25 Dorm Storage Hacks That Are Professional Organizer Approved

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!

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."

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.

"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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!"

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.