Today we’re sharing our ultimate guide to dorm organization.
College will teach you many life lessons, but the first one I learned my freshman year was this: dorm rooms are small. My first year at Flagler, I shared a dorm with three other girls and quickly learned how valuable every square inch of space could be.
I also discovered that the key to having more space is to be organized.
The Ultimate (Free!) College Packing List
Wondering what to bring to college? Check out our complete guide to everything — and we mean EVERYTHING — you need to bring to college.
Now that my senior year has rolled around, I thought I’d share with you some of the best dorm organization tips out there, in order to help you to utilize those precious square inches and enjoy every bit of small-space living.
{RELATED POST: Our All-Time Favorite Room Organization Tips}
Here are my top dorm organization tips that every student needs to know, with some dorm organization items to make life easier.
Also, if you’re living off-campus, no worries, these will all work for you too!
Table of Contents
Try a Multi-Functional Lamp with Storage
Since space is so limited in dorms, items that are multi-functional– like this desk organizer lamp— are ideal.
In addition to providing light, this cute one from Dormify also acts as a pencil cup and has a holder/hook-up for your phone!
Use a Bedside Caddy to Keep Your Bed Area Organized
Let’s be real — there isn’t room in many dorms for standard bedside tables. So in such a small space, it’s important to be creative.
A bedside caddy like this one from Dormify is the perfect alternative to a table. Just tuck this between your mattress and box spring and you’re good to go. It also has an extension cord holder, plus room for books, glasses, and water bottles to keep you organized.
Related reading: The Best & Cutest College Bedding for 2022
Get Yourself a Makeup Mirror That Does Double Duty
If you wear makeup or do any kind of skincare or grooming routine, you need a decent makeup mirror in your room. To save space and stay organized, get one that does double duty, like this mirror that provides storage for your go-to cosmetics below.
This dorm room organization tip is especially great if you have a simple makeup routine you want to do before class. Just keep your basic essentials in your mirror and you won’t forget them as you get ready.
Related reading: 16 Genius Makeup Organizer Ideas to Try ASAP
Invest in a Good Laundry Hamper (Ideally with Wheels)
A laundry hamper is a must-have for any dorm room closet, and I especially love the style above because it’s nice and neutral (and comes in a variety of colors, if beige isn’t your thing).
While many college must-haves lists will tell you to buy a pop-up hamper, I swear by the wheeled hampers. Sure, they take up a little more space, but not having to lug heavy clothes back and forth to the laundry room makes them worth it.
Convert to Slim-Line Hangers in Your Closet
Slim-line hangers will give you more space for clothes because the hangers are much thinner than normal ones (hence the name). You can get a 30 pack of them at Target and trust me, you’ll be buying them for the rest of your life because you’ll never look back.
They’re also made out of a non-slip material, so your expensive top won’t slide off the hanger and end up crumpled on the floor like it could with plastic hangers.
Try Hanging Shelves to Change Your Closet Forever
Running out of room in your dresser? Hanging shelves like these from Amazon will give you more storage for your clothing.
They take up a small bit of space in your closet but can hold tons of sweaters, jeans, and other bulky items.
Related reading: 25 Best Dorm Room Design Ideas for Your College Room
Invest in a Holder for Your Blow-Dryer
Every girl knows that you do not want to just throw a hot blow dryer in a drawer on its own (hello, fire hazard). But that means you end up just tossing it on the floor or your desk — not exactly an organized solution.
A holder for your blow dryer solves this problem. This sleek adhesive one attaches to walls, cabinet doors, or drawers, so your blow dryer has its own spot out of the way — so easy and convenient.
Try an Adjustable Shoe Rack to Perfectly Fit Your Closet
Shoe racks are ideal for dorms because they will keep all your footwear neatly organized in one place, so your shoes won’t be littered all over your closet floor.
Over-the-door versions are roomy and can hold lots of shoes, but not all dorm closets have doors. So, I chose a shoe rack that expands and contracts, so you can adjust it to your specific closet size. (This is one of my favorite dorm room organization tips — it’s almost like having a custom rack!)
Switch to an Accordion Folder for Your Papers
If you retain one piece of advice from this post, I hope it’s this: invest in an accordion folder!
Seriously, buy a good one and use it to organize all your important papers (hard-copies of research papers, bills, etc.). That way, you’ll be able to easily find everything you need in one tidy folder.
Try Cute Bookends to Display Your Textbooks in Style
Bookends can be a fun way to show off your personal style and keep your textbooks in pristine condition so you can get top dollar when book buyback rolls around.
And how aesthetic are these marble ones from Amazon?! They will go with any decor and will look amazing in any future apartment or home, so they’re a great investment.
Related reading: 95+ Cute Dorm Room Ideas & Inspiration
Never Lose Your Keys Again with a Cute Magnetic Organizer
I can’t be the only one who is always misplacing my keys and digging through multiple purses to figure out where I had them last. Save yourself the time searching and just invest in a cute magnetic key holder.
This adorable cloud-shaped organizer from Amazon attaches to your wall and has a strong magnet to grab your key ring. Just keep it near your door and you’ll always know where your keys are. (Bonus: It holds up to three sets of keys, perfect for roommates!)
Get Your Desk Drawers in Order So Everything Will Be Easy to Find
A drawer organizer will keep all your excess school supplies organized so you’ll never have to dig through a messy drawer to find staples ten minutes before your big paper is due (believe me, I’ve been there).
This genius drawer organizer actually has adjustable sections so it’s guaranteed to fit any office supplies you might have on hand. So smart!
Keep Your Tasks in Sight with a Wall To-Do List
Okay, so a dry erase calendar and to-do list isn’t exactly necessary, but it will keep your schedule organized — and it’s so cute.
Hang it near your desk, take a few minutes every Sunday to fill out your weekly schedule and you’ll never forget a deadline, event, or a meeting with your advisor.
Get Desktop Drawers to Multiply Your Storage Space
Desktop drawers are a perfect solution for cluttered desks and can store all of the items that always seem to go missing like airpods, chargers, and USB drives.
In addition, these pretty ones are affordable, stackable in different ways, and will look great on your desk.
Utilize a Drawer Cart for Any Miscellaneous Storage
A drawer cart on wheels can hold all those items you’re not quite sure about storing: sheets, hair styling tools, and even food! Plus, since it has wheels, you can easily move it around and use it as a writing surface or nightstand.
I love this mirrored cart from Dormify – it would be such a glam and stylish addition to any dorm.
Add Storage to Your Standard-Issue Dorm Dresser with Stackable Drawers
If you’ve run out of space in your dresser and closet, stackable drawers are the answer.
You can buy as many (or as few) as you want and you’ll have plenty of room for storing even the bulkiest of items.
Another perk: these drawers can easily slide under your bed, so they won’t take up any floor space.
Organize Absolutely Anything in a Storage Ottoman
A storage ottoman is a great multi-use item for dorms. You can store things in it and then pop the lid on to create instant seating for friends.
This ivory and gold one from Dormify is insanely cute — I’m obsessed. And if you’d rather have something in a bright color or print, they also have tons of other cute storage ottomans in stock.
Try an Over-the-Door Hook for Your Handbags
Although over-the-door hooks are usually designed for coats, I personally use mine for handbags. Multiple bags can be strung on each hook and the piece will still stay put, plus the bags won’t fall off.
This cool over the door organizer from UO takes advantage of your vertical space to store even more essentials.
Replace a Jewelry Box with a Hanging Jewelry Roll for Your Closet
A hanging jewelry roll takes up less space than a jewelry box and will keep your necklaces tangle-free. It can also easily be rolled up and thrown into a duffel for impromptu weekend trips. This one from Amazon is great and comes in a bunch of colors!
What do you think of these dorm organization tips?
For more tips on getting organized, see our guide to our favorite college organization tips.
Are you going to be living in the dorms this year? What do you think of these organizers? Upperclassmen, any storage advice for new college students? If you have any questions, ask away– I’ll do my best to answer. Also, remember to leave a comment with your thoughts on the article!
Editor’s note: This post was originally published in 2010; it was completely updated and revamped in 2022 with new photos and information.