Sending kids off to college for the first time or sending them back to college can be challenging.
For first-timers, the entire summer is pretty much spent thinking about what they might need and how to get it all and not forget anything.
Top 11 Dorm Room Storage & Organization Ideas
I remember when we sent our first son off to college for the first time. A group of church friends threw him a party and supplied him with almost everything he’d need!
We were thrilled. It was pretty awesome. So many of the things I would not have thought of, but they definitely came in handy for him for his first year.
The second year – he pretty much had all the college essentials, and we were able to add a few things to make things even easier for him since it was pretty much “been there, done that,” and he knew what he’d need and what he didn’t.
When we sent the second son off, he took much of what the first didn’t need anymore, so that made it easier, too.
You Might Also Like: College Dorm Room Essentials
Have you ever tried to organize a small space? A dorm room or your part of a dorm room is definitely a small space.
This post will help give you dorm room shopping ideas for organizing a dorm room or small space. Dorm room storage ideas can be difficult, too.
Dorm storage and college dorm room organization ideas don’t have to be difficult or expensive with these ideas and dorm room storage essentials. We have you covered, from dorm room storage bins to a dorm organizer or two.
1. Organize It All Metro 4-Tier Shelf
The Metro Collection 4-Tier Shelf adds valuable storage space. Specifically designed for the bathroom, these racks create extra storage space in your bathroom for decorative items, grooming necessities, bath towels, shower caddy, and so much more. Making them one of the best dorm room essentials there are and a great place to put all your bathroom college dorm essentials.
The frame is made of durable chrome tubing that withstands years of daily use. The simple, clean look allows this shelving unit to blend seamlessly with nearly any decor.
- Stylish
- Modern look
- Shelves for extra storage
2. Granite Interlocking Drawer Organizer
Create your own organizational structure with these interlocking bins, and dorm room storage drawers. Making them a great option and one of the top dorm room organization must-haves. Mix and match for any drawer size and storage need with a unique over-molded material to produce a stylish look.
- Madesmart Granite 8 Piece Interlocking Bin Pack (2 – 9.3″ X 6.3″ X 1.9″/ 3 – 9.3″ X 3.1″ X 1.9″/ 3 – 3.0″ X 3.1″ X 1.9″)
- Modular design.
- Granite.
- Mix and match for any drawer size and storage need.
3. Velvet Suit Hangers – 50 Pack
Clothes hangers are one of the essential dorm room items. How else will you hang up your clothes?
No Slipping
AmazonBasics hangers feature a non-slip velvet material that holds clothes in place without falling or sagging. The contoured shoulders keep clothes shapes while the additional notches help to keep accessories in place.
Space Saver
The hanger’s slim and sleek design allows you to maximize space in your closet while keeping your clothes secure while being stored. The durable and sturdy design is able to hold clothes up to 10 pounds. AmazonBasics hangers are available in packs of 30, 50, or 100.
Gray velvet surface and notched shoulders to prevent slipping
- Ultra-slim profile to maximize space in your closet
- Sturdy design can hold up to 10 pounds
- Ships in Certified Frustration-Free Packaging
4. Over-the-Door Shoe Organizer
If you need a storage solution for those extra shoes, then top dorm room essential is easy to assemble Over-the-Door Shoe Organizer from Whitmor’s Fashion Color Organizer Collection is the answer.
This shoe organizer is a snap to assemble using the provided hooks and hangs conveniently over any standard-sized doors. It has 24 pockets in the stylish and popular Java brown color.
Store and protect up to twelve pairs of shoes and instantly de-clutter your closet or bedroom it’s also an easy way to save your shoes from unwanted damage. Making this shoe rack perfect for dorm life.
Space-saving over the door hanging shoe storage, 24 roomy pockets. Hangs on standard inside doors. Hooks are present within the shoe pockets.
Made to last, with strong yet breathable fabric and reinforced seams.
- Over the door, hooks included, means no assembly is required. Hangs on a standard door or closet rod.
- 24 oversized pockets easily organize shoes, toys, accessories, cleaning supplies, and more
- Neatly stores and organizes 12 pairs of shoes without taking up any additional floor.
- Perfect for organizing bedrooms, closets, laundry room, playroom, and college dorms.
- Dimensions: 19″X64″
5. Cork Tiles, Cork Board, Cork Roll 8-Pack
Cork Tiles–All-natural cork material is both durable and tackable. Secure reminders and personal items such as notes, pictures, and letters to these customizable frameless and modular cork tiles using push pins. Each tile is 1/4″ thick, measures 12″ x 12″, and can be used alone or with others for a variety of needs. Adhesive self-stick tape included for mounting.
Cork Bulletin Board–Standard 3′ x 2′ cork bulletin board features an aluminum finish frame. Ideal for light to moderate display use, the tackable cork holds pinned documents securely in place. The natural, self-healing feature of the cork extends the surface life of the board. Mounting hardware is included.
Cork Roll–Great for craft projects at home, work, or school. Natural cork roll measures 24″W x 38″L but can be easily cut to size and shape you desire. The 3/8″ thick cork is ideal for absorbing sound, lining drawers, etc. Self-healing ability allows for long-lasting use. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed.
- 1/4 inch thick cork tiles are modular to create a customized bulletin board that holds push pins tight; for light use in low traffic work environments
- Each frameless tile is 12 x 12 inches; natural cork is self-healing for longer lasting use; adhesive tape is included for fast and easy hanging in any space.
6. Non-Skid 3-Tier Cabinet Organizer
Create more space in cluttered cabinets with this very functional organizer
- Each shelf is 2 3/4-inch deep, perfect for organizing spices, soup or vegetable cans, sauces, etc.
- Use outside the kitchen to organize cosmetics, perfume, skincare products, figurines, and office supplies; the possibilities are endless.
- Made from durable, long-lasting plastic with non-slip shelf lining
- Measures 3 1/2-Inch high by 8-3/4-inch deep by 15-inch wide; wipe with a damp cloth when needed
7. Over Door Quad Hook
If you’re looking for a great way to get clothes, hats, and more off the floor this InterDesign’s Axis Over Door Quad Hook is for you. It has a classic style that is great for hall entries, bathrooms, bedrooms, and mudrooms. Made of durable steel, it easily hangs over standard interior doors.
- Fits over interior doors up to 1.5″ thick
- Ideal for bedroom and bedroom closets for purses, scarves, clothes, jackets, towels, and more
- Made of durable steel
- 5.5″ x 4.75″ x 7.25″
8. Nylon CD/DVD Binder
Keeping all your CDs and DVDs in one place is always a good idea and an excellent way to stay organized. And nothing does that better than The AmazonBasics CD/DVD binder provides protection and storage for large collections of DVDs, CDs, and other discs.
With a tough exterior that zips to enclose your discs, the binder is perfect for taking your movies and music with you wherever you go. This case is also slim enough to fit under your dorm bed.
Lose the Cases
By storing your discs in the AmazonBasics CD/DVD binder, there is no need to take up space with bulky CD jewel cases or DVD/Blu-Ray cases. The binder lets you organize your collection however you choose with individual disc sleeves.
9. Whitmor Supreme Garment Rack
Extra shelves are always a must, especially for small rooms and college life. That’s why these shelves are one of the best dorm room storage solutions you can find when you don’t have much space to work with.
Instantly organize your clothing, shoes, and hats with this garment rack with top and bottom shelves from AmazonBasics.
The heavy-duty steel chrome shelving is adjustable so that you can customize it for your needs. Place your shoes, bags, and hats on one of the shelves for neatly organized and easily accessible items.
It can hold heavy winter coats and features smooth-rolling wheels for convenient portability. Great when you need temporary storage or something heavy-duty for year-round use.
- Heavy-duty garment rack with 1 clothes hanging bar accommodates up to 50 long or short garments.
- The top and bottom shelves are height adjustable in 1-inch increments and have a 250 pounds weight capacity per dorm room shelf.
- Chromed steel construction includes 4 wheels for mobility; 2 wheels locked for added stability.
- Assembled Dimensions: 18 L x 36 W x 70.25 H inches
- Easy to assemble with the tools provided
- Features top and bottom shelves for additional shoe and accessory storage
- For over 70 years, Whitmor has been bringing organization home. If you have questions or problems, please contact us for immediate assistance
10. Magnetic Small White Board Dry Erase
Perfect for drawing/writing at home or interactivity in a classroom setting. Large, easy-to-use, and maintained writing surface—plastic frame.
- MAGNETIC, LIGHTWEIGHT DRY ERASE BOARD: Keep track of tasks, messages, and grocery lists with the Kedudes Small Whiteboard. The practical size (11 in x 14 in) and lightweight frame are perfect to fit on your refrigerator, office or bedroom wall, locker, or carry for a personal handheld whiteboard.
- EASY INSTALLATION: Simple to install using double-sided tape or magnetic strips with adhesive. Includes markers come with built-in magnetic eraser caps and magnet clips to easily hang notes and papers to the board. No additional tools are needed.
- BRIGHT COLORS MAGNETIC MARKERS: Choose from 6 vivid colors in super value pack dry erase whiteboard markers to write, color, and draw. Magnetic eraser caps allow easy cleaning without additional whiteboard supplies and easy storage on whiteboards, fridges, or other magnetic material.
- SMOOTH WRITING & EASY CLEAN: The Kedudes Small Whiteboard provides a smooth writing surface for an effortlessly clean writing experience. Easily wipe all dry-erase markings with built-in marker erasers to remove any residue, and start fresh with a clean whiteboard.
- IDEAL FOR FAMILIES, KIDS, AND TEACHERS: Kedudes Small Whiteboard is perfect for refrigerator grocery lists, fridge whiteboard, goal tracking, small group instruction, teacher school supplies, personal handheld college student whiteboard, locker whiteboard, weekly planner, and more.
11. Hanging Accessory Shelves
Get shoes, bags, and accessories off the floor!
Never again find yourself wondering where to store your shirts, sweaters, or accessories in your small dorm room. Now you can organize them with this best dorm room essential for Hanging Accessory Shelves from Whitmor’s Fashion Color Organizer Collection. Available in the popular and stylish Java brown color, the shelves and are designed with five roomy shelves for storage. Keep clothing and accessories organized, clean, and wrinkle-free. A sturdy metal frame with included hooks allows you to easily hang this organizer on your closet rod, making this great addition to any closet in your home or office.
- Easy assembly, installs easily with chromed hooks that hang from the closet rod or garment rack.
- Whitmor’s closet organizer has a sturdy metal frame that hangs from the closet rod.
- This hanging organizer has 5 easy-access shelves to hold clothing, shoes, scarves, or accessories.
- Whitmor hanging organizer provides storage for children’s small clothes, toys, towels & accessories.
- Whitmor’s accessory shelves offer ample space for storage of sweaters, towels, hats & more.
- Dimensions: 11.5″x12″x42″
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Items To Add To Your Dorm Room Essentials Checklist:
- Mattress topper
- Shower shoes
- Bed storage
- Area rug
- Water bottle
- Mattress pad
- Mattress protector
- Alarm clock
- Laundry detergent
- Picture frames
- Coffee maker
- Good desk lamp
- Fitted sheet
- Throw pillows
- Laundry basket
- Storage containers
- First aid kit
Did we miss anything? Please share any tips or tricks you have about organizing a dorm room or a small space in the comments below.
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