Smiling university student preparing to leave for class with a backpack and coffee (iStock)
With several million college students returning to campus after winter break, the constant challenge of organizing dorms begins anew. With limited space and often shared living arrangements, students must make the most of every inch of their allocated room.
Most parents know that a tidy and well-organized dorm room can reduce stress, increase productivity, and create a more pleasant living environment, setting their student up for success in school. Whether you’re a freshman settling into dorm life or a returning student aiming for more efficient organization, learning how to stay organized is essential. Here are ten practical items to help college students maximize space and maintain order in their dorm rooms.
An over-the-door organizer with multiple pockets is perfect for storing shoes, toiletries or accessories. (Amazon)
An over the door organizer with multiple pockets like this JARLINK to Amazon it is perfect for storing shoes, toiletries or accessories. These organizers save floor space and keep frequently used items within easy reach, but still out of the way. Over the door organizers are also a great choice for storing shoes, which are a necessity but hard to store! Amazon also offers A with special slots for shoes that hold up to 22 pairs.
If you are one Amazon Prime Memberyou can get these items at your door as soon as possible. You can join or start a free 30-day trial to start your shopping today.
Stackable bins are great for maximizing vertical space and organizing everything from snacks to school supplies. (Wayfair)
Stackable bins like these from Sterilite at Wayfair they’re great for maximizing vertical space and organizing everything from snacks to school supplies. The six included drawers are clear, so you can easily see their contents. Make sure that add some tags to remember what’s inside at a glance and keep yourself organized as you take things out and put them away!
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A bedside box holds your phone, books, thermos and other overnight essentials. (Amazon)
A box by the bed like this Fabspace on Amazon can hold your phone, books, thermos and other essentials overnight. It easily attaches to the side of your bed, freeing up surface space and even works for bunk beds. If you’re on the low end and need something with a little more storage, grab it this 5-level rotary version at Walmart instead.
Use the unused space under your bed with slim zip-up storage containers. (Amazon)
Utilize the unused space under your bed with storage containers. Choose thin, clear plastic ones that have zippers for easy access. These are ideal for storing off-season clothing or extra bedding, and they’re a steal at under $10 for two! If you want something a little sturdier with pull-out drawers, take a look this under bed storage option at Wayfair.
A portable laundry hamper from Mainstays at Walmart is essential in a dorm room. (Walmart)
Whether mom is still doing your laundry or you’re tasked with taking it to the laundry mat, a foldable and portable laundry hamper like this one from Mainstays at Walmart is essential in a dorm room. It’s lightweight, holds up to 2 loads of laundry, has easy-grip handles and folds flat when not in use. If you prefer something a little more decorative and less obvious, check it out this canvas style on Amazon.
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Keep your desk clutter-free with a durable plastic desktop organizer. (Walmart)
Keep your desk clutter-free with a desktop organizer such as this durable plastic all-in-one at Walmart. It comes with compartments for pens, notebooks and other accessories. Feel like you need something a little fancier with a lot more storage space? Look this multi-layer desktop bookshelf at Wayfair.
Wall-mounted floating shelves provide additional storage without taking up space. (Amazon)
Wall-mounted ‘floating’ shelves provide extra storage without taking up space. Use these six simple shelves to display books, plants or decorative items. They come in a variety of finishes to match any decor and are easy to assemble with the included screws. If your dorm rules won’t allow drilling into the walls, look this version without training instead of Amazon.
A folding storage ottoman serves as seating, a footrest and hidden storage. (Amazon)
A storage like an ottoman this SONG at Amazon serves as a seat, a footrest and hidden storage. It’s perfect for storing blankets, magazines or extra supplies. Comes in many colors to choose from and folds up for easy storage! If space permits, a bigger version is available on Amazon with three compartments, perfect for the foot of the bed.
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A small magnetic board is perfect for jotting down reminders, class schedules, or to-do lists. (Amazon)
A small magnetic board like this Kedudes one on Amazon is perfect for jotting down reminders, class schedules, or to-do lists. It also includes six markers in different colors, so you can develop a color coding system to keep them all straight! You can also watch this great portable computer desk on Amazon that doubles as a whiteboard!
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A hanging closet organizer maximizes vertical space in your wardrobe. (Walmart)
A hanging closet organizer like this one from Better Homes and Gardens at Walmart maximizes vertical space in your wardrobe. There are six compartments for shoes, sweaters and accessories. Prefer something with dividers? Look this at Wayfair, which does the organizing for you!
