A few years ago Ikea used to do really strong cardboard boxes about 75cm x 50cm x 20cm that were ideal for sliding under a bed. One could fit 8 of them under a normal double bed. More recently Argos did a cheap version in plain brown cardboard - not as strong but really cheap. Now, neither seem to be available. DIY stores sell hard plasic boxes on wheels but I'm not keen on the looks and they are a lot more expensive. Any alternative ideas?

You can get cheaper plastic boxes on wheels from Wilkinson's

No idea on cardboard boxes. Have you tried stationners? They usually sell archive boxes, though these are expensive IMO.

Ary.

Did you know you are disrupting the calming Chi energy in your bedroom by storing unused things under your bed

'The chi energy that flows through this area is very yin (passive) and will want to meander lazily. If your bedroom is crammed with too many items the flow of chi will be hindered, denying you the relaxation and rejuvination you seek. Clutter may also reveal the state of your love life. Is there a subconscious desire to keep a partner out of your life ?

The energy traps

Too many clothes...
On top of wardrobes...
Dressing tables...
Under the bed... It is tempting to store things under the bed, but if you do, these items will create 'stuck' energy. Your bed should be a place that encourages good health and romantic happiness, but sleeping over this heaviness can bring restless sleep and may disrupt your love life.'

Taken from one of those 'clearing the clutter' books I've collected

I can assure you I would be a lot less calm if all the stuff that I could fit under the two double beds in my house were piled up in other places.

My missus has bought a few storage boxes from Ikea - really handy for under bed storage. infact, they do boxes specifically for underneath the bed. Search for 'Storage Box' on the Ikea website and see what they have - it just produced 34 results for me, a lot of which are similar to the one you describe

I'd recommend Viking Direct's archive boxes - they're cardboard but really strong.

http://www.viking-direct.co.uk/catalog/catalogSku.do;js...?N=2&pr=Q27&id=ASB10

Watch out on the website though as, being an office supplier, they temd to quote prices ex.VAT.

Yes, storing stuff under your bed traps Chi energy... but it is less bad than piling stuff in such a way that it blocks the passageways / floor spaces around your house.

It is less bad to hide clutter, than it is to store it within sight.

Properly neatly packed boxes should not stagnate Chi energy any more than would having a solid bedstead.

Ary.

That's what I thought. Whilst generally I have no time for spiritual stuff I do agree with the de-clutter thing. I thought that having things stored neatly under the bed in nice boxes was a pretty good compromise.

Thanks for the ideas everyone. Unfortunately the current Ikea boxes aren't as big as the ones I had before. I'll look through the other site too.