College Dorm Room Storage Ideas
Space Organizer Solutions for Your Dormitory Needs
Wondering how to fit all your stuff into a tiny dorm room? Here are some creative organization solutions to help keep your stuff in order.
Under the Bed Storage Space
If you need extra space, this is one of the first places you should look. This is a great place to store things you need but don't use very often, such as out-of-season clothing and reference books. One good use of this space is to purchase long, thin plastic storage bins that fit into tight spaces.
Closet Organizers
You can find a huge selection of closet organizers at discount stores and home stores. They can be a bit on the pricey side, so shop around-- but keep in mind that you'll be able to use these for years. You may want to look at the closet before purchasing organizers to make best use of your space. Closet organizers generally come in three varieties: stuff you hang up, stuff you stack, and stuff you attach to the backs of doors or the walls. You might also be able to hang up a second hanging rack in the closet. Organizers you can purchase for your closet include:
- Shoe rack, or over-the-door show storage shelves
- Small or large garment racks for stacking sweaters, linens, and other bulky garments
- Belt rings
- Jewelry organizers
- Stackable baskets to fit smaller items
Bedside Organizers
These handy "bed pockets" fit on the side or the end of your bed, and contain multiple pockets that are good for bath items, accessories, slippers, small linens, small school supplies, and all those other little things that create clutter. You can purchase a bedside organizer at a home store or discount store, or you can be creative and make your own out of some old tote bags.
Wall Hooks
For extra hanging space, attach wall hooks behind your dorm room door, closet door, and anywhere that there's a little room. Just be careful: any time you attach things to the wall, you need to make sure they're easy to remove and won't cause damage.
Easy Shelving Solutions
There's no need to lug a bookcase into your dorm room. Instead, take advantage of all kinds of easy shelving ideas to stack books, office supplies, clothes, linens, plates, and anything else. Since you may not have many square feet on the floor, take advantage of the space up. Some inexpensive and handy shelving solutions for a dorm include:
- Mesh shelves
- Stackable plastic drawer units
- Plastic totes (which you can stack on top of one another, or turn outward into a "bookcase")
- Plastic milk crates (an old but reliable solution)
- Plastic corner shelving (a great space saver)
- Instant bookshelves created with boards and bricks
Be creative! There's no need to spend lots of money to get the stuff in your dorm room more organized. Shop around for a few inexpensive products, and use things you already have to create some unique solutions. Good luck!
