If you're a college student, you know that dorm rooms can be pretty small. And if you're going to be living in one for an entire year, you'll need to get creative with your storage space. Add roommates to the mix, and now your struggle is even more real! But don't worry – we've got you covered. There are plenty of ways to make the space work in your favor. In this article, we share 12 dorm room storage hacks to save your sanity. These hacks will help you make the most of your small, shared dorm life, from under-the-bed storage boxes to over-the-door shoe organizers. Read on for great suggestions on taking less than 500 square feet and making it feel like a mansion.

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1. Get Creative With Your Space

When it comes to storage in a dorm room, the key is to get creative. There are so many ways to store belongings in your room that you probably have not thought of. Did you know that you could mount shelves from your ceiling? As crazy as it sounds, it can be super practical to store lesser-used items up and away near your ceiling! 

Look around your space and assess what solutions could make the most sense. Think beyond traditional solutions like closets and shelves – Go for items like dangling rod organizers, hanging jewelry holders, and wall-mounted organizers for all your little things. Think outside the box when it comes to how you use these organizers. Using a shoe organizer for food storage or a jewelry organizer for school supplies is untraditional but not out of the question. You'd be surprised at how much more space you can create when you get creative with your solutions.

2. Use Every Inch Of Your Room

When it comes to storage in a small space, you must use every inch of your room. Even the most seemingly useless spaces can be utilized in storage solutions. Think under the bed, in between dressers, and in all the nooks and crannies of your room. 

And don't think about leaving any of your doors bare. Over-the-door organizers are an easy storage solution that you can't skip.

Every square inch of your room can provide storage space; you need to look at your small area creatively and optimize each inch. Consider items like fabric bins, rolling carts, and tiered baskets to store more items. Every object stored out of sight will give the space a more open and organized feel. So many creative caddies and storage accessories go over your door, hang over appliances, or hook onto the side of your desk. Utilize every free space you have available but stay organized if you do.

3. Invest In Multi-Purpose Furniture

When it comes to furniture in a small space, multi-purpose is critical. Look for items that have built-in storage solutions to maximize the space you have. For instance, invest in an ottoman with storage capabilities or buy a bed frame with built-in drawers. Ottomans and extra drawers can be used as storage containers by holding items like blankets, pillows, and throws. If space allows for one, coffee tables can also have hidden storage spaces to hold books, magazines, and other necessities. Choose furniture pieces that blend in with the rest of the room. Look for neutral colors and styles that match the current décor and maximize the space in your room. Plus, these pieces are easy to move around when needed. The living room area of a dorm room is usually a shared space, so plan it out with your roommates to maximize creativity and pool your resources.

4. Keep Your Clothes Organized

One of the best ways to keep your room organized is to keep your clothes organized. Choose a closet organizer system to fit your closet space and maximize the area. Utilize space-saving hangers, like slim velvet hangers, to hold as many items of clothing as possible. Use over-the-door organizers for your shoes, scarves, and other accessories. Having all your clothing in one place will ensure you can find what you need when you need it. Plus, it makes for a more pleasant living space! If you live in a place with all four seasons, you will have more clothes than the average student, many of which you won't touch for months. Consider investing in vacuum seal bags to store clothes you know you won't need for a while. You can stack them neatly under your bed and forget about them. They can save you a ton of space during the months when you don't need them. 

5. Make a Transformable Study Space

If you're living in a dorm, chances are you'll be spending plenty of time studying. Creating a study space in your room will help you stay focused and organized while you're in your dorm. Invest in a sturdy desk and comfortable rolling chair to provide an efficient study space. Use wall-mounted organizers and tiered trays or bins to store and display school supplies, textbooks, and other materials you need for studying. And keep the area clutter-free to maximize the efficiency of your study space. A small space bonus tip is to make your study space transformable. Make your desk chair comfortable enough to double as a relaxing tv chair when needed. And have a place to store your school things so you can transform that space into a project area or dining nook on the weekends if required. 

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6. Contained Chaos

Even with all the storage hacks and solutions, it's understandable that your room gets chaotic. It's the nature of dorm living. The key is to make sure that the chaos is contained. Make certain all your belongings are in their designated space, so you can easily find what you need when you need it. Use dividers, organizers, and closet systems to separate and contain all your items. This will make it much easier to locate your belongings, so you don't have to dig through your closet or drawers when looking for something. Plus, it'll make the space look more organized and inviting. 

7. Get a Trunk

A trunk in your room provides an easy way to store and organize your items. Trunks are great for storing bulky items like bedding, towels, and extra clothes. They naturally can add character to your décor. You can even use trunks to store food and snacks. Look for one with a locking lid to ensure your stuff is secured and out of the way. It's a great way to maximize storage space and create a cozy atmosphere in the room. Some trunks can double as a bench for extra seating or, if nothing else, make a great spot to stack other items like shelves or bins. Consider buying one second-hand at a consignment shop or on the Facebook Marketplace. You'll get a good deal and a conversation piece for your room and gain some valuable storage space.  

8. Extra Storage Under Your Bed

Using the storage space underneath your bed is a great way to make the most of your room. Bed risers can be a game-changer! They are a great way to raise your bed, creating more storage space. Whoever invented bed risers probably lived in the dorms at one point. Utilize this space for extra clothes, bedding, and other items that don't necessarily need to be in a closet. You can also use this space for storing shoes and other accessories. Utilize bins and rolling drawers to maximize the storage space and have everything easily accessible when you need it. 

9. Go Vertical

When dealing with limited space, you've got to take full advantage of all the vertical space in your room. Vertical space often gets forgotten. When you don't have room for your things, look up, and you will likely find a lot of unused space. Install wall-mounted shelving and organization systems to store books, papers, and other items. Add wall-mounted shelves for pictures, plants, and other decorations. You can also utilize hanging rod organizers for things like jewelry and scarves. These organizers look great and make the space tidier and more organized. Check your dorm's policies on hanging items and nailing to the walls. You may need to invest in some command strips rather than nails and screws. 

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10. Use Hooks

Hooks are an easy and effective way to add storage space to your room in just about any spot. Hang hooks in entryways, closets, bed railings, the side of a desk, and other room areas. If there is flat space, add a hook! Use them to hang jackets, purses, towels, jewelry, keys, cords, or anything you might need to keep off the floor. You can get decorative with fancy hooks or buy basic ones in bulk. Either way, their function will be the same. 

11. Have an "Everything Basket" 

Consider hanging or keeping a basket by the door to keep things in one handy spot (and off the floor!) that you use regularly. Keys, phone chargers, spare change, wallet, student ID, bus pass, Chapstick, pens, and so on. Consider it the "junk drawer" of your dorm room. Use it to eliminate clutter around your space and a gathering spot for the little things lying around. But fair warning, it will probably fill up fast, so make it a point to clean it out at least once a week to avoid it becoming a bottomless pit of stuff.  

12. Learn to Love Minimalism

The best advice anyone can give you when living in a small space is to embrace Minimalism. If you don't need it, don't keep it! And if you think you need it, sometimes you might even need to think twice. The less stuff you have, the less cramped your dorm will be and the more space you will have for living. Skip out on bulky and unnecessary décor and opt for functional décor like fancy hooks or trunks with some character. Colorful throw blankets and unique shelving can add enough décor to your room without adding clutter. Do without picture frames or wall hangings, and save the space for shelves or books instead. Organization and Minimalism can reduce stress and anxiety, too, all the more reason to go without!

No need to panic if your dorm room is smaller than you expected it to be. A few simple solutions can make a big difference in your everyday college life. Just take a step back, assess your space, and make a plan. Reuse your ideas year after year, and you will be a college storage pro!

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