24 Smart Dorm Storage Essentials Every College Parent Should Buy Before Move-In Day

From storage ottomans to underbed baskets and rolling carts, these dorm storage picks bring thoughtful design and organization to your tiny space, with ease

a dorm room with a white brick wall, a bed with several pillows on top and storage underneath, and a desk to the left
(Image credit: Pottery Barn)
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For most college students, cramming their entire lives into a 200-square-foot, minimally furnished dorm room is one of the most difficult parts of moving out. Without a plan, the room can quickly turn hectic, and it'll constantly feel cluttered. That's why the best dorm storage essentials should be top of the shopping list prior to move-in.

As someone who has lived in her fair share of minuscule college dorm rooms and similarly sized studio apartments, I know firsthand what storage ideas aid in maximizing small spaces. Things like storage carts, stackable underbed baskets, and over-the-door organizers are classics for a reason – these furnishings create designated zones for miscellaneous objects and help eliminate excessive clutter. Multi-purpose furnishings are another favorite of mine. Like storage ottomans or charging nightstands, these pieces do many things at once, helping to streamline the design of the space.

Though you can find storage essentials at nearly any retailer, brands like PB Teen, Dormify, IKEA, and The Container Store specialize in creating dorm-specific organization tools. At PB Teen, you'll even find design-driven picks from the brand's collaborations with LoveShackFancy and Hill House Home. This way, you can increase dorm storage without sacrificing its aesthetic appeal.

College move-in is just a few short weeks away, which means now is as good a time as ever to think about what dorm storage essentials your college-heading kid needs to make their new living space as functional as can be. Ahead, find 24 picks that'll help make the most of every square inch of even the tiniest of dorm rooms.

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Devin Toolen
Devin Toolen
Style Editor

Devin Toolen is a New York-based Style Editor for Homes & Gardens. After achieving her Bachelor’s Degree at Villanova University, Devin moved to Paris, France, to obtain her Master’s Degree at Parsons School of Design. Upon returning to the United States, Devin began working in the media industry with Cosmopolitan Magazine, where she wrote trend-driven fashion stories and assisted on set for many photoshoots, and later Livingetc, where she wrote interior design stories and assisted with the magazine’s social media pages. She has an appreciation for every aspect of personal style – from the clothes we wear to the design of our homes. In her spare time, Devin enjoys embroidery and antique shopping in the city.