Under the bed is a perfect and often used storage space for extra things in your bedroom. The trick is to use the space wisely by storing the right things in proper containers. The best stuff to store under your bed are things that have to DO with the bedroom; think seasonal clothes, duvet covers and blankets. You don’t want anything under there that you need to access on a regular basis nor do you want things that don’t belong to the bedroom - those stray items should likely find a home somewhere else. As for the containers, you need to find something that rolls, can be cleaned and has a lid!! You know how dust bunnies congregate under the bed - it would suck to have them party on your clean sweaters! I have been looking for a great bin for under our bed and I have found a couple that I think will appeal to you.

The first is a CUTE basket called the “DEGERNES” (pictured above) with a canvas tie on lid - perfect for those who don’t have a bedskirt and want something that will look good under the bed. You can still clean it by giving it a quick vacuum or wiping down the sides and the cover can just be thrown in the wash. It could be a bit tiresome untying it - so for this I recommend storing stuff that you would need to access a couple times a year. Find it here>

The next two are pure function. They are both plastic, and have plastic lids that can be easily put on and wiped off. I would recommend this only if you have a bedskirt hiding it - plastic containers/storage bins/ drawers are great, but look cheap sticking out in a bedroom! They are completely functional and great, but please hide them! Here are a couple that I found on line and liked - note the Ikea one is almost 1 1/2″ taller than The Container Store one - so measure your bed before you buy!

Ikea underbed storage>
The Container Store under bed storage>

I know that many of you have already put away your Christmas decorations, but for the ones who haven’t, this is for you!!

I was at my parents house for Christmas, and was helping my dad put away his decorations and wrapping the delicate items in newsprint. By the time I was done, my fingers were black and I imagine the items would get really dirty after doing it for years. The solution: newspaper end rolls! I phoned my local paper and they are 50 - 100 feet in length and… get this… $0.50 a roll!! Holy dinah! I didn’t know anything cost less than a dollar these days! I am so excited about it. It will be great for your kids colouring projects, as a protector for your table when it is craft time, wrapping paper for parcels to mail… the list is long. I love that it has just the right amount of strength to ball up and support your breakable items, it is super easy to tear in long vertical strips for wrapping, can easily be recycled, and it won’t make your hands (or delicate items) dirty. YEAH! I am off today to buy 5 rolls. I imagine that they will last me until the next millenium!

Maja shares her ideas and hints for putting away and storing Christmas decor. She also helps you to organize her holiday decorations so that it’s much easier to find what you need next year!

Step #1: Get Bins to store your precious ornaments and holiday things in (sterilite containers at Walmart etc.)
Step #2: Get your Labels ready, mark down contents of every single bin (Maja uses 3×5″ inch cards and a black marker)
Step #3: Use the Mantra (top to bottom, left to right, focus, focus, focus)
Step #4: Tape gun at the ready
Optional Step #5: Create a Binder or Master list with the contents of each bin for easy reference, don’t forget to number the bins if you choose this method.

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