Storage Beds Are Brilliant Until You Treat Them Like a Cupboard
Let’s get one thing straight. Storage beds are not magic boxes that thrive on neglect.
They are clever, hardworking bits of furniture that lift, slide, hinge and carry the weight of your life. Shoes, spare duvets, winter coats, that one suitcase you refuse to unpack.
Look after them and they’ll serve you faithfully for years. Ignore them and they’ll start sticking, squeaking and sulking.
This Care & Maintenance guide is your no nonsense handbook to keeping your Funkybedz storage bed smooth, sturdy and drama free.
Why Storage Beds Need Extra Care
A standard bed frame mostly just sits there looking good.
A storage bed works.
It has moving parts, lifting mechanisms, hinges, drawers and weight bearing panels. All brilliant. All needing a bit of love.
This applies whether you’ve got an Ottoman Storage Bed, drawers or a lift up design.
Rule Number One: Don’t Overload It
This is the biggest mistake people make.
Just because the storage space exists doesn’t mean it’s indestructible.
Avoid storing:
- Damp items
- Excessively heavy boxes
- Loose clutter with no structure
Spread weight evenly and keep things tidy. Your bed notices.
How Often Should You Empty the Storage?
No one loves this job. Still needs doing.
Every 3 to 4 months:
- Empty the storage area
- Vacuum inside
- Wipe surfaces with a dry cloth
This prevents dust build up, moisture and that weird smell no one wants to talk about.
Ottoman Beds Need Smooth Lifting
If you’ve got an ottoman style bed, the lift mechanism is the star of the show.
For beds like our Gas Lift Storage Beds:
- Lift slowly and evenly
- Never yank or drop the frame
- Make sure nothing blocks the mechanism
If lifting starts to feel stiff, stop and check. Forcing it only causes damage.
End Lift vs Side Lift Beds
Different lifts, same rules.
With End Lift Storage Beds, ensure clear space at the foot of the bed.
With Side Lift Storage Beds, make sure weight inside is balanced left to right.
Uneven loading is a fast track to squeaks and sticking.
Drawer Storage Beds Need Cleaning Too
Drawer beds are brilliant until the drawers stop gliding.
If you own Storage Beds with Drawers:
- Remove drawers every few months
- Vacuum runners and tracks
- Check nothing has fallen behind
Dust and grit are the enemy of smooth movement.
Check Fixings Twice a Year
Storage beds experience more movement than standard frames.
That means bolts and screws can loosen over time.
Every 6 months:
- Tighten all fixings
- Check hinge plates
- Listen for new noises
This small habit prevents big problems later.
Ventilation Is Not Optional
Storage beds trap air by design.
If you don’t ventilate them, moisture builds up quietly.
Simple fixes:
- Open the bed fully once a week
- Avoid pushing the bed hard against cold walls
- Never store wet fabrics
Your mattress will thank you too.
Protect the Mattress While You’re There
Storage beds and mattresses are a team.
Rotate your mattress regularly and use a protector.
If you’re unsure about mattress condition, our Mattress Lifespan Calculator helps you decide if it’s time for a refresh.
Fabric Storage Beds Need Extra Attention
Upholstered storage beds look unreal when clean.
They also show neglect quickly.
Vacuum fabric surfaces weekly and spot clean spills immediately.
For fabric specific advice, check our Fabric Care page.
Common Storage Bed Mistakes to Avoid
- Slamming the lift shut
- Using storage as a dumping ground
- Ignoring new squeaks
- Storing food or liquids
Your bed is furniture, not a loft.
When to Get Help
If a mechanism feels off, don’t guess.
Forcing parts can cause permanent damage.
If you’re unsure, reach out via our Contact page and we’ll point you in the right direction.
FAQs: Storage Bed Care
How much weight can a storage bed hold?
It varies by model. Spread weight evenly and avoid overload.
Why is my ottoman bed hard to lift?
Usually uneven weight or blocked mechanisms.
How often should I clean inside storage?
Every 3 to 4 months.
Can storage beds damage mattresses?
No, not when ventilated and maintained properly.
Do storage beds wear out faster?
Only if neglected.
Storage beds are one of the smartest bedroom upgrades you can make. Treat them right and they’ll quietly make your life easier for years. Treat them badly and they’ll let you know.
