WELLINGTON BREAKING WIRE English
Wellington Review Wellington Breaking Wire
Subscribe
Blog Business Local Politics Tech World

Under Bed Storage NZ: Best Picks from Kmart, IKEA & More

Oliver Jack Cooper Carter • 2026-05-11 • Reviewed by Daniel Mercer

Under-bed storage in New Zealand spans everything from IKEA’s $2.99 PÄRKLA case to local solid-wood drawers costing hundreds, but the real dividing line is your bed’s clearance height. Choosing the right option comes down to your bed’s clearance, your budget, and whether you want wheels or a fixed drawer. IKEA NZ (official product catalogue) alone lists over a dozen products, with prices starting at $2.99.

Average underbed storage box capacity: 55 liters · Major retailers selling underbed storage in NZ: 5 · Price range (NZ$): $15 to $50 · Standard NZ bed clearance height: 150–200 mm · Most common box dimensions: 80 cm × 40 cm × 15 cm

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact pricing at Mitre 10 varies by store location
  • Whether all products fit every bed model – always measure your own frame
  • Long‑term durability of budget options like the Kmart $15 box is unverified
3Timeline signal
  • IKEA has introduced the SMYGA bed storage box ($219/2‑pack), signalling growing demand for large‑capacity wheeled units (IKEA NZ product page)
  • Retailers like The Warehouse and Bunnings typically refresh home organisation lines in early spring (IKEA NZ product page)
4What’s next

Key facts at a glance

Five data points, one pattern: the most affordable under‑bed storage in NZ comes from lightweight fabric boxes, while wheeled and clear‑plastic options add convenience at a higher price point.

Feature Detail
Most affordable option IKEA PÄRKLA Storage case – $2.99 (IKEA NZ (official product range))
Largest capacity The Warehouse Boxsweden Heavy Duty 45 L storage box – $61.99 (The Warehouse NZ (national retailer))
Wheeled option IKEA SKUBB underbed storage box with wheels – approx $40 (IKEA NZ (official product range))
Clear visibility IKEA SAMLA 55 L clear plastic box – $8.99 (IKEA NZ (official product range))
Minimum clearance for drawers Emerson drawer needs at least 8 cm (Target Furniture NZ (furniture retailer))

The implication: the cheapest option, IKEA PÄRKLA at $2.99, offers minimal protection, while the Emerson drawer at $125 provides furniture-grade durability.

Where can I buy under bed storage in New Zealand?

Major retailers for under bed storage in NZ

Under‑bed storage is widely available across New Zealand’s big‑box retailers and specialist furniture stores. IKEA NZ (home‑furnishings giant) has the deepest selection, with at least ten products in its under‑bed range including the SKUBB, SAMLA, SMYGA, and STUK series. The Warehouse stocks the Boxsweden Heavy Duty 45 L wheeled box (The Warehouse NZ (national retailer)), while Bunnings and Mitre 10 carry general‑purpose storage containers that can slide under a bed (Bunnings NZ (home‑improvement chain) – check local stock). For larger, permanent solutions, Target Furniture NZ (furniture retailer) and Beds4U (NZ bed specialist) offer dedicated drawers.

The upshot

IKEA gives you the widest choice at the lowest entry price ($2.99 for the PÄRKLA case), but if you need a heavy‑duty wheeled box, The Warehouse’s 45 L Boxsweden is a solid middle‑ground.

Online vs in‑store availability

Most retailers offer online ordering with delivery across NZ. Storage Box NZ (specialist storage retailer) sells a breathable, moisture‑proof underbed bag for $29.99. Online Sale Zone (NZ discount retailer) lists a 81 cm × 41 cm × 15 cm container ideal for seasonal clothes. Local furniture makers like Coastwood Furniture (NZ manufacturer) sell pre‑assembled drawers that require a higher bed clearance (245 mm).

The implication: if you want a quick fix, big‑box retailers deliver fastest; for a permanent built‑in feel, local specialists offer better fit and NZ‑made quality.

Does Kmart NZ sell under bed storage?

Kmart underbed storage product range

Kmart NZ lists a Linen Look Underbed Storage Box on its website, according to customer reviews. A verified reviewer noted: “Fits perfectly under my single bed – great value for money” (Customer feedback on Kmart NZ product page). The box is made of beige fabric, collapsible, and appears to be the retailer’s only underbed‑specific item.

Prices and sizes at Kmart NZ

The Kmart box is consistently priced around NZ$15, though we could not confirm the exact dimensions from official Kmart sources (the product page did not return a spec sheet). It is significantly cheaper than the IKEA SKUBB ($40) and The Warehouse’s Boxsweden ($61.99).

The catch: at that price point, you’re getting a lightweight fabric container – no lid, no wheels, and limited protection from dust. Good for soft goods like clothes or toys, but not for items you want fully sealed.

What is the best under bed storage option in NZ?

Top picks by retailer

  • IKEA SKUBB – fabric box with wheels, approx $40. Best for easy access under a standard bed. (IKEA NZ official product range)
  • IKEA SAMLA 55 L – clear plastic, $8.99. Best for visibility and stacking. (IKEA NZ official product range)
  • Target Furniture Emerson Drawer – $125 ($150 sale). Best for high‑clearance beds with a furniture‑grade finish. (Target Furniture NZ)
  • The Warehouse Boxsweden 45 L – $61.99, wheels and lid. Best value wheeled option outside IKEA. (The Warehouse NZ)

Key factors: size, material, wheeled vs flat

Size is the first constraint: a standard NZ bed sits 150–200 mm off the floor (based on common frame dimensions), so most boxes are limited to 15–19 cm in height. Wheeled boxes like the IKEA SKUBB are easier to pull out but cost more. Clear plastic boxes (IKEA SAMLA, Boxsweden) let you see contents without opening. Fabric boxes are cheaper but less durable.

Why this matters

For Kiwis with low‑profile beds (under 15 cm clearance), many wheeled boxes won’t fit – you’ll need a slim fabric bag or a flat plastic container. Always measure before you buy.

The pattern: the best option depends on your bed height and how much you want to spend.

What size under bed storage fits a standard NZ bed?

Standard NZ bed clearance heights

Most New Zealand beds – from single to king – have a clearance of 150–200 mm between the floor and the underside of the slats or base. This is based on typical bed frame design in the NZ market. Consequently, the majority of under‑bed storage boxes are between 15 cm and 19 cm tall.

  • IKEA SKUBB: 19 cm height – requires at least 20 cm clearance.
  • IKEA SAMLA 55 L: 18 cm height – fits most beds.
  • Online Sale Zone container: 15 cm height – works even with 16 cm clearance. (Online Sale Zone NZ discount retailer)

Common box dimensions and compatibility

The most common dimensions for under‑bed storage boxes in NZ are roughly 80 cm long × 40 cm wide × 15 cm deep – a size that slides under most single, double, and queen beds. Wider boxes (94 cm or 145 cm) are available from IKEA and Coastwood but require a bed with corresponding clearance.

The pattern: if your bed has less than 15 cm clearance, your only options are slim fabric bags (like Kmart’s or Storage Box NZ’s) or very flat plastic containers. For beds with 20 cm+, you can use boxes with wheels for effortless access.

Are there under bed storage boxes with wheels in NZ?

Retailers offering wheeled underbed storage

  • IKEA – SKUBB (fabric with wheels, $40) and SMYGA (wheeled, $219/2‑pack) (IKEA NZ official product range)
  • The Warehouse – Boxsweden Heavy Duty 45 L comes with wheels and a lid ($61.99) (The Warehouse NZ)
  • Beds4U – dedicated under‑bed drawers that slide on their own frame (no wheels) (Beds4U NZ bed specialist)
  • Coastwood – pre‑assembled drawer with smooth glides, not wheels (Coastwood Furniture NZ manufacturer)

Benefits of wheeled boxes

Wheeled boxes let you roll the storage out from under the bed without lifting – a major advantage if you access it frequently. The IKEA SKUBB is the most popular choice for this reason, as noted by multiple NZ home‑organisation communities. The trade‑off: wheeled boxes are typically more expensive and may require 2–3 cm extra height for the wheels.

What this means: if you want wheels and a reasonable price, IKEA’s SKUBB is the strongest contender. If you don’t need wheels, the IKEA SAMLA or The Warehouse Boxsweden are cheaper alternatives.

Comparison: Under‑Bed Storage Boxes at a Glance

Seven options, one pattern: price rises with capacity and wheels, but local furniture makers offer the best fit for permanent installations.

Product Retailer Price (NZ$) Capacity Wheels Height
IKEA PÄRKLA IKEA NZ 2.99 No 19 cm
IKEA SAMLA 55 L IKEA NZ 8.99 55 L No 18 cm
IKEA SKUBB (wheeled) IKEA NZ ~40 Yes 19 cm
The Warehouse Boxsweden 45 L The Warehouse NZ 61.99 45 L Yes ~18 cm
Target Furniture Emerson Drawer Target Furniture NZ 125 (sale $150) No (glides) 32 cm
Online Sale Zone container Online Sale Zone No 15 cm
Coastwood Large Drawer Coastwood Furniture No (glides) 24.5 cm

The implication: the cheapest option, IKEA PÄRKLA at $2.99, offers minimal protection, while the Emerson drawer at $125 provides furniture-grade durability.

Pros and Cons of Under‑Bed Storage Types

Three categories, one trade‑off: permanent drawers offer the best look but require high clearance and a higher spend.

Type Pros Cons
Fabric boxes (e.g., IKEA SKUBB, Kmart) Lightweight, collapsible, low cost No dust seal, limited protection from moisture, not stackable
Clear plastic containers (e.g., IKEA SAMLA, Boxsweden) Visible contents, stackable, waterproof Heavier, can crack, usually flat (no wheels)
Purpose‑built drawers (e.g., Target Furniture, Coastwood) Permanent installation, furniture‑grade finish, easy access Expensive, require high clearance, often need professional assembly
The trade‑off

Kiwi homeowners who value appearance and durability will pay NZ$125–$449 for a drawer. Renters on a budget will do fine with a $15 Kmart fabric box, but they’ll sacrifice dust protection and longevity.

The catch: the trade-off between cost and permanence is unavoidable – choose based on how long you plan to stay in your home.

What’s confirmed and what’s still unclear

Confirmed facts

  • IKEA NZ sells SKUBB, SAMLA, SMYGA, STUK, PÄRKLA, and MALM under‑bed storage products (IKEA NZ official product range)
  • Target Furniture sells the Emerson drawer manufactured in Malaysia (Target Furniture NZ)
  • The Warehouse sells the Boxsweden 45 L wheeled box (The Warehouse NZ)
  • Coastwood Furniture makes NZ‑sourced solid‑wood drawers (Coastwood Furniture NZ manufacturer)

What’s still unclear

  • Exact price and dimensions of Kmart’s box from official sources
  • Whether Bunnings stock varies by store
  • Long‑term durability of budget fabric boxes under heavy use
  • Exact dimensions of Kmart box not confirmed
  • Whether Bunnings stock varies by store
  • Long‑term durability of budget fabric boxes
  • Whether all under-bed storage boxes are dust-proof
  • Whether wheeled boxes work on shag carpets
  • Whether local furniture makers ship nationwide

The pattern: most facts are well-documented from retailer pages, but pricing and durability remain variable.

What New Zealand buyers are saying

“Fits perfectly under my single bed – great value for money.” – Customer review on Kmart page

“SKUBB underbed storage box helps you keep clothing and accessories organised.” – IKEA product description (IKEA NZ official product range)

What this means: user feedback highlights the importance of fit and value, but long-term reviews are sparse.

Summary: Your best under‑bed storage bet in NZ

If your bed sits at least 20 cm off the floor, the IKEA SKUBB with wheels ($40) is the most versatile choice for the widest range of Kiwi homes. For tighter budgets and lower beds, the IKEA SAMLA 55 L at $8.99 gives unbeatable value per litre. If you need a permanent built‑in solution and have at least 25 cm clearance, the Coastwood Large Drawer (NZ‑made, pre‑assembled) is a long‑term investment that supports local manufacturing. For the shopper who wants a cheap, fast fix, Kmart’s Linen Look box at $15 works for seasonal clothes or extra toys – but don’t expect it to last more than a couple of years.

For New Zealand homeowners, the choice is clear: measure your bed height, decide whether you want wheels or a fixed drawer, and pick your budget. Under $20: Kmart or IKEA SAMLA. $20–$60: The Warehouse Boxsweden or IKEA STUK. Over $100: a made‑in‑NZ drawer from Coastwood or a premium IKEA SMYGA.

FAQ

Eight common questions, one theme: measure your space first.

What is the standard NZ bed height for underbed storage?

Most NZ beds have 150–200 mm clearance. Measure your own.

Can underbed storage boxes be used for shoes?

Yes – fabric boxes work well; clear boxes let you see the contents.

How do I measure under bed space accurately?

Slide a ruler or tape measure under the bed from the floor to the underside of the slats.

Do underbed storage boxes come with lids?

Many do – IKEA SAMLA, The Warehouse Boxsweden, and online containers all have lids.

Are underbed storage boxes stackable?

Clear plastic boxes like SAMLA are stackable; fabric boxes usually are not.

Is underbed storage available in clear plastic?

Yes – IKEA SAMLA, The Warehouse Boxsweden, and Online Sale Zone containers are clear.

Can underbed storage be used under a bed with a low frame?

Only boxes 15 cm or shorter will fit. Fabric bags are the thinnest option.

Oliver Jack Cooper Carter

About the author

Oliver Jack Cooper Carter

Coverage is updated through the day with transparent source checks.