28 Dorm Room Organization Ideas That Will Help You Breathe Again In a Tight Space
Want to know how to organize your dorm like a pro? Here are 28 game-changing dorm room organization ideas that will help you maximize your space.
If you’re reading this post, it means you’re probably moving into a dorm soon. So congratulations because this time of your life is super exciting!
And even though moving into a dorm is super fun, you have to know how to best utilize your limited space or you probably won’t be able to fit everything you want into your cramped room.
Dorm living is all about getting creative with your space and finding different storage solutions that best fit your dorm and your lifestyle.
This post is going to show you all of the best dorm organization ideas so you don’t have to worry about not having enough storage space in your room.
You’re going to find out about all of the best dorm room organization ideas from dorm room organization ideas storage, closet organization ideas dorm room, dorm room organization layout, and more.
Here are all of the best dorm organization ideas that you can use to make your tiny space feel huge (or at least much bigger than before!).
This post is all about the best dorm room organization ideas that even your RA will be impressed by.
Best Dorm Room Organization Ideas:
1. Under-the-Bed Cubbies
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The first place that you’re going to want to utilize in terms of storage is the space under your bed. This will BY FAR give you the most amount of room to store everything. Yes, even more than your closet (don’t count on being able to fit a ton in her closet, they’re actually super tiny).
The nice thing about cubbies is they can hold a lot, they’re super easy to access, and they’ll make the space under your bed look put-together without even trying.
You can also take the organization one step further with the cubbies by categorizing each bin. For example, if you’re using it to store clothes, dedicate one basket for jeans, another for shirts, one for pajamas, and so on.
You’ll be surprised how much you can fit into these bins!
2. Narrow Rolling Cart
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The key to getting the most storage space out of a small dorm as possible is squeezing storage into even the smallest of places.
You’re going to have a lot of narrow slivers of space in your dorm, just with the way furniture fits and the layout of the room.
Instead of leaving those spaces empty, a narrow storage cart will help you squeeze in more storage. You can fit quite a bit onto these carts so it’s definitely worth it for the extra space.
3. Foldable Storage Crates
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Foldable storage crates are great for organizing your clothes, especially under the bed.
They’re also really convenient if you’re flying out of state for college because they’re super compact and won’t take up a ton of luggage space, so they’re something you can get before moving into your dorm.
When looking for dorm organizers you want something that’s good quality but also durable. And unlike anything that’s made of wood, you don’t have to worry about these chipping or cracking, so you know they’ll last you all year!
4. Bedside Caddy
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A bedside caddy takes up almost no extra room! But it’s super nice for storing your devices, a couple of notebooks or journals, and your water bottle.
Especially since if you have a nightstand, it won’t have a ton of space to put everything you want easy access to while laying in bed.
It’s kind of a no brainer, you get extra storage space (that you’ll definitely need!) and it won’t make your dorm feel cramped.
5. Bathroom Shelving Unit
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If you have a community bathroom you’re going to use for your dorm, you don’t have to worry about this one. But if you have a private bathroom that you’re sharing with a couple of other girls, you’re going to want some sort of storage unit to put all of your toiletries and makeup.
A tiered organizer is great because you can even go in on it with your roommates and each girl can get a level of the organizer to store her stuff.
All you need is a small corner for this organizer and your bathroom will have so much more storage space to work with!
6. Full Length Storage Mirror
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You’re definitely going to want a full length mirror somewhere in your dorm! It’s one of the non-negotiable items that you’re going to use multiple times a day. So why not get one with its own storage space?
That way you have a designated place for all of your jewelry and you don’t have to worry about shoving it in some drawer because you don’t have space anywhere for a jewelry organizer.
7. Under the Shelf Organizers
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Any vertical shelf space you have can be turned into additional storage with these organizers. You can get a ton more storage space with these especially if your items leave space between the next shelf.
These are also great for pantry spaces to make the most of limited space. These are pretty sturdy but make sure not to put anything too heavy in these, just to be safe! 😉
8. Hanging Shoe Cubby
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Shoe storage is always a problem in the dorms. I get it, you want to bring a lot of shoes because you never know what you’re going to be doing or what events you’re going to be going to, and you want to have options.
But, that means you’re going to have to get creative when it comes to storing your shoes, because they take up A TON of space. A hanging shoe caddy will be one of your best options and it can hold up to 12 pairs of shoes! That’s pretty dang good for a dorm!
You can hang this on this side of your wardrobe, or put it on the inside of a closet door (ideal if you don’t want to look at it everyday).
9. Hanging Closet Organizers
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As I’ve mentioned earlier, the closet space you have in a dorm room is almost nothing! You think it looks like a pretty decent size until you start putting all of your clothes in it, and then you quickly run out of space!
To get the most out of your tiny closet, space saving hangers will actually DOUBLE your closet size. I’m being 100% serious! They’ll be a life saver for all of your hanging clothes.
But if you want to keep folded clothes in your closet (maybe above your small drawer chest), hanging cubbies will give you that extra room and easy access to all of your clothing staples.
10. Desk Hutch
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Some dorms already come with a desk hutch (so make sure to check your school’s website). But if not, you’re going to want to get one for all of the extra storage space it’s going to give you!
Chances are, you’ll probably be using your desk area to do school work and as a vanity for getting ready in the mornings, so the more space you have to put your school supplies AND any makeup and haircare, the better!
You can never have enough desk space in the dorms! It’s going to be one of your most-used spots in your room.
11. Under-the-Sink Storage
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This is another bathroom storage option if you have a dorm suite and are sharing it with a couple of other girls.
A lot of the dorm sinks will be stand alone and won’t have storage underneath, so in that case, you might want to try to fit some extra storage in the space because why not? If you don’t put something under the sink for extra storage, it’s just going to be wasted space!
12. Floating Cabinet
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A floating cabinet is great if you have wall space that you don’t know what to do with. The only thing with this organization idea is you have to be careful how you hang the cabinet.
You can definitely do it with the help of command strips (the dorm room holy grail!), you just have to make sure you don’t put anything too heavy in it. You don’t want it coming out of the wall!
13. Utility Storage Cart
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A utility storage cart is something every college student should have! Whether you’re living in a dorm or apartment, this piece will never not be useful! There are so many different things you can use it for so it’s a super diverse piece that will give you the extra storage space you need.
If you’re a freshman moving into the dorms, you’re definitely going to be using this all throughout college, so it’s worth the investment (it’s only $35!).
Just some ideas of how you can use one of these storage carts:
- Nightstand
- Book Cart
- Food Storage (your mini pantry on wheels)
- Makeup/Haircare
- Coffee Cart
14. Use a Drawer Unit as Your Nightstand
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As tempting as it is to go for the cheap organizers to save money, it’s actually going to cost you more in the end because they won’t even last you the entire year. You’re better off investing a little more so you can use these organizers beyond your freshman year.
Using a drawer unit like this one for your nightstand might be a little more pricey, but it’s going to give you SO much storage space! It’s also a great height for the tall dorm beds.
And this piece is one you are going to be able to use for years because of how good of quality it is!
15. Kitchen Storage Unit
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You can create your own little dorm kitchenette with this one! Even if you don’t cook in the dorm, you’re going to want storage space to put your snacks and drinks that don’t go in the fridge.
You can even add a coffee maker on the top (if you’re not a morning person, get a small coffee maker so you’ll make it to your 8 am classes).
You can also double up on this storage idea and use one of the bins for your cleaning supplies.
16. Command Hooks to Hang Bags and Keys
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Remember how I said command hooks will be your best friend in the dorms? Well this is one piece of advice you’re going to want to take to heart!
There are so many spots like on the side of your desk, or really any furniture, that you can put a couple of command strips to give you extra hanging space for bags, keys, hats, wallets, etc.
It’s always good to have one of these packs on hand. Trust me, you’ll find uses for your command strips in no time!
17. Coffee Cart
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If you’re a big coffee drinker (kinda hard not to be in college haha), a small cart is the perfect way to create your own little coffee station.
You can store your coffee maker on top, get a jar for your coffee pods, use the bottom level for all of your coffee cups and creamer. And viola! You have your own mini Starbucks in your dorm.
I know it’s not the same, but a daily Starbucks run is going to hurt your bank account!
18. Small Foldable Storage Crates
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Foldable crates are great for storing smaller items, especially toiletries and anything that could potentially leak (they’re super easy to clean out). They also take up almost no space while folded so you can easily buy a pack and tuck a couple away for future use!
This is one of the more affordable organization ideas that won’t let you down!
19. Storage Ottoman
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A storage ottoman is something I wish I knew to buy for my dorm room. It’s seriously so useful and great for storing things you don’t want out in the open!
It also serves as extra seating for when friends come over. Or a place to put your pile of clothes when you don’t feel like folding them (we’ve all been there!).
20. Double Fridge Storage
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This one is actually genius, but you have to get a little creative with how you do this. Nothing like a good DIY!
If you want to replicate what’s in the photo, put stack two, two-unit cubbies on top of one another on each side of the mini fridge, Then add one of the shelves on top (you’re going to want to use putty or some sort of adhesives to do so it stays in place).
Then add the wireless light under any section you want to be lit (super helpful for making late night snacks lol). And there you have your own mini fridge storage set-up! One side for you, and one side for your roomie.
21. Shoe Rack
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A shoe rack won’t give you as much storage space as a hanging shoe cubby will, but it’s also a lot more compact, and you can fit this one under your bed, which is great for quickly grabbing your shoes and heading out the door for morning lectures.
This one is also something else you’re going to want to keep for your apartment!
22. Storage Nightstand
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No matter what you use as your nightstand, you’re going to want to make sure it has a lot of storage!
This is one of the few items you might want to get something that is labeled as a “dorm nightstand” because it will be taller so you can reach it when you’re in bed, and a lot of them have built-in outlets so you can charge your devices (total life-saver!).
23. Clothing Rack
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A clothing rack is only something I recommend if you have extra wall space. So you might want to save this idea until after you move into your dorm and see what the layout looks like.
If you do end up having the space, this idea is super cute, gives you extra storage space (almost like an additional closet), and serves as a decor piece as well!
24. Small Dresser
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Your dorm will have its own “dresser” but you’re probably going to need more space than that to put all of your clothes. If you have some space between your bed and desk (always measure first!), you can get an additional small dresser for anything that doesn’t fit in your closet or under your bed.
This is going to be especially helpful if you’re using the space under your bed for other items and need an additional spot for clothes or any leftover items that don’t have a home.
25. Over-the-Fridge Storage Unit
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The nice thing about an over-the-fridge storage unit is, it helps you make use of the vertical space above your fridge without taking up almost any additional floor space.
You can use this to store dishes, snacks, your coffee maker, and anything food or drink related! This idea is super helpful if you’re working with a really tight space.
26. Peg Board
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A peg board is a great way to get hanging storage, without having to worry about putting holes in the wall (use command strips to hang this one!).
You can use it to store extra school supplies, makeup, hair care, and customize it with the different bins and organizers it comes with. This once also comes in square units so you can change up the shape to best fit your wall space.
27. Over-the-Door Hooks
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If you have a closet door in your dorm, add some hooks on the inside. This will give you space to hang your jackets and coats so it’s not taking up hanger space in your actual closet. I mean, minus well get some additional storage space from the closet doors right?
This post was all about the best dorm room organization ideas that even your RA will be impressed by.
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