For many people, decorating a college dorm room is their first foray into interior design. What better way to show off your skills than by transforming a dull, drab dorm room into a cozy oasis? ! But since your dorm room will serve as a bedroom, living room, kitchen, and study space all at once, you’ll need to get creative to keep it organized.
As someone who lived in a dorm during college and then moved to an even smaller apartment in New York City after grad school, I’m something of an expert on how to make the most of small spaces. So to help your semester go more smoothly, I scoured the web for the best dorm organizing tips.
My pro tip? Look for multifunctional pieces, like a storage bench, a shelf that doubles as a phone charger, or under-bed storage that can be easily pulled out for display. You can also use decorative pieces like curtains, pegboards, and stylish baskets to make your dorm room both cohesive and functional.
Not only will this velvet-upholstered ottoman add some sophisticated texture and color to your dorm room, it’ll also provide a convenient place to hang blankets, games, and other items you bring along. Plus, it’s a versatile piece for your home that you’ll be able to use long after college, and at under $100, it’s a steal.
Since you’ll likely be late for class, make getting dressed in the morning easier with these foldable organizers—this set includes 12 felt boxes to store t-shirts, leggings, bras, and more. I personally like the 5-inch tall boxes, which allow you to fold or roll your clothes and store them neatly.
Your desk doubles as a study space and a vanity, so invest in a colorful vanity organizer to keep all your essentials within easy reach. It features countless compartments to store foundation, nail polish, powder, and more—all in a sleek 6 x 9-inch case.
I know this isn’t technically a storage shelf, but placing this cute lamp on top of some bulky textbooks will make your bookshelf look cozy and warm without creating clutter. I personally like the petite size, which doesn’t take up much space but still adds personality.
Create instant storage solutions for textbooks, pantry items, storage containers, and decorative items… the possibilities are endless with this geometric shelving unit. It’s available for just $40 at Target, and it seems like a steal considering all the organizational work it’ll do in your dorm this year.
I may not have to move into a dorm this spring, but I added it to my Amazon cart to keep my jewelry from cluttering my desk. I love the vertical design, which saves space and has lots of unexpected compartments for rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets.
To keep my small closet organized, I purchased this hanging sweater organizer from Amazon. It has hooks for hanging clothes on a clothes rod, and six separate compartments for storing items like folded sweaters and jeans. Plus, I love that it has extra drawers so you can make the most of each compartment.
As a student athlete, I used under-bed storage bins to organize my workout clothes in my tiny dorm room. This storage bin has wheels on the bottom, making it easy to slide in and out, and I love that the lid folds down so I don’t have to take the entire bin out every time.
Want to make your space feel more comfortable and inviting? Try adding texture and warmth to offset harsh dorm lighting. West Elm wicker baskets add a natural touch that fits perfectly with feminine and rustic design aesthetics. Plus, we offer a wide range of sizes to fit your specific needs.
Okay, maybe it’s not the most attractive option for shopping, but! These sticky charging cable organizers make it easy to find all your chargers without taking up too much space. Stick them to the side of your desk or bed frame and never worry about cords falling behind your furniture again.
Even if it’s just a guess, I’m sure you’ll need a lot of these bins in your dorm. Whether you use them to store toiletries, clothes, or organize your kitchen, these multi-purpose storage boxes are versatile enough to last you well beyond the semester.
You’ll need a laundry basket to carry dirty clothes in and out of the laundry room, but its collapsible design is an added bonus. When not in use, you can tuck it into the corner of your closet without taking up much space.
Let’s face it: If you store all your clothes in drawers or boxes under your bed, they’re bound to get wrinkled. This handheld iron only takes up a few inches of space, but it can remove wrinkles from your favorite clothes in seconds, making it a must-have iron for small spaces in my opinion.
This tabletop shelving unit will instantly add some much-needed shelving to your dorm room. Over 12,000 user reviews confirm that it’s easy to assemble, and we love that it comes in six different wood tones to match the rest of your furniture.
If you’re lucky enough to have your own bathroom, this narrow cart will come in handy for storing all your hairdressing tools, cleaning supplies, extra toilet paper, and more. Tip: Keep a few small plastic boxes on the shelf to store hair ties, cotton swabs, and other easily lost items.
My favorite trick for hiding clutter under the bed? A ruffle bed skirt. The product has more than 43,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, and shoppers say it’s super easy to install, even under thick mattresses.
If you share a bathroom with roommates, these dorm-friendly shower shelves should definitely be on your shopping list. There’s a reason this set is an Amazon bestseller: The adhesive on each shelf can hold up to 40 pounds without falling over.
If you don’t have your own shower, I personally recommend this storage box for shampoo, conditioner, skin care products, etc. The mesh fabric prevents water from pooling, which is important for preventing bacteria growth.
If you decide to raise your bed, you’ll likely have to spend a lot of time looking for your phone charger when it falls out of the gap between your bed and the wall. That’s where this damage-resistant stand comes in handy… It attaches to the wall with adhesive tape and can serve as a wireless charger for your phone.
These magnetic organizers are not only great for storing spices, but they can also make your mini fridge more practical, so you always have the cutlery and kitchen utensils you need.
Samantha is the Lifestyle & Business Editor at Hearst Magazines, covering fashion, fitness equipment, technology, and trending products. She has over six years of editorial experience writing, editing, and hands-on product testing for business coverage — whether it’s an in-depth sneaker review or a roundup of the latest Prime Day deals. As an avid runner and former Division I athlete, Samantha has a wealth of knowledge in fitness equipment, apparel, footwear, and technology. (In fact, when she’s not at her desk, she’s probably running.)
Samantha’s work can be found in Cosmopolitan, Good Housekeeping, House Beautiful, Country Living, Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, PEOPLE and more.