Student Storage

10 Quick Dorm Organization Tips

College is stressful enough without a cluttered living space. Use these organization tips to help make your dorm room feel like home!

Front facing view of two decorated twin size beds on alternate sides, with a white cabinet in between as a night stand and a small lamp on each side
Photo by @dorm_decor

Let’s face it, college dorm rooms are tiny, and it’s especially noticeable when sharing your living space with one or more roommates. To prepare yourself for move-in day, learn to capitalize on the storage space you have using these top ten organizational tips and tricks:

1. Utilize Vertical Space

Use furniture, like stacking drawers, cubbies, or a foldable bookshelf, which sit tall and take up less floor space. Use a tall hamper, like this one found on Amazon, instead of a short, wide hamper to save space; the wheels make it easy to transport when full. Add a hutch to your desk to store books and other schoolwork if one isn’t already built in. Also, consider a rolling cart for a multi-purpose, vertical storage unit that is easily movable to fit any open space as needed.


2. Loft Your Bed

Lofting your bed can free up the space underneath for storing less frequently used items or appliances, like a mini fridge and microwave. Some beds can also be bunked to save even more space and make room for extra furniture, storage bins, and more.


Image of a decorated dorm room with a bed lifted by bed risers and storage bins tucked underneath
Photo by @thecontainerstore

3. Bed Risers

Some dorms don’t allow lofting or bunking. In those cases, invest in some low-cost bed risers. Add in some under-the-bed organizers and mini storage drawers to maximize floor space without creating clutter.


Image of a clamp-on bedside shelf with a book, phone, smart watch, and cup sitting on top
Photo by @ikhome_store

4. Use A Bedside Table

Consider a small bedside table, pocket organizer, or clamp-on shelf to conveniently place your alarm clock, phone, and other nightly essentials.


5. Get A Hanging Rack

Hanging racks can be repurposed at home and are great for the back of your door to store shoes, toiletries, and other small items. You can even get a hanging mirror or over-the-door hooks for hanging coats, towels, or a robe to free up wall and closet space for other items.


Image of a very organized closet with multiple hanging racks, baskets, and bins
Photo by @ocmcollegelife

6. Use Matching Hangers

Dorm room closets are not built to fit an entire wardrobe. Use space-saving, matching hangers and closet organizers, like hanging cubbies, to store shoes, shirts, and more. Insert a closet rod to also add more storage space when needed.


7. Switch Out Clothes Seasonally

Keep the bulk of what you don’t need at home and always hold on to some clothes for layering as temperatures fluctuate in between seasons, with a plan to update your wardrobe during breaks.


Image of an open drawer with shirts folded vertically
Photo by @mdesign

8. Enhance Dresser Space

Roll or tightly fold your clothes and store them upright instead of laying them flat. This not only saves room, but also leaves all clothing visible and easily identifiable.


9. Invest In Multi-Purpose Furniture

If working with an area that needs extra furnishing, like a common room, consider an ottoman, or a coffee table with shelves or drawers for extra storage space.


10. Use Command Strips

Command Strips offer a great way to hang items and maximize on wall space. Use flat strips to hang décor and Command Hooks, which are available in regular or heavy duty options, for hanging heavier items, like backpacks or purses.


College dorm rooms provide a great opportunity to think outside the box and get creative in a very limited space. They offer the ability to organize your life on your terms when other stressors, like classes, might be out of your control. While it can be daunting, there are many useful hacks and items to help transform your room into an efficient and comfortable space to relax and unwind, most of which can be conveniently purchased on a budget and from major retailers. If there isn’t enough room to bring everything back home when the semester ends, conveniently keep items for the next school year in a self storage unit.

Share
Email Facebook Twitter
Tagged as  Student Storage