The Best Dorm Storage Ideas To Maximize And Organize Space

February 10, 2023

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Dorm Storage Ideas

Are you getting ready to head to college and share an under 200 square-foot space with another person, maybe even a complete stranger? Or will have your own small room in a suite-style dorm? Either way, you are going to need some serious dorm storage ideas to maximize and organize your personal and shared spaces.

About Our Recommendations

We’ve got you covered. We’ve tested and researched several options. We’ve talked to so many college students about their experiences and their dorm room storage hacks. And we have read SO many online reviews.

We also search high and low to find products Made In America. They’re hard to come by, especially dorm room storage items where affordability is key, but there are some good 🇺🇸 made goods out there.

All of our recommendations have at least a 4.5 star rating and 1000+ reviews. There are very few exceptions to this rule and only due to obvious confusion by the buyer who didn’t understand their purchase. For example, a 1 star rating, because an item arrived damaged, is likely the fault of the delivery company, not the product itself.

Don’t miss our full list of dorm recommendations in our Complete Dorm Room Essentials Guide.

Keep reading for our recommendations in each of these categories. Click any link to jump directly to that section of this article.

▶︎ Rolling Storage Carts

▶︎ Dorm Storage Drawers

▶︎ Dorm Storage Cube Organizers And Bins

▶︎ Additional Dorm Storage Furniture

▶︎ Space-Saving Over The Door Organizers And Hooks

▶︎ Off-Season Dorm Storage

▶︎ Protective and Locking Storage For Dorm Rooms

Rolling Storage Carts

Why Rolling Dorm Carts Are Perfect For Small Spaces

Small mobile storage solutions are important for dorm rooms. The ability to store a narrow cart and turn a small area into usable space is key. And the wheels allow it to be pulled out only when needed. Narrow width is important, especially in a smaller dorm room.

Use a dorm cart to store:

  • Bath & body products & toiletries
  • Laundry supplies
  • Snacks, drinks, food storage
  • Kitchen supplies such as water bottles, plates, cutlery
  • School supplies
  • Cleaning supplies

In future apartment years, these rolling carts can become kitchen or pantry storage, bathroom storage or laundry storage. It may even become a rolling bar cart. 😵

What To Look For In A Rolling Dorm Cart

  • Easy to assemble/no tools required for assembly.
  • Space (height) between shelves. Some look tall but aren’t high enough to store laundry detergent, water bottles or tall hair products if that’s your plan.
  • Flush wheelbase vs the kind that protrudes out wider than the shelving.

Our Recommendations:

Narrow 3 or 4-tier rolling cart

This super slim rolling cart is only 6.3″ deep and has 11 3/4″ between shelves for tall items.
Available in 2 sizes:

  • 3-tier cart: 6.3″”D x 15.4″”W x 27.6″”H
  • 4-tier cart: 6.3″”D x 15.4″”W x 39.3″”H

Wider 3-tier rolling cart

This wider rolling storage cart is 5″ deeper and 3″ taller than the 3-tier cart above, and has the added benefit of 360-degree wheels (like a suitcase).

Dimensions: “11.5””D x 16.75″”W x 30.25″”H
You will need a Phillips head screwdriver for assembly.

Wider 4-tier rolling cart

For more storage in a slightly wider 4-tier storage cart, this one is 6″ deeper, 2″ wider but 2″ shorter than the 4-tier cart above. The lower height allows for only 9″ between shelves on this one.

Dimensions:12.25″D x 17″W x 37″H
This cart has 2 locking casters, dividers for each shelf and 2 small bucket containers that hang over the side to hold smaller items.

Dorm Storage Drawers

You’ll often see storage drawers used as under bed storage in a college dorm. They are also used as a nightstand, for snack and food storage, or for additional storage space on the floor of a closet. They’re perfect for any little bit of extra floor space.

For those who plan to put their bed at the captain/semi-lofted height, there is typically 30-36″ of clearance below the bottom of the bed. Check your college housing page for exact specifications.

Clear Stacking Drawers For Dorm Rooms

These versatile drawers are typically stacked as a set of 4 to create either a nightstand or under bed storage.

In the image above with the storage drawers below the bed, there are 3 sizes being used.

6-Qt Storage Drawer (6-Pack): 12 7/8″D x 8 7/8″W (front facing) x 6″H

16-Qt Storage Drawer (6-Pack): 17″D x 14 3/8″W (front facing) x 6 7/8″H

27-Qt Storage Drawer (4-Pack): 17″D x 14 3/8″W (front facing) x 10 1/4″H

Be sure to clearly look at sizes if shopping online. Some small countertop drawers look like big under bed storage drawers in pictures.

The 4-pack of 27-Qt storage drawers can be stacked to create a 41″ high nightstand.

3-Drawer clear Storage Cart (on wheels)

Dimensions: 15 1/4″D x 21 7/8″W x 24″H

This wheeled 3-drawer storage cart is so versatile – it is a great option for a dorm room. Use it in the fall to store all of the supplies you brought to college near your desk. As the supplies dwindle and the weather grows colder, use it keep sweaters and hoodies close to your closet. And as grow tired of the dining hall in the spring, fill a drawer or two with healthy snacks or easy to make meals.

Thanks to the wheels, you can also move it around to use as additional temporary table space. Give your friends a place to put their laptop when they come by to study.

3-Drawer Wide Weave Tower (no wheels)

Dimensions: 15 7/8″D x 21 7/8″W x 24″H

This basket weave storage drawer tower (in brown, blue, white or gray) is probably the most popular stationary storage drawers used in dorm rooms and under dorm beds. You often see 2 flanking the dorm-provided dresser under a bed.

Tall Nightstand/Dresser

Unless you stack the 4 clear storage drawers above, the other storage drawer options above will not be tall enough to use as a nightstand. And they are probably too wide for a dorm nightstand as well.

This tall charging nightstand, at 37.5″, is a great height for the captain height/semi-lofted beds. It also has the added benefits of one outlet, 2 USB ports and casters for easy movement in the room.

Dimensions: 37″H x 17.7″W x 11.8″D

Dorm Storage Cube Organizers And Bins

I’ll be honest. I looked across all of the major retailers, and it is HARD to find any cube storage organizers with a rating much above 4.0 stars. We try really, really hard to only recommend items with 4.5 stars or higher.

That said, in reading reviews, many of the negative reviews are related to damage during shipping, not a review of the product itself. So order early to be sure you receive an undamaged product. Inspect it upon arrival, but you probably won’t put it together until you arrive at the dorm for move-in.

The cube storage options below can all be placed horizontally or vertically. Also note that some compartments have backs and some are intentionally open making cube storage more appropriate up against a wall.

A few options:

6-Cube Storage Organizer

This 6-cube organizer is available in 2 colors and can be used horizontally or vertically. It holds 11″x11″ storage bins like these collapsible fabric storage bins.

Dimensions: 35.91 Inches (H) x 24.09 Inches (W) x 11.69 Inches (D)

8-Cube Storage Organizer

This larger-sized 8-cube organizer has the same footprint as the 6-cube version but takes advantage of any additional height. It can hold 11″x11″ collapsible fabric storage bins.

Dimensions: 47.62 Inches (H) x 24.12 Inches (W) x 11.69 Inches (D)

9-Cube Storage Organizer

A larger yet more squared option is a 9-cube organizer that also holds 11″x11″ storage bins. This size is better for larger spaces, more likely single bedrooms in a suite-style dorm. This size also works great as a TV stand.

Dimensions: 35.88 Inches (H) x 35.75 Inches (W) x 11.69 Inches (D)

Collapsible Storage Bins For All The Loose Ends In Your Dorm Room

Collapsible storage bins are great dorm storage essentials. Even if you don’t have cube furniture, there are plenty of places to use them (see below). And they fold away when not in use.

What to put in them:

  • Baseball hats
  • Snacks that you don’t want visitors to see & help themselves
  • Keurig pods, hot chocolate mixes, ramen, oatmeal
  • Notebooks and school supplies
  • Flip flops and sandals
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Out of season clothes
  • Small purses, wristlets
  • Hair accessories
  • Extra set of towels
  • Extra set of sheets

These storage bins are really pretty!

Not just for open cube storage furniture (although perfect for that). Here are other places to use collapsible storage bins:

  • On the hutch over the desk.
  • On a top shelf in the closet or wardrobe (if you have a shelf).
  • On an over-fridge shelving unit.
  • Slide them under the bed.
  • On the bottom of the closet to store shoes.

Prefer a more substantial storage bin? These are some additional 11″ storage bin options:

11″ Plastic Basket Bins (BPA free)

11″ Soft Woven Basket

11″ Taller Soft Woven Basket

Want to be alerted when these storage items go on sale?
Join our Dorm Shopping Recommendations And Deal Alerts Facebook group.

We’re monitoring all of the products in this article and about 300 other dorm room essentials every day for sales and price drops.

You’ll also have access to our community of dorm shoppers for questions and ideas.

Additional dorm storage Furniture


Small bookcase

A small bookcase can be used as a nighstand or storage next to your desk or refrigeration station. Use with baskets or boxes to keep items neat and contained.

The 2-tier bookcase is 23.43″H, suitable only for a bed on the lowest setting in a dorm.

The 3-tier bookcase is 34.5″H, getting closer to a semi-lofted/captain’s height dorm bed.

This comes in many configurations and various heights to create the perfect solution for your space. Made by Iris, the same maker of the WooZoo fan!

Hutch for desk

A dorm desk is usually between 38-48″ wide. Check your dorm specifications to determine the width of your desk and to see if a hutch may already be provided.

If not provided, we recommend the following hutch options for dorm desks.

The Classic Dorm Desk Bookshelf – 37″ wide

The College Cube Dorm Desk Bookshelf – 37″ wide

Industrial Look Carbon Steel Dorm Desk Bookshelf – 36″ wide

Adjustable Dorm Desk Bookshelf – up to 40″ wide

Storage Ottoman

Want to add a little extra storage to your step up to a semi-lofted bed? Not just storage, but also extra seating or a much needed footrest during long study sessions.

A storage ottoman is a great multi-purpose dorm storage solution.

If you’re going to get an ottoman, be sure it has open storage inside.

Every extra bit of storage helps!

This one is rated for 400+lbs. Not sure I’d test that, but be sure to select one that is rated for at least 200lbs.

Like this white faux leather ottoman? Pair it with a white faux leather headboard. Gorgeous.

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Use our code PSA20 to save 20% on a Young Adult Power Of Attorney Package

Space-Saving Over The Door Organizers And Hooks

If you have a closet door, maximize your space with some of the ideas below. Don’t forget to find a spot for a full-length mirror too – your only option may be an over the door mirror, and most students want one in their room.

Over-the-door SHELVES

This 5-pocket door hanging organizer adds 5 storage shelves/compartments to the back of your closet door. Store kitchen items, snacks, clothes, personal items, medications, etc.

The clear fronts make it easy to see what is inside the higher shelves. Quick and easy to install.

Over-The-Door Shoe Organizer

My son uses this over door shoe organizer on the inside of his closet to hide snacks! But of course, it works well for shoes too.

Decorative Over The Door Hooks

To maximum your close at hand hanging space, these multi-hook hangers are a good option. Have a private shared bathroom? The 5-hook towel holder would be great – label each person’s personal hook.

Or need a place to hang your jacket, your backpack, your purse, your lanyard AND your towel after the shower, check out this visually interesting decorative 5-hook over the door holder.

Single Over The Door Hook

Not enough room for a whole unit to go across? This 4 pack of single over door hooks are great to hang jackets, hoodies, towels and backpacks.

Off-Season Dorm Storage

Far from home and unable to get our off-season clothes swapped out during the year, store out of season clothes, jackets, and extra blankets in a collapsible zippered storage bag.

The zipper is key to sealing up and protecting the contents, and a clear window helps to easily see what’s inside. These storage bags are foldable when not in use and lightweight and easy to slide under the bed when full.

Protective and Locking Storage For Dorm Rooms

Fireproof Waterproof Document Storage

If you must bring your passport, birth certificate, or other important documents to school, protect them from water or fire damage with a fireproof and waterproof document storage bag.

If you’ve already created your young adult healthcare power of attorney to be sure your family can assist you in a medical emergency, keep of copy of that in this document storage bag as well.


Locking Storage Box

Put important documents, prescription medicines, expensive jewelry and electronics in a locking storage box. Leaving town for the weekend, put your laptop in this box as well.

It isn’t that you don’t trust your roommate, but if visitors are in and out, it is better to keep your important and valuable items locked away out of sight.

A combination lock is preferred so you don’t need to worry about lost keys.

You’ll want the ability to connect the storage box to a stationary item in the room such as a bed rail with either a provided cable or by purchasing a tether separately.

Locking File Cabinet

Offering more locking storage than a box, a locking filing cabinet gives you room to safely lock up even more personal items. It also provides more tabletop space for a microwave, printer or storage bins.

Wheels allow the cabinet to be moved around the room as a table, while a lock on one of the wheels is a good idea to keep it stationary when in use.

This one linked comes in a narrow version and a standard version.

Get The Info On All The College Dorm Room Essentials

  • You can see our full list of dorm recommendations in our Complete Dorm Room Essentials Guide.
  • Our Dorm Shopping Recommendations and Deal Alerts Facebook group will let you know when these dorm essentials go on sale and also provide a community of like-minded dorm shoppers with great questions and answers!
  • Want to know when new content goes live here on Positively Squared Away? Just register to receive our emails – we promise not to send them more frequently than once per week.

We’d love your feedback on this article – please leave us a comment.

And please feel free to share this article with your other dorm shopping friends. Thank you!


Complete Dorm Room Essentials List
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Best dorm essentials at Amazon
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Best dorm essentials at Walmart
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The Important Legal Documents For 18 Year Olds
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Carry Peace Of Mind Wherever You Go

Important Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, a lawyer or a financial advisor. Please use this content as informational only and as only one input as you consider what options are best for you and your family. This is not professional advice.

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