26 Best Dorm Room Storage Ideas - College Dorm Organizers

2022-07-10 18:23:27 By : Mr. Potter Li

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Tips so clever your roommates will ask to share notes!

Summer seems to be flying by so there's no better time to think about dorm room storage. Back-to-school shopping and packing can get incredibly hectic, especially when worrying about fitting everything you own into your tiny dorm room. Thankfully, Clever Storage 101 is officially in session!

First of all, the key to small-space living is organization. A tiny space often comes with limited storage, so as you're planning things out, you need to find new ways to put away your stuff. This means looking up your walls and down under the bed—make sure to use up every inch of what you have so there's a place for all the items you own.

If you're moving into a dorm this fall or you're getting future students ready for their first semester, these are the most clever and design-forward dorm room storage products out there. Between the challenges of cinderblock walls to a roommate (or two) you have to coordinate with, stick to our tips and you'll have a foolproof floor plan in no time!

Keep books, homework essentials, and decorative pieces neat and stylish on a desktop shelf, which comes in multiple colors and can be configured in different ways.

Store your signature fragrance and cosmetics in a glamorous antique mirror. Then, give yourself a second look before heading out the door!

An over-the-door rack can be used for just about anything and it's a sleek upgrade from the usual door-hanging storage situation.

Similar to fabric cubes, these can fold up when not in use, but you're also able to stack and slide them out like drawers—perfect for building a cubby system inside your tiny dorm closet.

Hang a caddy over the side of your bed frame for your phone, tablet, remote, journal, and whatever else you like to keep nearby while you're lounging. It's a simple way to keep what you need easily accessible.

Instead of throwing your laundry on the floor or a desk chair, toss items in a hamper on your door. The ledge is the perfect place to store detergent and stain remover, too!

If a fabric caddy isn't your thing, and you find yourself wishing you had a nightstand, this bedside shelf that attaches to the bed frame, will do the trick. It's available in several colors and can hold up to 15 pounds, so even placing books on it is safe.

Honest Review: "Gave this to my daughter for her first year in college. She had no idea how much she'd use the Shelfie! She has the original size. It attached to the side of her bed easily. There was no assembly required. She keeps her phone/charger & water bottle on it all the time."

Bed Bath and Beyond collaborated with Eryn Donaldson, professional organizer and founder of The Model Home, to create a collection of sophisticated organizational products. Keep your laundry off your floor and tucked into this chic felt hamper.

Speaking of going vertical, a metal rack adds tons of storage above your mini dorm fridge and microwave, giving you a place to store snacks, pantry items, and more.

Whether you're a shoe fanatic or overpacked for the semester, a multi-functional shoe storage box set will declutter your space. Plus, a 20-count clear box set lets you find your favorite pair of shoes or scented candles quickly.

Honest Review: "Wow these are awesome! I love that they come in a pack of 20...The boxes are nice and sturdy and the best part — see through! The lids are see through also, but come off semi-easy so beware! Other than that, it's a great product worth the money."

One of the easiest ways to fit more into your tiny dorm room? Add shelving above your bed! Use it to store things and show off your favorite decor, without worrying about mounting anything to the wall. Bonus: it's half off for a limited time!

In a rush? Here's an extra functional way to check your mail and grab keys before heading to class.

You can also use the wall space next to your bed to add a stick-on caddy, which gives you a place to put your phone and anything else you need nearby while you snooze.

Honest Review: "I got this for my son's room because he is forever losing his remote control and his phone in the bed. This has really helped him stay organized. He can put his phone, smartwatch, glasses, and tv remote here when he lays down to go to sleep and since installing it a couple of weeks ago he has not lost any of those things. It was very easy to install. "

One of the most important things to score before you go off to college is a bath caddy for toting your shower essentials to and from the shared bathrooms. We love Pottery Barn Teen's because the straps are long enough to hang on the door.

Next, drape a fabric caddy (which doubles as an over-the-door solution) to your mini-fridge. It attaches with magnets, giving you a place to store cutlery and dishes.

If you're living off-campus and using a sleeper sofa, a zipper bag with sections, like this one, lets you safely store off-season clothes and extra linens under your bed without getting them dusty.

And for items you want to store under the bed but use frequently, go with a rolling under-bed cart. It'll make grabbing those pieces and putting them back a total breeze, while still letting you use as much space underneath as possible.

If you don't have a dresser in your dorm room or anywhere else for folded clothes, hang a cloth shelf system from a closet rod to create one alongside your hangers. It keeps the floor space free leaving you a spot for shoes and luggage.

Whether you're a budding makeup guru or a seasoned pro, a makeup organizer keeps your desk flawless.

Honest Review: "Storage capacity is perfect. I’m used to rummaging through my makeup drawer. I thought having something on top of my counter would bother me during it doesn’t!"

If you have a bigger shoe collection, you're going to need an over-the-door shoe rack. This rack fits 18 pairs and can be placed behind your closet or dorm room door.

Section off your drawers by adding in these adjustable, extendable dividers to create designated spaces for your apparel.

Rearrange your beloved magazines or postcards with hanging baskets. Anthropologie's brass plated organizer is easy to clean and install.

If you have the space for it, a sleek utility cart gives you space to store whatever you want: Pantry essentials, books, bath and beauty products—you name it. On top of that, you can move it around as often as you'd like since it's on wheels.

For those getting a full-length mirror, opt for a style that opens up to reveal space for jewelry or other small accessories.

Or, go with a leaning mirror that features hooks for bags, scarves, or blankets. This option comes in black or white, and three bars you can hang stuff from.

Add a little more storage to your wall with an organizing system that you can customize with shelves, caddies, whiteboards, books, cork strips, and more. Ideal for the space above your desk, or right by the door to your room.