Top 11 Tips for Organizing a Dorm Room That Will Give You Extra Space

If you're among the 19.4 million college students nationwide, you know that college encompasses more than just academics. Learning how to live independently takes a lot of effort. And setting up your dorm room to be both comfortable and efficient in its use of space requires some creativity.

Curious to learn more? Continue reading to learn about the top 11 tips for organizing a dorm room that will give you extra space!

1. Be Selective with Your Clothing

It's tempting to haul your entire wardrobe with you when you head to college. But your dresser will run out of room quickly if you bring too many clothes for every season. Starting college in August usually means you can count on some sweltering hot days, so you won't need your winter sweaters.

If you're attending a college close to home, consider bringing only the clothing for the current season to your dorm room. When the air gets brisk, you can swap out some of your short sleeve shirts for flannel and corduroy tops during your next visit home.

If you're not close enough to home to do this seasonal swap, stash your out-of-season clothing in under-bed storage. And while you're at it, limit the number of t-shirts and sweatshirts you bring in the first place. You'll inevitably end up buying or receiving new college swag to add to your wardrobe.

2. Use Vertical Organization Strategies

Most dorm rooms are low on square footage. In response, you'll need a creative dorm room organization system that uses vertical space well.

For instance, hanging shoe organizers offer a convenient way to keep your shoes off the floor. Rather than kicking off your shoes and creating tripping hazards, stash your shoes in an organizer. You can hang one in your closet, and some have as many as ten stacked slots for shoes.

You also can use stackable drawer units of varying sizes when organizing a dorm room. Use a smaller set of drawers at your workstation for extra pens, ID and business cards, and medications. They also can sit on a dresser and house jewelry or cosmetics.

Nestle larger sets of stackable drawers into other vacant spaces around your bed and desk. Store extra sets of bedding or recreational gear that you won't use as often. Look for sturdy modular drawer units that can accommodate any unique space.

3. Learn How to Fold Your Clothes Better

You might think you know how to fold clothes well. Or maybe you don't pay much attention to folding your clothes before stuffing them into your dresser drawers. In either case, you may be chewing up a lot of space within your dresser if you're not using the right folding method.

For the most efficient approach, use a rolling technique. By rolling your clothing into tight tubes, you can pack more shirts and pants into each drawer of your dresser. Doing this also is an excellent way to free up more space in your suitcase the next time you travel. 

4. Elevate Your Bed

One of the best ways to increase dorm room storage is by lofting your bed. If your bed sits flush against the floor, you're missing out on potential storage space beneath it. This is particularly true if you're not working with a bunk bed scenario.

Bed risers are an inexpensive solution when you're looking for more floor space beneath your bed. For around $20, you can buy heavy-duty plastic risers that can elevate your bed several inches, if not more. 

Even a little extra clearance provides enough room for you to slide your sports equipment or low-profile storage bins under your bed. And don't worry about sturdiness. Most well-made risers can support over 1,000 pounds. 

5. Add Another Closet Rod

Normally, you'll find a single rod stretching across a closet to be used for hanging clothes. You can maximize your closet space by adding another rod. Two rows of rods translate to double the amount of space. 

Find a rod that can be suspended beneath the existing rod in your closet. You won't need hardware to install one as long as it has hooks that can latch onto the rod above it.

Use that lower rod to hang shorts or smaller garments that won't graze the floor. Skirts, belts, and blouses are all good options. You'll be able to make the most of even a modest closet!

6. Try a Storage Ottoman or Stool

Every dorm room needs a piece of furniture that can double as seating and a footrest. If you have friends over to watch television or host a session to work on job applications, you'll need extra space.

That's where an ottoman or stool can come into play. These smaller furniture pieces can increase your seating capacity without taking up much room. But why not go a step further and choose seating solutions that also can serve as storage solutions? 

A stool or ottoman can be a great statement piece, too. Choose one with a tufted surface and velvety fabric for the ultimate sense of glam sophistication. Or opt for one with clean lines for a minimalist vibe. 

7. Introduce an Organizer to Your Workspace

A cluttered desk won't make it easy to be productive and work on homework or scholarship applications. A desk organizer can help prevent your desk from turning into a tangled and cluttered mess. Choose one that can sit toward the side or back of your desk so it won't intrude on your workspace.

Use an organizer with vertical dividers to store your laptop and tablet. Place it near an outlet, too, so you can help contain the cords while charging your devices. A desk organizer with a horizontal shelf or two also can let you stash important handouts or notepads.

8. Don't Overlook the Windowsill

If your dorm room has a windowsill, use it to your advantage! For beds that sit by windows, you can think of the windowsill as a nightstand. While filling up the entire ledge can make a room look cluttered, a few well-placed items will help your storage situation. 

If you sit in bed to study, place a trim desk lamp with a moveable neck on the sill. You may want to place a standing phone charger or portable music streaming device there, as well. Add a succulent for a touch of green that will make your windowsill look attractive.

9. Use the Backside of Your Door

While you might want to put a welcome sign, wreath, or whiteboard on the front of your door, you can use the backside of it for storage. For instance, drape a fabric shoe storage bag on the backside of your door. You can anchor it to the top of the door with some hooks and gain an instant shoe solution.

As another option, install a full-length mirror on the inside of your door so can check your outfits or apply makeup. Alternatively, you can add shallow tiered shelves to the backside of your door to store snacks, keys, or hats and gloves.

10. Embrace Floating Shelves

Leave some room between the posters and artwork on your walls for floating shelves. Floating shelves are a clean and simple way to help introduce more storage space to your walls. They're also an inexpensive way to do it.

Stack a few shelves above your desk. You can place containers of pens and highlighters or other common desk items on your shelves for easy access. Shelves also can be a convenient and visible place to put keys and sunglasses.

You can get artistic with your wall shelving arrangements, too. Stagger shelves along a diagonal line with framed images of your photography for an eye-catching look. Go with shelves in fun colors for a playful vibe or choose classic black for a refined look.

11. Commit to a Cleaning Schedule

When you're living in a small space, it's easy for it to feel crowded quickly. That's why routine dorm room decluttering should be part of your weekly schedule.

If you have a roommate, work with them to set up a cleaning schedule. Distribute the responsibilities evenly and make sure you don't overlap in terms of your possessions. After all, you'll only minimize your room's space if you have two microwaves or televisions.

Discard old food or papers that have piled up around the room. Sweep your floors and donate clothing or other items that you don't use regularly. By doing a weekly or monthly dorm room audit, you'll remove what you don't want to free up more space!

Organize an Efficient Dorm Room

Moving into a dorm room is an exciting opportunity to put your stamp on your living space. Use vertical storage strategies, bed risers, and efficient shelving options to keep your room orderly. Make a point of cleaning your space routinely to minimize clutter, and choose extra seating options that can double as storage.

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