Dorm Organization: 25+ Smart Storage Ideas!

This over-the-bed shelving is super-smart dorm storage! You’ve got room for books, a stereo, a clock, boxes, a light . . . and you can hang things from it. I’d do all of this, and I’d add Christmas lights to make it fun (because you don’t really live in a dorm until you’ve added the Christmas lights, right?).

I’m not sure if we had these bedside pockets when I went to college, but they are brilliant. I’d even use one now! Great especially if you don’t have a bedside table . . . or if you like to study in bed (guilty).

Or you could make a bedside pocket of your own! Use up some scrap fabric for this project.

This is one of my favorite dorm storage options – and one of the most inexpensive. A storage ottoman can be a comfortable place to sit and to put your feet. And tons of stuff can be kept inside. This particular ottoman comes in a ton of cool (and bright) colors.

Or you can make one of your own! This DIY uses 2 crates for the storage and even adds wheels so you can move it around the room as needed.

I have a shortage of power outlets wherever I go! The same is true for a dorm room, so I offer you this unique dorm organization solution: bed lifts. Lift up your bed for more storage underneath while at the same time providing additional power outlets and even USB ports for the room. SO cool!

The top of your dorm desk is precious space that is usually taken up with your laptop. Build this organizer and you get 3 uses in one space: laptop stand, organizer drawer and docking station!

It’s a chair – it’s an organizer – it’s both! The seat lifts off of this storage chair and you can put stuff inside. I absolutely love it (plus it comes in a few cool colors).

Since you don't want to put holes in the walls, a leaning organizer will help you utilize vertical space. This one is made from a folding door. You could also use pegboard.

Laundry baskets can take up a lot of precious room on the floor. This hamper is perfect for over the door. . . AND it also slings over your back for carrying to the laundry room. It’s pretty smart! Great for the back of the bathroom door.

This is dorm organization for the girls more than likely – but hey, I know guys with a lot of shoes too! A shoe organizer that goes under the bed is so important if you have a huge collection of footwear as I do. Great for dress shoes and stuff that won’t be worn that often!

Or you could make one of your own! With this wood DIY, you will create something you can use for the rest of your life. Bonus, it is on wheels so it is easy to pull out and put back.

Did you end up with a dorm closet with only one bar across the top? Good news – you can make it a double decker closet with this hanging adjustable closet rod. Set it up quickly and remove it when you leave.

With so many electronics that college students have “these days” (I’m making myself sound old), it’s nice to have once place to keep all those devices and cords. This cable organizer is perfect for all of it and can hold so much. It’s a perfect dorm organization solution that keeps kids from losing all their cords and having to buy new (and a lot of the cords aren’t cheap!).

These small bins with hinged lids are supposed to be for beads, but they make great cord organizers. Add some labels and organize them in a drawer for easy access!

In a lot of dorms you can’t put holes in the walls, and desk or tabletop space is at a premium – these unique jewelry hangers can be put in the closet! I think I need one for my own closet. Oh, and notice the shelf on top that stores more items.

Or you could make one of your own! This sewn storage provides a ton of compartments, and hangs nicely in the closet.

Okay, I wish this dorm storage cabinet had been available when I was going to school – it’s pretty amazing. It’s got a place for the fridge, the microwave . . . with tons of storage space above. I love it! PS – there are some wire rack options that do something similar here.

Or you could make one of your own! This one has an industrial look and lots of storage space.

Don't forget that you can use magnets on your dorm fridge. Add little shelves or file holders using magnets and they can hold paper plates, utensils, and so much more!

When space is at a premium, you need to use every square inch. I actually utilize over the door hooks in my home and think they are perfect for dorm rooms as well. I recommend one with multiple hooks for everything from clothing to bags.

Take the hooks a bit further and create some extra storage with this DIY project!

I actually use two of these in my studio for various craft supplies – and I can see so many applications in a dorm. Especially in the bathroom! This is an IKEA Raskog cart, but there are all different types and colors available.

Or you can make one of your own! This one is made from scratch and has plexiglass sides so you can see what is in each bin.

What I love about doorknob organizers is that they are the last thing you see before you walk out the door! You don’t forget to take important things . . . which is great for an 18 year old living on their own for the first time. Or for forgetful older folks like myself. . . .

Put this bad boy on the back of your desk chair! An Aussie chair pocket gives you additional storage for all sorts of scholarly goodies – books, pens, a calculator, etc.

Or you could make your own chair pocket with this sewing project!