The best ways to save space in a dorm room!

This post is all about ideas for dorm room storage.

When you’re living in a dorm, it is absolutely ESSENTIAL to know the best dorm room storage hacks because otherwise, it feels like you just don’t have enough space for all your stuff. The ideas for dorm room storage in this post are not only practical and creative, they also will make your dorm room super organized AND aesthetic.

What’s not to love?!

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll earn a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Our full disclosure policy is pretty boring, but you can read it here.

BEST ORGANIZATION IDEAS:

1. Under-the-bed organizer

These drawers are perfect for under the bed, especially if you use bed risers or loft it. This gives you extra space to store clothing or other belongings without taking up any of your precious (and minimal) floor space!

2. Multi-purpose nightstand

Having a nightstand like this is great because you can easily stick in a cube organizer or a small organizer drawers in the bottom shelf of this nightstand to give it some extra storage and organization!

[RELATED POST – Adulting Tips That Will Make Your Life Unbelievably Easier]

3. Twin bed shelf headboard

Getting a headboard that has shelf space for your dorm is genius because you’ll be able to fit tons of stuff over your bed without it looking cluttered!

4. Foldable cube organizer

These foldable cube organizers are so convenient to use under your bed or in your closet. I’ve used these in the past and they’re great!

5. Space-saving hangers

I’ve seen tons of college students use these because they seriously save so much space. If you have lots of clothes that you want to bring and don’t think you’ll have space in your closet, these space saving hangers are a must-have!

6. Desk hutch

Having a desk hutch is another must if you’re in a small dorm because it will add so much more storage space to your desk without taking up too much of your work space!

7. Dorm storage ottoman

Having a dorm storage ottoman is genius because they can be used as a seat, they look really good, but they also hold a lot of stuff! Lots of students put them next to their bed or, if they have a bunk bed or loft bed, they might keep this underneath.

8. Over-the-door storage rack

Ok obviously the one in this picture wasn’t in a college dorm… haha! But you get the point: these over-the-door racks are seriously so helpful for storing little things and the best part is that they don’t take up any of your floor space!

9. Bedside storage caddy

Tons of students use bedside storage caddies like this and they’re insanely convenient! Plus the ones linked here come in all different kinds of colours.

10. Stick-on bedside wall caddy

I only found out about these stick-on wall caddies recently and I can’t believe I didn’t know about them before because they are GENIUS!! So perfect for holding little things like your phone, keys, or airpods.

11. Over-the-fridge rack

If you have a mini fridge in your dorm, getting one of these over-the-fridge racks is such an essential for maximizing your space. It means you don’t lose the floor space that your fridge is taking up; you actually gain space with all the extra shelving.

12. Mini fridge caddy

This is one of the most common ideas for dorm room storage that I see college students doing. If you have a mini fridge, mini fridge caddies are just such a simple way for you to store stuff without taking up much space.

13. Hanging cubbies

I had hanging cubbies like this for YEARS and loved it (sadly it got lost in a move). This is an amazing dorm closet organizer idea!

14. Over-the-door shoe rack

I also used to have an over-the-door shoe rack and it really comes in handy if you’re a shoe hoarder (like me). There really isn’t much space in a dorm room for lots of shoes so if you love having footwear options, this is an essential for you!

15. Bed risers

You’ll want to check what dorm room beds your college has before getting these because some dorms already have adjustable beds that you can loft. But if not, you might find bed risers super helpful to get an extra few inches of storage underneath your bed!

16. Storage mirror

These storage mirrors are so clever – multi-functional, useful, and you’ll want a mirror anyways, so why not make the most of it?

17. Command hooks

Command hooks are a perfect for hanging your jacket, keys, towels, robe, or really anything to save a bit of space and make those items super convenient to grab! They’re so strong, so you really won’t have to worry about them falling off. I used command hooks religiously in freshman year and I still use them to this day!

18. Shower caddy that you can hang

This mesh shower caddy is so perfect because not only is it spacious, you can also hang it in your closet or from a command hook. That way, it doesn’t take up floor or shelf space and it’s super easy to grab when you need it.

19. Hanging jewelry organizer

If you love your jewelry, having a hanging jewelry organizer like this is a must. Super easy to mount when you move in and it’ll keep all your jewelry where you can see it!

20. Desk drawer organizers

If you want to maximize your space in your desk drawers and keep your supplies super organized, these drawer organizer bins are a must. I’ve used these for as long as I can remember!

21. Desktop organizer

Having a compact desktop organizer like this is so useful for stuff you want to keep handy, and keeps your desk way less cluttered!

[RELATED POST – Desk Organization Ideas for Students That Will Boost Productivity]

22. Clip-on bedside reading light

If you’re looking for realistic dorm room ideas, one huge tip I have for you is not to bring a floor lamp or bedside lamp. Instead, get a clip-on bedside light. It won’t take up ANY floor or nightstand space that you might want to use for other things.

Plus, if you have a roommate, this is an absolute dorm room essential because you can keep a smaller light on without disturbing them.

23. Clip-on desk light

Similarly to the last one, you don’t want to waste desk space with a lamp that has to sit on your desk surface. Grab one of these clip on desk lights!

24. Shower curtain rings for hats and scarves

Isn’t this the most genius dorm storage hack ever?!

Having enough closet space is a huge struggle in college. But keeping all your hats and scarves on a hanger with shower curtain rings saves so much space.

25. Under-bed storage bags

Storage bags are not only a good dorm room storage hack, they also keep your clothes/blankets/whatever you choose to put in them super clean and protected. Plus, they fit so much stuff.

26. Under-bed rolling wire cart

Under-bed rolling wire carts are super useful for holding things like towels, clothes, or just things you want to be able to get at super easily.

27. Makeup organizer

If you’re bringing makeup to college, having a good makeup organizer is probably one of the most obvious but important ideas for dorm room storage. Super organized and accessible way to store your makeup!

28. Clear storage drawers

A lot of students use clear storage drawers under their bed to hold clothes. Clear storage drawers are durable and honestly perfect for dorm room living.

29. BedShelfie

BedShelfies are one of my favourite ideas for dorm room storage because they’re not just useful, they also look super cute. BedShelfies are the perfect place for your phone, airpods, a book, or anything else that you would normally keep on a nightstand.

Which dorm room storage ideas are you going to use? Leave a comment!

This post was all about ideas for dorm room storage.

OTHER POSTS YOU’LL LIKE:

Desk Organization Ideas for Students That Will Boost Productivity

Study Tips in College + Items You Need to Succeed

Goal Setting Advice for College Students to Succeed