks in a Row says

    February 18, 2011 at 8:12 PM

    This looks fantastic – streamlined and organized. Makes me smile!

    Reply
  13. Hilary @ Sweet as June says

    February 19, 2011 at 12:48 AM

    so cool… love that storage idea!

    Reply
  14. Minkee Baby Gifts says

    February 21, 2011 at 2:01 PM

    I love this idea! I am going to copy you for the sofa area in my 320 square foot home – this will be perfect!

    Reply
  15. Fawn says

    February 21, 2011 at 3:09 PM

    That's a great idea–love it! I think I'm going to have to make some for my boys.

    Reply
  16. Busy as a Bee in Paris says

    March 1, 2011 at 12:19 PM

    lucky girls! love the storage bins and the darling letters too! once again, just visiting from a to z

    Reply
  17. April says

    March 1, 2011 at 3:12 PM

    Love this idea!

    Reply
  18. Tammy says

    March 1, 2011 at 3:31 PM

    What a great tutorial for storage. I like the simple lines with the girls bunkbeds.

    Reply
  19. [email protected] Stories of A2Z says

    March 1, 2011 at 9:05 PM

    Fantastic idea! Thanks for sharing your tutorial at A2Z!

    Reply
  20. Krafty Kat says

    March 2, 2011 at 2:28 AM

    Excellent idea! Love those heart sheets and initials too!

    Reply
  21. the cape on the corner says

    March 8, 2011 at 3:13 PM

    i love all your updates, but that rolling storage is genius! that was definitely wasted space before, and it even looks cuter now! fantastic job!

    Reply
  22. Debilou ~ Mississippi Mama says

    March 9, 2011 at 2:54 PM

    love the idea of under the bed storage.. great job on the boxes. Those letters are so cute.

    Reply
  23. Melissa says

    April 27, 2011 at 4:46 PM

    Love these, just went and bought the wood for them to go under my boys new bunk beds! Thanks for sharing such a wonderful idea to add storage and clean up their new room!

    Reply
  24. Amber D. says

    May 27, 2011 at 5:39 AM

    love it! I think the drawers would look nice with a 2 drawer pulls on each one that match the dresser! : )

    Reply
  25. Attempting Aloha says

    January 18, 2012 at 2:21 AM

    Whaddup! Here I am, browsing Pinterest for kids' storage solutions, and who do I find?? My blog bff, Jaime! I've pinned this and will be linking to it in my post either tomorrow or Thursday. 🙂

    You're a rock star!

    Aloha,
    Charlie

    Reply
  26. Mary says

    March 22, 2012 at 2:30 AM

    Did you nail these together? It doesn't look like you screwed them. If so, what size finish nails did you use? How thick is the plywood?

    Thanks in advance.

    Reply
  27. Charity says

    June 8, 2012 at 8:30 PM

    I am curious about the relative age of your girls…mine are pretty young, and I am wondering if the drawers are heavy??

    Reply
  28. Charity says

    June 8, 2012 at 8:34 PM

    I am curious about the relative age of your girls…mine are pretty young, and I am wondering if the drawers are heavy??

    Reply
  29. Kristen. Jason. Sofie says

    January 23, 2013 at 11:48 PM

    what a great idea! totally pinning this for later use! and i love the heart sheets! where did you find those?

    Reply
  30. Thomas Watson says

    November 25, 2014 at 8:22 AM

    Just did almost exactly this project this month. It really helped in decluttering the house.

    Reply
  31. Myra Jones says

    December 21, 2014 at 1:35 PM

    Where did you get the bedding from?

    Reply
    • jcprime1 says

      July 6, 2017 at 10:26 AM

      The heart duvet covers are from Ikea.

      Reply
  32. sunshinyjess says

    March 8, 2016 at 4:17 PM

    Did you make the bunk bed? or did you buy them somewhere? If you made them could you show us how you did that? Thanks a bunch. I just discovered your blog and i LOVE it

    Reply
    • jcprime1 says

      July 6, 2017 at 10:26 AM

      Thanks. The bunk beds were hand me downs from my parents and bought at retail (I believe Ethan Allen many moons ago) and I painted them white.

      Reply
  33. Jenny Summersill says

    July 5, 2017 at 2:35 PM

    I need to make some of these and have a pretty good handle on how to do so except for how you fastened it all together. Did you use wood glue or screws? Thanks!

    Reply
    • jcprime1 says

      July 6, 2017 at 10:25 AM

      I used wood glue and countersunk screws. I recommend a minimum 1 1/2" #8 wood screw. Good luck!

      Reply
  34. Alexander Davis says

    February 11, 2018 at 9:47 PM

    Thank you fir giving me an idea and info about building storage boxes for my kids’ bunk bed (http://alekdavis.tumblr.com/post/135459146234/how-to-build-a-toddler-bunk-bed). I am wondering: was there a particular reason why you built three bins instead of a single big one? I think one would look a bit cleaner and you wouldn’t need to worry about aligning them every time you use them (yea, it’s important, at least for those of us with the obsessive compulsive diagnosis 🙂 ).

    Reply
    • Jaime says

      February 12, 2018 at 5:47 AM

      Glad I could help. One big bin would be too heavy for young kids to maneuver – I guess it depends on the ages of your kids.

      Reply
      • Alexander Davis says

        February 16, 2018 at 1:51 AM

        Makes sense. Thank you.

        Reply
  35. kinga says

    August 2, 2019 at 11:45 AM

    Could you please tell me the exact height under the bed? Your boxes are 7″ + wheel height plus room for kids to grab drawers. What would that total be? I am a total beginner and want to make my son a bed with these storage boxes underneath. So I am going to adjust the bed to the height of yours so I can just make them pretty much exactly like you did. Thank you. I love these bins. So practical.

    Reply
    • Jaime says

      August 17, 2019 at 6:32 AM

      Hi Kinga, These bins were built a long while back at our previous home and the bunk beds were left with the new owners so I don’t have exact measurements. I will say you want enough box depth to hold things so that all depends on what you are storing but 7″ is sufficient for most clothes. Also you could drill a finger pull hole or add hardware for kids to grab. And wheels come in all sizes so you can fit the box into your space, I’d leave at least 1 1/2″ for the wheels. Good luck!

      Reply
  36. Kayla says

    November 8, 2019 at 11:51 AM

    Hi, I was just wondering how far off the ground the beds were. Like how much clearance room you had from floor to the bottom of the bed?

    Reply
    • Jaime says

      November 9, 2019 at 7:05 AM

      Hi Kayla, I’m not exactly sure on the floor to bed clearance (this was at our previous home and we don’t have these bunk beds anymore) but the bins are 7″tall and the wheels are at least an 1″ so I’m guessing the space is about 10″.

      Reply
  37. Ana says

    July 2, 2020 at 12:06 PM

    Thank you for sharing your ideas!! I really like it. I am going to try to make my own

    Reply
  38. Ren says

    April 20, 2021 at 8:23 AM

    Beginner here. I love the project but I have a few questions.
    – Which screws go where?
    – And do you drill the full length of the screw depth?
    – What size drill bit?
    This opens up a world of possibilities if I can get the basics down.
    Thanks!

    Reply
  39. Sudheer U N says

    August 23, 2021 at 2:50 AM

    Hey,

    Just what I was looking for. Loved the simple plans and designs. Keep up the good work.

    Thanks again.

    Reply

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