6 College Dorm Space Savers You’ll Love

April 17, 2024

Heading off to college is a time of major change. You’re faced with a new environment, new people, and new living arrangements — including, for many, sharing a room for the first time (often with a stranger!).
One of the biggest surprises might be how tiny dorm rooms are, with barely enough room for one person, much less two. The dorm essentials on your college packing list should include dorm space savers. Here are some helpful ideas to consider.


1. Raise the Bed

Many colleges offer the option to “loft” your bed or raise it a few feet off the ground. This may allow room for dorm furniture such as your desk and mesh office chair to fit under your bed. 

You may also be able to fit stackable storage containers or a bookcase to save space and keep your dorm essentials organized. Adding personal touches, such as photos, artwork, or plants on the bookshelf, can make your dorm room feel like a home away from home.

Even if you choose not to loft your bed, you can still create extra storage space under your bed by using bed risers.

2. Upgrade Your Vertical Space

There’s only so much floor space, but there may be a lot of wall space to utilize. While you’ll want to show your unique style and hang your favorite posters or other wall art, you can also use that space for dorm storage. 

Consider using a skinny shelving unit or cube storage bookcase to hold everything from electronics to grooming supplies. You can also mount a wire shower caddy or small storage baskets to corral your college school supplies. Over-door hooks and coat racks can hold your backpack, winter coat, or bath robe.

3. Use the Tops of Furniture Wisely

Most dorms come with a desk or bureau, and those flat surfaces can easily become a catch-all for any number of things you just set down. Help avoid the urge to create unwieldy piles by getting a desk organizer. Use bookends and wall files to contain your academic planner, notebooks and paperwork.  You can also put your computer monitor on a monitor stand to provide storage space underneath it for your laptop.


To keep things off of your desk top you can also use drawer organizers inside your desk to hide and sort college school supplies like pens, highlighters, scissors, sticky notes, and tape. With a wireless mouse and keyboard you can minimize cord clutter on your desk top.

4. Maximize Your Closet Space

When you’re unpacking all your college dorm essentials — and, let’s face it, feeling eager to head down the hall and meet your neighbors — you might be tempted to toss things in your closet willy-nilly. But approaching your closet space thoughtfully will pay dividends down the road. 

Consider getting creative with your closet organization, using things like an over-door organizer or laundry organizer. Over-the-door shoe organizers can be a versatile organizational tool. They will keep your shoes off the floor, but they can also be used to store other items such as hats, scarves, and toiletries.

5. Unpack, Then Repack

Your suitcase, that is. Once you’ve taken out your clothes and other dorm essentials, repack the suitcase with things you won’t need as often, like out-of-season coats and boots or extra towels. 

You can stow the luggage under your bed or on the closet floor, so it’s out of sight but easily accessible.

6. Multi-functional Furniture and Accessories

Since college dorm rooms can be cramped quarters, it can be essential for students to maximize their space with multi-functional furniture and accessories. Consider using a storage ottoman or storage trunk to hide textbooks, clothing, and other supplies. It can double as extra seating in your dorm.

Another dual-purpose item is a futon, which can be easily converted from a couch to a bed. A mobile storage cart has multiple shelves or drawers that may be used to separate things like snacks, school supplies, and cleaning supplies. When not in use, they can be rolled under a desk or into a closet. A desk lamp with a built-in wireless charger or USB port can be a useful, dual-purpose addition to your study space.

Follow the Rules

Before putting these dorm storage supplies on your college packing list, it is a good idea to read the school’s policy about hanging things or decorating your room.

Many college students typically use damage-free hanging strips, adhesive hooks, painter’s tape, and mounting putty to hang or mount things temporarily on their dorm walls. These options can make removing wall-mounted storage and decorative items a breeze at the end of the school year.