College Dorm Room Storage Ideas
Dorm rooms are not known for their size. Figuring out where to store everything needed for a school year in a small room you share with another person can be a challenge. Laura and I have moved 5 kids into dorms, so we know the skinny on college dorm room storage!
Here are some great dorm room storage ideas that make the space more organized and user-friendly! There are easy dorm room storage hacks for all the dorm room essentials and dorm room necessities.
The great thing about a lot of these ideas is that they are either hidden or utilize space above things that you have to have such as the bed and desk including dorm room under bed storage ideas and hacks.
Space in a dorm room, even some apartments, comes at a premium! You need to be super planful and intentional to create as much storage as possible! So let’s look at these College Storage Solutions for maximum storage in a tiny space.
*If you have a teen who is 18, please consider the following information.It is recommended that you get a power of attorney for the state that your teen goes to college in, as well as the state of permanent residence. Here is more info about each state’s requirements. The cost of these forms is so much less than going to an attorney, which I checked into before doing this. And, talk about EASY!
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College Storage Solutions: Our experience
We have moved two boys into dorm rooms, and both times, I remember how surprised I was by how tiny the rooms were! I cannot imagine how it would be to have a girl moving into one of those rooms because it was hard enough with boys who don’t really have a lot of “stuff”. These are ways that we created storage for them without giving up any floor space. I am sharing my dorm room storage ideas for guys based on our experiences.
If your teen complains about how cramped the room is, all of these ideas could easily be implemented immediately for a little bit of relief.
Dorm Room Storage Ideas: Tips for success
- Anything that you need to build, build ahead of time at home where there is room. Take it apart again if you need to to transport. Be sure you package and label all parts and pieces! Fill the the drawers at home with what the student has so that they know how much room they will have.
- Take a toolkit with you for small tasks that will come up at move-in.
- Take plenty of Command hooks -multiple sizes for so many things!
- Only mom, dad, and student allowed to go. Those dorm rooms are tiny! Any other family members need to have other plans. This is also good because younger kids will get bored with the whole move-in process.
- Pack the car in reverse -put the things you’ll want or need first into the car last so they are easy to get to. These would be things like: tools, hooks, power strip, food…)
- Pack a picnic because all eating places on and near campus will be packed! You can leave the leftovers for your student to finish off later.
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#1 Dorm Room Storage Ideas: Under Dorm Bed Storage
Bed Risers – Some colleges will do this for you, so ask ahead. This is what will give your student extra space under the bed.
Stackable Drawers – Essential for all the clothing that won’t fit into the tiny closet. These Like-It Modular Drawers can be arranged to fit in any space. Your student will still have them when they finish college because of their versatility and good quality unlike the cheap ones.
Under Bed Storage Containers – This is a good option if the beds are lower.
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Buy Now →#2 Dorm Room Storage Ideas: Over Dorm bed storage
Bookcase Headboard -More logical storage that won’t take up floor space.
#3 Dorm Room Storage Ideas: Beside the Dorm bed storage
Bedside shelf -This is great if there is no room for a bedside table.
Nightstand – Great for books, lotion, kleenex, and all the other things.
Stick on the wall caddy – Use Command Strips to hang this.
**Quick note -that is my cute son #2 on the left with his buddy back when they were freshmen!
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Buy Now →#4 Dorm Room Storage Ideas: Dorm Closet Storage
Magic Space Saving hangers -These are truly magical. Wish they had been around back in my day!
Over The Door Hanging Shoe Organizer – I still use this for all of my sandals. Never enough storage for all the shoes…
Storage mirror -This is a little pricey, but it’s great storage that takes up no floor space. Check with the dorm/apartment to make sure that you will be able to hang this where your teen will be living.
Over the door hooks -these can be hung on both the inside and outside of the door for coats etc.
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Over The Door Hanging Shoe Organizer
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Buy Now →#5 Dorm Room Storage Ideas: Dorm Desk Storage
Desktop Bookshelf – This is wasted space if you don’t use it!
Drawer Organizer Set – The space inside the desk should be organized, too.
#6 Dorm Room Storage Ideas: Extra random Dorm Room Storage
Refrigerator Cart -A fridge is necessary to eliminate or reduce snack runs. This will save money in the long run. And, here is a small cloth caddy for some extra organization.
Ottoman with storage -Extra seat. Extra storage. If beds are on risers, this makes a good step stool to the bed.
Hanging jewelry organizer -The one below locks, which would be good in a dorm room. Not for anything valuable, but could be hidden behind a shoe storage rack behind a door.
Rolling Cart – This can hold so many things, and then be rolled out of the way when not in need.
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Buy Now →#6 Dorm Room Storage Ideas: Dorm Bathroom Storage
Toilet Paper Holder Stand -great to fit in a tight spot
Under Sink Organizer – 2 shelves with lots of room for all the things
Adhesive Shower Caddy – great shelf space for shampoo, conditioner, etc.
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Buy Now →I hope these suggestions help you with College Storage Solutions
Be sure to check out my post about your teen turning 18, there are some really important things to know legally that you will want to go over with your teen!
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