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- TIPS & IDEAS -

21 Dorm Storage Ideas
& Creative Organization Tips

A view of various underbed storage bins and baskets stacked and stored under a twin XL dorm bed

Setting up your new college dorm room is an exciting rite of passage. You get to style your space however you want, but if you’ve brought more things than you have room for, decorating could be a challenge. Cut down on clutter and stay organized with our top dorm storage ideas and space-saving solutions.

 

 

1. Conceal Your Stuff With Underbed Storage Bins

Long underbed storage bins provide ample space to store bulkier clothing items when not in use and can be stored and stacked underneath a dorm bed

Underbed storage boxes and bins are the perfect space-saving solution for any room featuring a bed with a little bit of clearance below it. Sock away shoes, clothes or books to keep them out of sight but still accessible.

 

 

2. Use Storage Containers for Clothes & Laundry

A three-tier floor storage system holds extra clothes and can be tucked under a lofted dorm bed 

If you have a ton of clothes, it’s essential to have plenty of storage options for both the clean and the dirty pieces. Laundry can quickly take over a dorm space, so use containers to replace or supplement a packed dresser or maxed-out closet.

 

 

3. Hang a Wall Organizing System

This pinboard features a storage cubby and a calendar dry-erase board making it multifunctional and space-saving in a small dorm room set-up

Wall storage organizers are perfect for students who spend a lot of time studying in their rooms. They keep important study items in one place and give you plenty of added storage. Look for nail-free options that include whiteboards or calendars so you can use them to stay on top of due dates and deadlines.

 

 

4. Have a Place for Bathroom Accessories

A black shower caddy featuring multiple compartments to store shampoo, hair brushes, a towel, and other bath essentials makes dorm life super easy

Most bathroom accessories are small, but keeping your space organized means giving those little things places to exist. Don’t forget to add bathroom storage pieces that can help keep track of your essential beauty and hygiene items.

 

 

5. Embrace Baskets and Storage Bins

A group of stackable dorm storage bins creates additional ways to store items under the bed and in the closet

Have lots of small items to keep straight? Keep plenty of storage baskets around to organize everything from headphones and school supplies to chargers and blankets. This prevents them from cluttering up the floor or other surfaces, helping you keep your space looking clean and organized.

 

 

6. Use a Towel Hanger

A white standing towel hanger offers additional space to store and hang your towels in the bathroom or in your dorm room

If you often find yourself dropping your towel on the floor or draping it over a chair after a shower, it may be time to level up your storage. Keep wet towels off the floor and furniture with a towel hanger.

 

 

7. Try a Bedside Shelf Setup

The no-nails white shelving ledge doesn’t damage dorm walls and provides extra space above and near the bed to store and charge your phone and other tech accessories

The space above and around the bed is easy to overlook, but it provides a great opportunity to add storage. Try mounting a shelf that can provide a home for extra accessories, like your iPhone or Airpods, as well as some of your favorite decor.

 

 

8. Use a Jewelry Stand

This white-and-gold jewelry stand holds necklaces and earrings and also features a single drawer to store away other special belongings

Ever lost a single earring, misplaced a cherished ring or had a chain get irreparably tangled? Save yourself from these heartbreaking casualties by organizing your favorite pieces with a jewelry stand or box.

 

 

9. Declutter Your Dorm Desk

A black metal desk accessories set helps to declutter your dorm desk area and holds all of your school supplies in one place

It can be hard to get homework done when you can’t find your trusty highlighter, pen or tablet charger. Employ some desk accessories to keep your desktop clear of clutter and your essential supplies at the ready.

 

 

10. Keep Dirty Laundry in Laundry Backpacks

A pink laundry backpack perfect for dorm laundry and storing dirty clothes out of sight.

Laundry bags, laundry backpacks, and clothes hampers are absolute essentials for dorm rooms. By storing dirty clothing in a ready-to-go bag or foldable hamper, you can get your clothes to the laundromat and back to your room in record time.

 

 

11. Get Ready With an All-In-One Makeup Station

This mini rolling beauty storage cart holds all your hair and makeup essentials and is slim enough to reduce its footprint in a small space

Don’t think you have room for a dedicated getting-ready space in your dorm? Think again! With the right organizational pieces like a hanging organizer, wheeled cabinet and multipurpose mirror, you can turn a corner of your room into a space for storing and applying all your beauty supplies.

 

 

12. Treat Your Wall Storage Like Decor

Light-up wall shelves display and store shoes in a fun way

When implementing minimalist dorm room ideas, it’s important to make storage work creatively. For items you’d like to store but that represent your personality, try keeping them on the wall with cool-looking display hardware.

 

 

13. Store Odds and Ends in a Catchall

The Quinn woven storage hamper is a chic catchall for laundry or storing away items you want out of sight

Catchalls are versatile storage pieces that can keep smaller items out of sight while blending in with your decor. Add one or two to your dorm space to store anything from shoes and blankets to headphones and electronics.

 

 

14. Use Versatile Decor

A no-nails jewelry holder meets pinboard adds dual functionality in this wall organization piece

Effective dorm room organization is all about multifunctionality. When selecting decor, look for pieces that have added utility like storage alternatives, charging ports or extra display features.

 

 

15. Expand Your Workspace With a Desk Riser

A gold metal desk riser provides a perfect resting spot for a laptop and creates added space on the desk

Find it hard to get work done with a cluttered desk? Try adding a riser to give yourself more desktop storage options and create a more organized, clearly defined layout. 

 

 

16. Replace a Vanity With a Mounted Beauty Station

A mini beauty get-ready station that acts as a vanity conveniently mounted to the wall

Used to having a full-size vanity? You can still get all the space you need to get ready for the day with a mounted beauty station. This alternative features clever, efficient storage and takes up much less space than a traditional vanity.

 

 

17. Double a Storage Piece as Your Dorm Nightstand

A group of three monogramed storage trunks for ultimate dorm room storage

Saving space in a dorm room is all about making the most of every piece of furniture. Try replacing a traditional side table or nightstand with a trunk. This will give you the surface you need while adding extra storage options.

 

 

18. Increase Under Bed Storage Space With Bed Risers

A close-up image of a bed riser that features a power outlet and is used to loft a dorm bed higher in order to create under-bed storage space.

Don’t have enough clearance for your underbed storage containers? Add risers to each of the legs to lift the frame, which should open up more essential storage potential.

 

 

19. Enhance Your Closet with Hanging Storage 

A closet featuring hanging storage organizers to neatly store clothes and shoes

If your dorm closet isn’t cutting it, try enhancing it with vertical hanging storage. This is also a great storage hack for spaces that don’t have ample closet space and creates additional room for storing clothes and shoes.

 

 

19. Make Your Extra Seating Storable

A faux brown leather lounge accent chair that conveniently folds up and can be stored away to create more space in a small dorm room

To get the most out of your dorm room, it’s essential that your furniture optimizes your storage potential. But that shouldn’t come at the expense of comfort. Look for lounge seating options that can be easily folded or stored when you’re not using them.

 

 

21. Don’t Skimp on Shelving

Two black no-nails shelving ledges hold a clock, books, and a pair of headphones, and are conveniently located above the dorm bed for extra storage space

Shelves can be storage space saviors in a dorm room. They provide added surfaces for dorm essentials without taking up extra floor space. Just be sure to check with your RA first before drilling any holes!

No matter what size space you have, there are tons of ways you can open it up with efficient, creative dorm storage ideas. These tips and organization solutions should help you cut the clutter by adding more storage options in your new room!

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