I am not a fan of wasted space. I like to make use of as much of it as we can, without feeling cluttered. One of the spaces that is easily wasted is under your bed. Even if your bed only rises a few inches off the ground, that is still a few inches of prime storage space. Think about how big the footprint of your bed is!
Well, storage should also be functional. You don’t want to just stuff things under your bed and never see them again. Even if you use plastic storage bins, you want to be able to get them out from under your bed easily. So why not turn them into drawers?
This post is a follow up to my DIY underbed drawers post. In that post, I used a bamboo bin to turn into a drawer. There are just a few adjustments I made when I used plastic instead of bamboo. I figured that people are more likely to use plastic bins as they are usually larger and less expensive than bamboo, so here is how you make a plastic underbed drawer!
Supplies:
- Plastic bin at least 2 inches shorter than the bottom of your bed frame (I got mine on sale from my favorite store- the Container Store)
- 1 inch tall casters (I used these)
- Short screws (I used 1/2 inch)
- A drill
- Masking tape
- Wood Shims
- Hacksaw or wood saw
Optional Supplies:
- Small washers
- Cute fabric scrap
- Hot glue gun
Step One
So the first thing you want to do is saw the wood shims to the appropriate length. If you don’t care about screws sticking up in the bottom of your bin you can skip the wood shims all together. But assuming you don’t want screws sticking up in the bottom of your bin, saw the wood shims so they are longer than the length of your casters to give yourself some room.
Step Two
Next you will want to tape the wood shim into the corner where you intend to place the caster. Don’t worry about taping it perfectly, this is just so it won’t fall off when you turn the bin upside down
Step Three
Turn the bin upside down and place the caster where you intend it to be. While holding the wood shim in place, drill the screw through the plastic and wood shim. If you need to, place a washer on the screw. I had to do this because the width of the screw head was smaller than the screw holes in the casters.
Step Four
Repeat step three for all holes on the caster. Then repeat steps two and three for each corner on the plastic bin.
Step Five
Turn over, remove masking tape, and admire your awesome new underbed drawer!
Optional Step Six
If you want to add a handle, simply hot glue a scrap of fabric to the side of the bin. I did this just for show. My handle is actually made of paper and is completely decorative and non-functional.
I love our underbed drawers! We keep shoes, duffel bags, and out of season blankets under our bed. In the guest room we keep out of season clothes and craft supplies under the bed.
They are so easy to get in and out now that I added the wheels. No dragging anymore!
How cute is that handle? Yeah I’ll never use it, but cuteness is important too.
This DIY was ridiculously easy. It only took me about 15 minutes (minus the trip to the hardware store to get the washers!). If I can do it, trust me, you can. I am definitely a DIY beginner and I did this myself.
Try making yourself some plastic underbed drawers and let me know how it goes for you!
Janelle @ MommyLivesClean says
I love this idea! We just moved our toddler into our six year old’s room. I want to keep some toys and activities in the room but we lost some space adding a crib, so this will be perfect. Thank you for the thorough tutorial! Pinning :-)
lydia lerma says
Great idea! Just what I needed.
Gloria Gauntt says
Love the idea, but I’m a little confused (not hard to do). Do you insert the screw from the bottom of the plastic bin or from the inside which seems logical to avoid items catching on the screw, but may not be so easy.
Susie says
I did it from the outside, but that sounds like a good idea. I agree that it will be harder to do though. I used little wood shims to keep the screw from poking in.
Dana Gentry says
Am I the only one who would have dust get up in these awesome under-bed rolling drawers?
Susie says
If you use one that has a lid it shouldn’t be a problem!
leanne says
You can also use E 6000 to hold on the rollers
Hayley says
Love this DIY project idea. Also love that purple bedding on the bed. May I ask where you found this beautiful comforter? Thank you
Susie says
It was made for me by my mother in law! She did an incredible job.
Sue says
This idea is great, but what I want to know is WHERE did you get that purple comforter/bedspread??!! I love it!!
Susie says
It was made for me by my mother in law! Wish I could recommend something, but it is one of a kind.