19 Best Dorm-Room Storage Ideas and Organizers 2018

Experts scope out Ikea, Bed Bath & Beyond, the Container Store, and more to find the best dorm-room organizers, including Poppin desk sets, Steelcase filing cabinets, West Elm mirrors, underbed bins, wall hooks, over-the-door shoe organizers, etc..
A slightly more affordable option from Poppin. .
For many students, college is the first time they’ll independently manage their schedules without gentle — or not so gentle — nudges from parents and high-school teachers. A planner can help with this, but Colasanti also likes a big wall calendar for tracking assignments, extracurricular activities, and social events. “Try one with a simple design you can make your own,” she says, like this dry-erase calendar in a trendy rose-gold frame. .
We also like this soft-canvas, four-pocket caddy with spaces perfectly sized to fit a phone, water bottle, books, and more. .
Since most dorm rooms don’t come with a nightstand, a rolling cart does the job of holding a lamp or alarm clock, and wheels around the room to use for other purposes. “The beauty of this cart’s design is that it is appropriate for all ages and can even see a student through to post-graduation into their first apartment kitchen or bath,” says Aron. .
This slim rolling cart comes recommended from Wilkinson, who loves its clean lines, simple design, and bright-white color. “I find that white furniture and accessories often make a small bedroom feel more open,” she says. .
Aron says she’s “a big fan of Container Store’s clear plastic bins for their durability and versatility. [They] are easy to label, clean, stack, and use for various needs from clothing to shoes to food to paper products to bathroom goods.” See-through boxes cut down on time spent digging through bins to find exactly what you need. Kienzle also likes underbed storage bins that “can double as something else, like a nightstand, seating, or a surface to work on.” .
Beyond the basic bin, a vintage-style trunk, according to Kienzle, is a solid under-the-bed option that can be used as seating. You can also pack your clothing in the trunks instead of suitcases to save room in the car. .
For any other bits and bobs, like pot holders or dish towels, that are light enough to be hung but maybe don’t necessitate a whole rack, Lowenheim recommends using Command hooks, especially since they don’t damage rental walls. .
Another one of Wilkinson’s crisp-white picks, this shelf keeps small, assorted items from cluttering your desk and other surfaces. .
This under-$100 alternative would fit in well in a modern-styled dorm.

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