A Professional Organizer Says This Is the Most Essential Dorm Storage Idea

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If there's one type of residence that's in dire need of clever storage, it's a dorm. To get the best dorm storage ideas, we reached out for expert opinions and product recommendations. Lauren Saltman, professional organizer and owner of Living. Simplified, did not disappoint. Her first suggestion? Communicate. "When it's time to move into a college dorm, be sure to chat with your new roommate to see what they may want to bring and how you can work together to make a comfortable space," she says.

Once you're moved in, take a look around and see what you have. Assess what you need to have on hand at all times, like books and writing utensils, and what you can store, like out-of-season clothes. "Use covered bins that you can slide under the bed and add an extra-long bed skirt to hide what you're storing," Saltman recommends. Rest assured: We have plenty of under-bed storage options on our list. We've also included rolling carts, over-the-door racks, and desk organizers, among other must-haves for everyday.

So if you're headed off to school in the fall and want to get your dorm storage shopping out of the way now, you've come to the right place. "And don't forget to make your bed every single day," Saltman insists. "Really and truly, it makes a huge difference in a small space." Not only will your space look more orderly and tidy, but it will feel more streamlined too.

Desktop Organizer Shelf

"Find organizers that either fit in the desk drawers or sit comfortably on top of your desk," recommends Saltman. You can configure this desktop organizing shelf, which comes in five finishes, any way you want. "Keep pens and pencils in one small bin; charging cords in another," she adds. Personally, we're using it for books and writing essentials because it takes up so little space.

Matilda Mirrored Cabinet

Store your most-used beauty essentials, like fragrances and hair oils, on the miniature shelves of this antique-inspired cabinet. Because it's so lightweight, you can mount it on the wall using two super-small nails yourself—no power tools required.

Bathroom Shelf with Towel Bar

And if you have a few more essentials you can't bear sticking in a medicine cabinet or drawer, opt for a two-tiered rustic shelf that's incredibly easy to hang. Bonus points if you incorporate something that smells good, like a reed diffuser or a mini houseplant.

Foldable Storage Organizer, Set of 2

Similar to their fabric counterpoints, these hard-bodied modular bins are collapsible when they're not in use. Otherwise, unfold, stack, and use them like cubbies for anything you don't feel like spending too much time searching for.

Bedside Caddy

Hang a caddy over the side of the bed frame so that you're never too far from your bedtime necessities. There are pockets for everything from a cell phone to a journal. Don't wait too long, though, because it's sold out in the other four sizes.

The Original Bedside Shelf

If a fabric caddy isn't your thing, opt for this bedside shelf that attaches to the bed frame sans tools (it just tucks over the ledge). It's available in several colors and can support up to 15 pounds, so feel free to pile on your books, gadgets, and beauty products because it won't fall over or crack. "Gave this to my daughter for her first year in college. She had no idea how much she'd use the Shelfie!" a reviewer says. "She has the original size. It attached to the side of her bed easily. There was no assembly required. She keeps her phone/charger & water bottle on it all the time."

Laundry Hamper

Instead of tossing your laundry on the floor or a desk chair, keep your dirty clothes in a space-saving hamper that hangs on the back of a door. It comes with a little shelf for detergent, fabric softener, and anything else you may need on hand on laundry day.

3-Shelf Freestanding Shelving Unit

If you're lucky enough to have a toilet in your dorm room (it's rare, but it does exist), place this three-shelf rack above it. This thing comes in handy for anyone with lots of stuff who doesn't want to have to edit their collection. There's room for everything.

Shoe Storage Box

Whether you're a shoe fanatic or a tad overpacked for the semester, a multifunctional shoe storage box set will declutter your space in a way that makes finding what you need easy. Plus, you can use them to hold much more than shoes. This 20-count clear box set lets you find your favorite pair of heels or a scented candle quickly. One reviewer loves it as much as we do, saying, "Wow these are awesome! I love that they come in a pack of 20…The boxes are nice and sturdy and the best part—see through!"

Beverly Over-The-Bed Storage

One of the easiest ways to fit more into your tiny dorm room? Add shelving above your bed. Use it to store your favorite things and show off your sense of style (without worrying about mounting anything to the wall.) Bonus: It's half off for a limited time!

Hines Wall Mail Organizer with Key Hooks

It's our personal belief that everyone can use one of these wall-mounted organizers. As soon as you get home, hang your keys on the hook and slide your mail into the perfectly envelope-sized compartment. Stick whatever suits your fancy on the miniature shelf. We love the idea of a tiny succulent.

Recycled Classic Shower Caddies

Arguably one of the most important things to score before you go off to college is a bath caddy. You'll need it to tote your toiletries to and from the hall bathrooms. Even if you have your own, this is still a good thing to snag so you don't mix up your shampoo with your roommate's. Did we mention it's waterproof? Saltman is also a fan of these nifty finds. "Help make your trips to the shower easier by keeping all your products together," she says.

Over the Fridge Caddy

Is it even a dorm room if there's no mini fridge? We think not. So go the extra mile and dress yours up in this unique caddy that drapes over the door and has storage compartments on both sides. It's magnetic, so it won't slide off no matter how much stuff you put in it. If you want to go all the way, Saltman suggests, "Along with your mini fridge, put shelving under or over the fridge and keep your food, extra coffee mugs, and eating utensils all together."

Under Bed Fabric Storage Container

If you're living off-campus and using a sleeper sofa, a zipper bag with specialized sections, like this one, lets you safely store off-season clothes and extra linens underneath without getting them dusty.

Rolling Underbed Cart White Wire

A rolling under-the-bed cart is clutch for items you want to store under the bed but use frequently. It'll make grabbing those pieces and putting them back a total breeze, while still letting you use as much space underneath as possible.

6-Shelf Hanging Closet Organizer

If you don't have space for a dresser in your dorm room to hold folded clothes, hang a cloth shelf system from a closet rod to create one alongside your hangers. It keeps the floor space free, leaving you a spot for shoes and luggage.

Narrow Nightstand

There's no reason why dorm rooms can't be chic, so if you're on a mission to elevate yours, go with a two-drawer nightstand that's on super-sale right now. The whole thing is encased in PU leather, which makes it a little harder to stain and ideal for college dorm rooms. The best part? It's extremely narrow (only eight inches wide), so you can stick it in just about any nook.

Makeup Organizer

Whether you're a budding makeup guru or a seasoned pro, a makeup organizer keeps your desk or dresser top flawless. There's enough space for pretty much any product you could ever need, including brushes, bottles, and tubs. There are even drawers for smaller items.

Over-The-Door Hanging Organizer

If you have a bigger shoe collection, you're going to need an over-the-door shoe rack. This one happens to fit a whopping 18 pairs without sagging or falling down. It's also washable just in case the soles get it a little dirty.

Adjustable Drawer Dividers

There's nothing more annoying to a perfectionist than stacks of clothes overlapping other stacks of clothes. So if you don't want your T-shirts to touch your sweaters or your socks to touch your underwear, this set of drawer dividers is about to change your life—especially because they can extend to fit any size drawer.

Dolores Hanging Baskets

Technically, these are for magazines, but we say use them for anything that will fit (like a book or two). Snag the little one for your keys and wallet so that you never leave them behind when you're on your way out.

3-Tier Rolling Cart

Skip the traditional nightstand and opt for a more industrial-style utility cart on wheels. With three deep compartments, there's room for anything you don't want to keep in your desk. "Be sure your cart has a few shelves for added flexibility. These are great as a nightstand!" Saltman adds.

Argante Over The Door Jewelry Armoire with Mirror

For those wanting to opt into a full-length mirror, go for an option with hidden storage. That's right: This sleek find opens up to reveal an entire trove of storage space. You may not be able to fit clothes, but your accessories are fair game.

Enya Ladder and Mirror

Another mirror with storage that deserves a spot on our list is this leaning one that doubles as a ladder. No, not one you'd want to climb; one you'd want to hang blankets and scarves from. Plus, it's so sophisticated that we can almost guarantee none of your other college friends have something like this in their spaces.

Metal Wall Storage

Add a little more storage to your wall with an organizing system that you can customize with shelves, caddies, whiteboards, books, cork strips, and more. It's ideal for the space above your desk or right by the door to your room. "I actually had this in my childhood home," associate shopping editor Jessica Cherner admits. "Being able to personalize it makes it feel a little bit more sophisticated. It's also so useful."

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