
In the US, there are approximately 20.4 million college students. While not all of them choose to live on-campus, many do.On average, the price of room and board at a public institution is $10,800 per year. At private colleges and universities, that rises to $12,210. In most cases, that gives access to around 100 square feet, and they may have to share that space. In order to make the room better try a dorm room storage hack.
However, if you bring the right items along, any dorm room can be more comfortable. Finding ways to sneak in storage options is a must, and using the space wisely makes a lot of difference. With that in mind, here are a few amazing products that can make any college dorm room more livable.
Bed Risers
When you need to create storage space in a dorm room, bed risers can make a world of difference. These products go under each of the legs of the bed, lifting it off the ground.
You can find them in different heights, allowing you to choose a size that works best for you. Some even come with power outlets. Simply plug them into the wall outlet that sits behind the bed, and you can easily access the plugs.
After you select your risers, you can choose storage boxes that will fit into the space. You can find a variety of options, including under bed bins with wheels for easier access or foldable ones that are more convenient to store when not in use.
Door Organizers As a Dorm Room Storage Hack
Shoe organizers that hang on the door give you extra storage pockets without sacrificing floor space. They come with hooks that slip onto the top of the door and usually don’t interfere with the door’s operation.
Fabric versions are great if you need to store items discretely. Clear door organizers are ideal if you need to see everything stored in the pockets.
They can hold anything from shoes to toiletries to school supplies to snacks. Consider getting one for every door for maximum storage efficiency.
Command Hooks and Strips
Most college dorms have strict rules about hanging things on the walls. Many don’t allow nails or thumbtacks, and some even restrict standard tape.
Usually, the restrictions are there to ensure the students don’t damage the walls during their stay. However, if you need to store items on hooks or hang pictures, Command Hooks and Strips are usually allowed.
Command hooks and strips are available in a range of sizes, typically denoting different carrying capacities. You can hang hats, scarves, bags, and keys for the hooks, while the strips make putting pictures on the wall a breeze.
Plus, when you leave the dorm, they peel off the wall without damaging the surface, ensuring you can get your deposit back.
Bed Caddies
Most dorm room nightstands are small, and some don’t have one at all. If you need to keep items like your cell phone, glasses, or a favorite book near your bed, pick up a bed caddy.
These little pouches have a flap that fits between the mattress and the box spring. Once you set up the bed caddy, the weight of the mattress keeps it in place.
In most cases, you can add a few along the edge of the bed, giving you additional storage for small items.
You can also find bedside trays that attach to the frame. This can give you an extra surface for drinks and other items, just like a nightstand would.
Shower Locker
If you share a bathroom with a roommate and want to keep your toiletries in the bathroom secure, consider getting a shower locker. They stick to shower walls with suction cups and have internal shelves for additional storage.
Plus, they have combination locks on the door. This means your roommate won’t “accidentally” use your shampoo or other items because they can’t access them.
If your bathroom walls are entirely tile, you can actually put up a few. Then you can protect all of your personal hygiene items, ranging from your toothbrush to your razors to your face wash.
Wire Storage Cubes
Whether you need additional shelves in a closet or a way to organize items along an empty wall, wire storage cubes can be a great option. They come in pieces so that you can configure them in a variety of ways. Plus, putting them together is easy, usually not requiring anything more than a reasonably strong grip.
You can even set up the top row as baskets instead of shelves, allowing you to easily store items that might not sit upright on their own.
Silverware Organizer
Silverware organizers can do more than just hold forks and spoons. They are excellent for keeping desk drawers arranged, giving you sections for pens and pencils that prevent them from rolling around.
They can also work as jewelry storage, letting you keep necklaces and earrings separated. If you set one near the door on a table, it can make a great drop zone too. You can keep your keys and similar small items in different sections, so you always know where to find them.
Ultimately, all of the dorm room storage options above can help make a dorm room feel more comfortable. Consider giving them all a try, especially if you are sharing an incredibly small space with another student. This is another great dorm room storage hack.
Do you have a favorite dorm room storage hack? Tell us about it in the comments below.
Looking for more great articles about college? Here are a few to get you started:
- How Can Students Manage Their Budgets Better in College?
- Making the Most of Your College Meal Plan
- Should Parents Pay for Their Children’s College Education?
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Tamila McDonald is a U.S. Army veteran with 20 years of service, including five years as a military financial advisor. After retiring from the Army, she spent eight years as an AFCPE-certified personal financial advisor for wounded warriors and their families. Now she writes about personal finance and benefits programs for numerous financial websites.






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