Getting organized can seem like an impossible task, especially when you’re short on space. But with a little creativity, you can maximize even the tightest areas- like under your bed! With some simple supplies, you can DIY wheeled under-bed storage baskets that roll out for easy access. This project takes just an hour and requires no special skills.
What You’ll Need
To make wheeled under-bed storage baskets, you’ll need:
- Plastic storage containers/baskets in various sizes
- Utility knife
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Drill with 1-inch drill bit
- 4 wheels per basket (at least 2-inches in diameter)
- 8 screws per basket
- Screwdriver
Look for plastic baskets/bins that are 6-8 inches tall to fit under most beds. Square or rectangular baskets work best to maximize space. Gather baskets in a range of sizes to organize different items.
You’ll also need heavy duty wheels and screws that can support the weight of the filled baskets. Self-adhesive Velcro strips are optional to keep the baskets from rolling when stored.
How to Make the Wheeled Baskets
Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Mark the Wheel Placement
Turn the basket upside down. Along one short end of the basket, make marks 2 inches from each corner for the wheel placement. Then center and mark the other 2 wheel placements, evenly spacing them between the outer marks.
Repeat to mark the other short end of the basket. You should have 8 evenly spaced marks total.
Figure 1: Marking the wheel placement on the basket.
Step 2: Drill Holes for the Wheels
Using a 1-inch drill bit, drill a hole at each pencil mark. Drill slowly through the plastic to create a clean opening.
Figure 2: Drilling 1-inch holes for wheels.
Step 3: Attach the Wheels
Flip the basket right side up. Insert a screw through the center of a wheel, add a washer, and then line up with a drilled hole. Use a screwdriver to attach the wheel securely.
Repeat to attach all 4 wheels. Make sure the wheels can spin freely.
Figure 3: Attaching wheels with a screw and washer.
Step 4: Add Stabilizing Velcro (Optional)
To keep the wheeled baskets from rolling around under the bed, you can add self-adhesive Velcro strips.
Apply the “hook” side of a Velcro strip at the center top edge on the long side of the basket. Place the corresponding “loop” strip at the center bottom edge on the long side.
When storing the baskets, attach the top of one basket to the bottom of another to keep them from moving. Release the Velcro when rolling them out.
Figure 4: Adding stabilizing Velcro strips (optional).
Using Your Wheeled Under-Bed Storage
Your wheeled under-bed storage baskets are complete! Fill them with items you access frequently like:
- Seasonal clothing
- Extra linens and towels
- Shoes
- Sports equipment
- Hobby supplies
- Kids toys and books
- Pet supplies
Group items with similar uses together in different sized baskets for easy organization. Label the front of each basket so you know exactly what’s inside when they’re out of sight.
To store, arrange the baskets neatly under the bed, nesting some inside each other sideways to conserve room. Attach the velcro strips if using.
When you need something, just roll out the matching basket and unzip! Then when you’re done, roll it back into place. The wheels make accessing even heavy stacks of baskets fast and effortless.
Get ready to reclaim all that wasted space under your bed with these crafty wheeled storage solutions. You’ll love being able to instantly put your hands on anything you need – no more crawling around or digging required!
Wheel Selection Tips
Choosing the right wheels is important for smooth rolling baskets. Here are some tips:
- Opt for at least 2-inches in diameter or larger. Small, thin wheels may catch and drag.
- Rubber wheels provide better grip on flooring than plastic.
- Dual wheel styles with both a rollerball and wide rim offer easy rolling.
- Locking wheels hold the basket in place when parked. Release to roll.
- Measure bed clearance to ensure wheels fit underneath.
- Heavy duty wheels with metal internal bearings can support more weight.
Consider the type of flooring in the bedroom as well. Hard, smooth surfaces like wood or vinyl are easiest for rolling. Wheels may catch on carpets and rugs.
Basket Material and Size Options
Plastic storage bins work best for DIY under-bed baskets. Consider these factors when selecting:
- Thickness: Choose thicker, more rigid plastic that will be sturdy when stacked. Thin plastic may buckle.
- Transparency: Clear or translucent plastic lets you view contents. Opaque bins keep items out of sight.
- Shape: Square and rectangle bins maximize space compared to round.
- Size: Measure bed clearance and get low profile 6-8 inch high bins. Mix small, medium and large.
- Handles: Built-in handles on ends provide easy access to roll baskets out.
Look for commercial rugged storage totes and baskets made for utility use versus flimsy disposable bins. Avoid baskets with major ridges that could prevent rolling.
Ideas for Organizing Basket Contents
Once you’ve made the under-bed baskets, it’s time to fill them up! Stay organized with these ideas:
– Clothing and Textiles
- Roll socks and stack in shallow bins.
- Store out of season clothing like sweaters or swimsuits.
- Fold t-shirts, shorts and tank tops in coordinating boxes.
- Separate underwear and pajamas into categories.
- Designate a bin for scarves, gloves and winter hats.
- Use for hiding old bed linens and tablecloths.
– Shoes and Accessories
- Store shoes sideways in appropriately sized bins by type like sneakers, heels, sandals.
- Corral all gloves, mittens, belts and ties neatly.
- Contain an assortment of travel-sized toiletries.
- Designate a bin for hair accessories like brushes and headbands.
– Sporting Goods
- Fill with basketballs, soccer balls, frisbees or other easy-to-stack sports balls.
- Store folded camp chairs and tailgating gear.
- Hold fishing rod and tackles boxes for quick fishing trips.
- Organize sports uniforms by season.
– Hobby and Craft Supplies
- Corral sewing and knitting notions like thread, buttons and yarn.
- Keep paints, brushes, sketch pads and other art supplies.
- Store crafting items like glue, scissors, glitter and string.
- Contain collections like stamps, stickers and scrapbooking paper.
– Kids Items
- Neatly store stuffed animals, action figures and dolls.
- Hold board games and puzzles to easily find all pieces.
- Keep favorite toys within reach for play time.
- Organize by child to separate belongings.
– Pet Gear
- Store pet toys to grab for play time.
- Contain food, leashes, collars and harnesses.
- Keep plastic-lined bin for bath towels and grooming tools.
- Hold pet first aid supplies and medications.
Get creative with using under-bed storage baskets to organize all kinds of items in accessible, movable containers – the possibilities are endless!
Design Upgrade Ideas
Plain plastic under-bed bins get the job done, but you can upgrade them with these easy design touches:
- Paint or use duct tape to coat bins in fun colors.
- Adhere patterned contact paper or shelf liner to the outside of neutral bins.
- Stencil names or labels onto the bins using craft paint pens.
- Attach vinyl monogram initials or interchangeable chalkboard labels.
- Upgrade wheels to decorative options like bamboo wood.
- Weave colorful ribbon through handle cutouts for a pop of color.
- Use a hot glue gun to attach handles along the short front edge for a sleek look.
- Add a thin cork sheet inside the lid to hold pins and small items in place.
- Line bins with quilted fabric or antimicrobial linen to protect delicate contents.
- Affix strong magnets to let kids decorate the outside with their artwork.
With a budget makeover, you can transform boring under-bed bins into a fun storage solution that fits your style. Get the whole family involved in personalizing the wheeled baskets.
Rolling Out Under-Bed Storage
Having storage on wheels is only helpful if you can easily access the contents. Here are tips for rolling bins out from under the bed:
- Make sure there is adequate clearance to roll bins out fully.
- Remove bed skirts that may block bin access.
- Arrange bins tightly so they roll out together in stacks.
- Place bins perpendicular to bed to roll out across the shortest depth.
- Detach any stabilizing velcro strips before rolling.
- Pull using the built-in handle cutouts or attached handles.
- Tilt and push gently over floor molding or carpets.
- Roll out slowly to avoid tipping over stacked bins.
- Nest bins sideways to conserve floor space when open.
- Roll bins back individually starting with the deepest for easy storage.
Practice rolling the bins to get used to the feel over your flooring. Soon it will be second nature to quickly retrieve everything stored under the bed!
Troubleshooting Issues
Creating wheeled under-bed storage is an easy DIY project. But if issues come up, try these troubleshooting tips:
Wheels fall off: This likely means the plastic holes have become stripped. Reinforce with washers on both sides of the wheel or use a larger screw.
Wheels drag: Check for debris stuck in the wheels and clear it out. Or upgrade to larger diameter wheels.
Bins tip over: Stacked bins can topple if pulled too aggressively. Gently roll them out on at a time.
Bins don’t roll: Make sure bin bottoms are flat without ridges. Or attach wheels to the narrow bin end instead.
Bins won’t slide under bed: Measure clearance and use lower profile bins. Remove bed skirts or obstructions.
Bins roll when stored: Add stabilizing velcro strips. Avoid overloading bins which can bend them.
Bins crack or break: Avoid plastic baskets that are flimsy. Upgrade to more durable utility tote bins.
With a few easy adjustments, you can remedy any issues with your rolling under-bed storage setup.
FAQ
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about creating wheeled under-bed storage baskets:
How much weight can the bins hold?
This depends on the quality of the bins and wheels. Look for commercial grade options made to hold up to 100+ lbs to be safe. And test weight capacity before loading bins up.
Should I attach the wheels to the long or short sides?
Attaching the wheels to the shorter bin sides allows you to roll them out across the bed’s width (usually around 60 inches). This shorter depth provides better control and stability.
Do the baskets need to match my décor?
Plain bins painted or covered in sheets or fabric can blend in with any bedroom style. Or choose fun colors and patterns to coordinate.
How do I ensure the bins roll smoothly?
Good quality wheels with internal bearings that spin freely are best. Rubber tread helps grip the floor. Make sure bins sit flat when loaded.
What size bins should I get?
Measure under bed clearance height and get bins no taller than that, around 6-8 inches. Get a mix of small, medium and large capacities.
Is plywood required under the bins?
No, adding plywood is optional and just helps create a smooth rolling surface if stored on carpet. But bins will roll directly on most bare floors.
Final Thoughts
Wheeled under-bed storage is a quick organizational project that pays off in added convenience. You’ll love being able to instantly access the hidden storage zone under the bed to keep frequently used items close at hand.
Follow the simple steps to convert ordinary bins into rolling baskets. Just steer clear of flimsy plastic and unstable wheels that won’t stand the test of time and loaded weight.
With a little creativity, you can optimize the wasted space beneath your bed to stash all kinds of things like seasonal clothing, sports equipment, luggage, bedding, craft supplies, pet gear and so much more! Keep items organized in personalized baskets to always find what you need.
No more crawling on hands and knees or staring into a black hole of disorganization under the bed. Now you can instantly roll out ready-made organizing solutions! Get a handle on clutter and make the most of your home storage with space-saving wheeled under-bed bins.