The 15 Best Dorm Room Organizers of 2023
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
Dotdash Meredith and Yahoo Inc. may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.
Organize your dorm room and make the grade with these top picks
The Spruce / Kevin Liang
Fact checked by Shereen JegtvigReviewed by Katherine Picott
Among the many things that college students juggle—class schedules, campus maps, meal plans, social lives—a dorm room full of belongings shouldn't be an added stress. If you're wondering how to pack, store, and organize your life for dorm living, rest assured that there's lots of great options and inspiration readily available.
To plan for your space, Melanie Potts, Director of Housing and Residential Life at Eastern Washington University, recommends doing a bit of research beforehand. "If at all possible, go on a Housing tour," she says. But if you can't make it to campus before move-in, don't worry. "Many housing departments have measurements they can share with you about space under your bed, how big the closets are, etc," Potts says. "Scour that website to get a sense of what is provided and what you might need."
Plus, "[t]here are some universal organization and decor items you can purchase from your university," says Liz Toombs, Certified Interior Decorator and the Owner & President of PDR Interiors, an interior design firm that specializes in residential and sorority housing. And, if you plan ahead, you can even expect to use them year after year, and through the transition from dorm to apartment.
While we don't recommend buying everything beforehand ("Even with all the best measuring, you may realize you need a different length extension cord or rug of a different size because of how you move your beds or the way the closet opens," Potts says), there are some tried and true categories that we've researched and rounded up the best dorm room organizers up to help you create the dorm room of your dreams.
Best Overall: Iris USA Plastic Stackable Storage Drawers
What We Like
Available in multiple sizes and colors
Stackable
Slides under a bed or into a closet
What We Don't Like
Not as durable as other materials
We just love these simple, multipurpose drawers for busy students. Why? For many reasons: They're stackable, giving you options for configuring, and they feature frosted doors that are transparent enough to give you a hint of what's inside without revealing clutter. A panel on the front of the drawers flips open, so you can easily reach in without opening the entire drawer and rattling the stack.
A variety of sizes are offered, though we're partial to the 17-quart version because the lower profile of roughly 9 inches can slide under certain beds (assuming your dorm setup can accommodate them). Plus, they're lightweight, so they're a cinch to carry, although you may want to unload anything heavy before you move them—the plastic construction isn't the most durable.
Price at time of publish: $65 for 4
Dimensions: Multiple; 17 quart is 14.3 x 12.05 x 8.39 inches | Material: Plastic | Color Options: Black, white, gray, red
Best Value: IKEA 3 gallon SAMLA Box with Lid
What We Like
Available in multiple sizes
Available with or without lids
Stackable
What We Don't Like
Lightweight and not as durable
Only one color option
While we would normally say one can never have too many reusable bins, space limitations in dorms and other college living spaces are one of the few caveats. Enter the IKEA SAMLA plastic bin, which comes in sizes ranging from 1 gallon up to a whopping 34 gallons. We like the versatility and practicality of the 3 gallon size, which has a 15.25 by 11 inch footprint, and a low profile of just 5 inches. If our Best Overall pick feels too tall to slide under your bed, this choice may be a better fit! If you buy the lids, they're stackable, too. On that note, a heads-up that if you're browsing on the IKEA site, there are product listings with and without lids. We like that buyers have options, but we recommend double-checking that you're selecting the product that you intend to.
As with similar plastic bins, their overall durability is our main concern. Though, it's hard to beat their price and convenience. Just keep in mind that if you opt for more than one, you may want labels, because there are no color variations.
Price at time of publish: $6
Dimensions: 15.25 x 11 x 5.5 inches | Material: Plastic | Color Options: Transparent
Best Underbed Bag: Zober Underbed Storage Bag Organizer
What We Like
Clear, zippered top closure
Sewn-on handles
Budget-friendly
Comes in a set of 2
What We Don't Like
Color choices are neutral
Handles only on wide side
These bags from Zober are the kind of multipurpose piece that you can rely on for everything from sweaters and shoes to books and blankets. At 6 inches tall, they're sized to go under a bed, but you could also slip them into a closet or on top of a row of cabinets (space permitting, of course). The reinforced handle is positioned on the wide side for retrieval, and a clear top flap gives you a view of your belongings without requiring you to unzip the bag.
In a perfect world, these bags would have handles on the slim side, too, and a few more colors to choose from (at time of publish, the available picks were gray, black, and brown). But we're still fans of these budget-friendly bags, and we like how they come in pairs (be warned, your roommate just might ask to borrow one).
Price at time of publish: $15 for 2
Dimensions: 42 x 18 x 6 inches | Material: Plastic, linen | Color Options: Gray, black, brown
Best Underbed Bin: The Container Store Our Long Under Bed Box With Wheels
What We Like
Flip-top lid
Wheeled bottom
Frosted material gives hint of contents
What We Don't Like
Pricier than similar styles
If you're after a bit more structure in your underbed storage, a plastic bin may be just the ticket. Lots of brands offer similar sizes and styles, but we're partial to this version from The Container Store. It's made with durable polypropylene plastic with a slight frost, so contents are semi-visible from the outside, and it has rolling wheels that make it easy to pull out. There's also a flip-top lid that has a center hinge, allowing you to open one side at a time—which comes in handy when you don't need to get the entire bin out from under your bed.
These features do come at a higher cost than similar styles, though. Still, we think this bin is worth consideration, especially with the heavy usage it's likely to get, especially if you intend to use it year after year.
Price at time of publish: $180 for a case of 6 or $30 each
Dimensions: 35.63 x 18.25 x 6.5 inches | Material: Polypropylene plastic | Color Options: Transparent
Best Plastic Shower Caddy: iDesign Plastic Divided Shower Caddy Tote
What We Like
Stylish, fun color options
Durable, large handles
Practical shape and size
Inner dividers
What We Don't Like
Bottom drainage design may take some getting-used-to
"If your dorm has a group bathroom, you will need a sturdy caddy to house all of your toiletry needs. Make sure you choose one with enough space or compartments to hold things like your toothbrush, shampoo, conditioner, [and] razor," says Liz Toombs. With seven colors to choose from, including mint, coral, and lemon, this pretty yet practical iDesign shower caddy will be easy to spot—and if your roommate gets one of their own, there's a good chance they'll find a non-matching color. We love it for the durable construction, the tall handles, and the roomy shape that make full-size bottles of shampoo and conditioner easy to tote around. Plus, smaller items, like toothpaste and razors comfortably fit in the inner compartments.
It's worth noting that it's a bit tricky to tell from the pictures, but the bottom of this caddy is solid with corner drainage holes. This seems to be adequate for draining, but we didn't want anyone to be caught by surprise if a full mesh design was expected.
Price at time of publish: $14
Dimensions: 11.75 x 6 x 12 inches | Material: Plastic | Color Options: Seven; Mint, coral, lemon, blush, black, white, gray
Best Mesh Shower Caddy: Lifewit Mesh Shower Caddy
What We Like
Spacious main compartment
7 outer pockets in varying sizes
Folds up in between uses
Hang dry
What We Don't Like
Not as durable as plastic
For a lighter weight shower caddy that's super-spacious, look no further than this versatile version from Lifewit. The tote design is perfect to sling over your shoulder and take down the hall for showers—you can even fit your flip-flops and full-sized bottle of conditioner, and then some, thanks to the roomy interior and seven outer pockets.
By design, a fabric mesh material is not going to hold up as well as thicker plastic options. But even though it's less hardy, it's going to be easier to drain and dry. Plus, you can fold it up and easily pack it for travel. A heads up, if this is going to be your main toiletries storage, you may want to double-check that your room has a hook for it to hang in between uses.
Price at time of publish: $12
Dimensions: 6.7 x 7.5 x 9.5 inches | Material: Mesh | Color Options: Black, dark black, gray, pink
Best Multipurpose: Yamazaki Tosca Desk Organizer
What We Like
Simple and elegant aesthetic
Handled design is easy to move
Divided compartments
What We Don't Like
Pricey
One color option
This sleek and sophisticated desk organizer is the kind of piece you'll want to take with you post-graduation, too. And with a durable metal material and wooden handle, it's likely to last plenty long enough. We're fans of the clean design that's minimalist without being dull, and the practical compartments for pads of paper, pens, makeup brushes, keys, and other odds and ends.
In a perfect world, there would be more color options available, but we can admit that the basic white is still super versatile. Plus, the Yamazaki brand also offers coordinating containers if you're inclined to match other storage bins in your space. These are higher-priced picks than some similar styles, so a collection would quickly add up. We still think the value is there, especially when you factor in the metal construction and timeless aesthetic.
Price at time of publish: $35
Dimensions: 3.3 x 10.6 x 5.3 inches | Material: Steel, wood | Color Options: White
Best Rolling Cart: Amazon Basics 3-Tier Rolling Utility Cart
What We Like
Basket-style shelves keep belongings secure
Stylish colors and design
Wheels lock for stability
What We Don't Like
Assembly required
A rolling cart gives you flexibility that a standalone piece or a bin doesn't. This version from Amazon Basics is part shelves, part baskets, and all aesthetically pleasing. We love the pastel color options (pink and green) and classics as well (charcoal and white). The basket sizes are roughly 13 by 17 inches, so books, papers, desk supplies, toiletries, and other smaller items can easily fit. Note that some buyers report that they were surprised by the size, expecting a larger design made popular by other brands—although we think that the smaller footprint makes sense for a dorm where space is at a premium.
You do need to assemble it when it arrives, but it's a straightforward process that shouldn't take too long. Just be prepared to clear a spot on the bed or floor to spread out parts. Once it's all together, there's lots to love.
Price at time of publish: $37
Dimensions: 13.35 x 17 x 31 inches | Material: Metal | Color Options: Dusty pink, charcoal, mint green, white
Best Adjustable: The Home Edit 8 Piece Plastic Storage System
What We Like
4 different bin sizes, 2 for each size
Transparent design is super versatile
Can expand set with other pieces from the brand
What We Don't Like
Some bin sizes may be less useful than others
Items on display
We love the versatility that you get from The Home Edit's 8-Piece Plastic Storage System. It's modular, so you can stack pieces together in an organized cube, you can separate them for individual use, or you can do a combination of the two to suit your needs. You get eight bins in total, with four sizes represented (two of each size). Plus, the set is transparent, so it'll easily blend into any space, and it can easily be situated on a desk or dresser.
The Home Edit offers different sets, or containers sold separately if you want to experiment with different configurations or pieces. One thing to note is that these are all transparent, so it's not one to use if you have anything you want to keep private, or at least not on display. For smaller belongings that you don't mind showing off, though, we think it's a practical and sleek choice.
Price at time of publish: $25
Dimensions: Varies | Material: Plastic | Color Options: Transparent
Best for Desk Drawers: Three by Three Seattle 5 Piece Metal Organizer Tray Set
What We Like
Bold, bright colors
Offered in 1- and 2-inch height
Adjustable
Durable and sleek metal
What We Don't Like
Pieces can get dented or damaged
Can slide in drawers
This cheery set of drawer-friendly trays will add a pop of color to your space, while giving you lots of fun options for storage and organization. Like many modular sets, (including our pick for Best Adjustable), there are lots of sets and sizes to choose from, ranging from three pieces to six. We're fans of the 5-piece set because you'll get plenty of variation in the shape and size of your trays.
Speaking of the shape and size of these pieces, these fit loosely in drawers. Depending on your positioning (and how forcefully you open and close drawers), they may slide. We also read some reports of dents and minor damage from shipping. For the most part, however, we're confident that this charming set will prove to be practical and useful. Be warned, they're cute enough that you may be tempted to keep them on display.
Price at time of publish: $24
Dimensions: Varies | Material: Metal | Color Options: Varies
Best Over-the-Door: NEX 3 Tier Over the Door Basket Organizer
What We Like
No drilling necessary
Doubles as a standing rack
Multiple colors available
Basket-style storage
What We Don't Like
May feel bulky in tight spaces
Some assembly required
There's a lot to appreciate with this over-the-door hanging rack; the versatile basket storage, the rounded frame design, and the compact shape and size. However, the detail that really sets it apart from the pack is that it doubles as a standalone rack, too. So, if you arrive at your dorm to find out that the door hooks don't fit, or that it would block otherwise important towel or coat hooks, you can still make good use of it. Same goes for subsequent years. College living spaces can vary from year to year, so we like that this one can adjust as it moves with you. It's also easy to lift down and hang back up as needed, and individual baskets can be removed, too (some assembly is required, but it's straightforward). `
Along with its overall functionality, we like that it comes in white, black, and aqua blue, and that it's constructed with metal for stability. Just be mindful when you're opening and closing the door that you have enough space behind it.
Price at time of publish: $33
Dimensions: 30.6 x 15.3 x 7.8 inches | Material: Metal | Color Options: Aqua blue, white, black
Best for Closets: House Day Magic Space Saving Hangers
What We Like
Space-saving
Budget-friendly
Can use with your own hangers
Convenient for moving and packing
What We Don't Like
8-pound weight limit
Plastic construction isn't super sturdy
These space-saving hangers practically create usable space out of thin air. If you've not seen this style before, picture a small hanging rod that holds your traditional hangers, which you can then adjust to hang vertically while it still keeps your garments secure. This way you can free up inches of precious rod space. What's especially nice about this style is that you can hang regular hangers and can remove them as needed. If you like to select your clothes the night before, or you opt to loan a shirt to one of your roommates, you can keep it with its original hanger.
It's worth mentioning that these hangers have a 8-pound limit when hanging vertically, which sounds like a lot, but could be a limitation for some. And on that same note, these are made with plastic so while it helps the price stay reasonable, they're probably not going to be as long-lasting as similar options made with more durable materials. Still, no organizer is perfect, and we think these are a great choice for smaller closets.
Price at time of publish: $12 for 10
Dimensions: 15 x 3 inches | Material: Plastic | Color Options: White, black, variety set
Best Aesthetic: Open Spaces Small Storage Bins
What We Like
Sleek design
Stylish color choices
Come in a set of 2
Lids can be purchased separately
What We Don't Like
Pricey compared to similar items
When space is limited, every dorm room design choice can feel like a big one. We love these bins from Open Spaces because they come in so many color variations, and you can buy lids separately to mix and match to your heart's content—or skip the lids entirely. The simple yet sleek rounded design works especially well on a desk or dresser, and at just shy of 8 inches long and more than 5 inches wide, they're perfectly sized for keys, cards, lip balm, and other necessities that you want to keep close.
Open Spaces offers larger sizes so you can opt for more room or build a coordinating set if you so choose, but be warned that the price would add up quickly because these are a higher price point than similar styles. Still, it's hard to beat the elegant design, attractive colors, and useful size.
Price at time of publish: starting at $38 for 2
Dimensions: 7.99 x 5.28 x 3.54 inches | Material: Plastic | Color Options: Dark green, light blue, light pink, cream, navy
Best Hanging: Pottery Barn Teen No Nails Wall Jewelry Holder and Storage Ledge
What We Like
Design is attractive and functional
Easy to hang and remove
No nails required
22 jewelry hooks
What We Don't Like
Pricey for amount of storage
Removing and re-hanging may affect integrity
Because nails usually aren't an option in dorm rooms, you might need to get creative when it comes to hanging art or other types of storage and decor. Enter this No Nails Wall Jewelry Holder and Storage Ledge from Pottery Barn Teen. It's part of a line of products that are light enough to hang with double-sided 3M tape (which also promises to be easy to remove at the end of the year). We're fans of the classic design, functional hooks (22 in total), and included ledge for storage and display.
Now, as much as we like this piece, it's rather pricey for the shape and size, and the amount of storage it provides. Though when it comes to dorm life, it's hard to understate the value of the no-nail design.
Price at time of publish: $69
Dimensions: : 24 x 3.25 x 6 inches | Material: Medium-density fiberboard | Color Options: White
The 11 Best Jewelry Organizers of 2023
Best Shelf Dividers: mDesign Versatile Metal Wire Closet Shelf Divider and Separator
What We Like
Easy to install and adjust
Comes in a set of 4
Multiple colors available
What We Don't Like
Can slide off if not secured
Only one size available
Whether you're sectioning off a shelf that you're sharing with roommates, or looking to keep your own items sorted and organized, these shelf dividers are up to the task. We're fans of the rounded metal design that's equal parts form and function, and the easy slide-on method for installing them. Once they're in place, they extend 8 inches above your shelf. We recommend double check measurements before you buy because they're only available in one size. They're a good value, too—we like that they're made with durable steel, and that four come in a set.
There are six colors to choose from, all neutrals and metallics. You may need to secure them to keep them from shifting or falling, but we think that's a reasonable trade-off.
Price at time of publish: $15 for 4
Dimensions: 8 x 2 x 9.12 inches | Material: Steel | Color Options: White, soft brass, satin, black, chrome, graphite
Read Next: The 13 Best Plastic Storage Bins of 2023
Commerce - Final Verdict
We went with the Iris USA Plastic Stackable Storage Drawers as our Best Overall pick for their overall practicality and multipurpose design and for the various sizes offered. If you're looking to save a few dollars, IKEA SAMLA box, our Best Value pick, offers many of the same benefits for a smaller price tag.
What to Look for in a Dorm Room Organizer
Size
If you're shopping for a dorm room, you've probably heard that they're not the largest of spaces. "The main thing to consider when you are buying organizational items is how they will fit within your space," says Liz Toombs of PDR Interiors. "Buying a storage item that is too big or too small renders it useless for you. Space is too precious in university housing, don’t let any of it go wasted." Always double-check measurements, or have a plan to return or repurpose the item in case it doesn't work out.
Material and Durability
When you're shopping for a dorm room, we recommend considering whether you hope to use your new purchases long-term (for multiple school years or even post-college), or if you'll need it for a shorter window of time (like for one school year or one semester). The answers to these questions can help you decide when to invest in more durable pieces made from wood or metal, or when it feels totally fine to go with something lightweight like plastic.
"As you go throughout the year in your room making it your home, keep in mind that you will also have to move all of that stuff out," says Melanie Potts of Eastern Washington University. " Most college students don’t have tons of expendable income, so be really thoughtful about what you need versus what you want in that space."
Functionality
Potts also recommends paying attention to the versatility of your products and making purchases that can be useful in a future dorm with a different layout or in an apartment. "You will be glad you were picky!" she says. For example, The Container Store's Long Under Bed Box With Wheels, our pick for Best Underbed Bin, makes the most sense as an underbed organizer, with the wheeled design limiting your ability to store it up high in a closet. On the other hand, our recommendation for Best Underbed Bag, the Zober Underbed Storage Bag Organizer, can more easily be stored elsewhere because it's not on wheels. Both are super useful, but in their own ways. Not every item needs to serve multiple purposes, but we recommend considering it where and when you can.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should every dorm room have?
While we've yet to find a single one-size-fits all dorm organizer, there are a few key categories that we frequently see, and that our experts recommend: 1) Totes or drawers to slide under your bed. 2) Shower caddies, and 3) a plan for shoes, whether that's defined shoe boxes or additional plastic bins.
Both Liz Toombs of PDR Interiors and Melanie Potts of Eastern Washington University also touched on preparation for seasonal clothing, too. "Most university housing closets can only hold one season of clothing," Toombs says. She suggests swapping out seasonal wardrobes during breaks, while Potts recommends plastic totes.
How can I make my college dorm more homey?
"The main places you can let your personality shine when living in Greek housing or in dorms are: your bedding, your artwork, your desk accessories," says Toombs. "Choose colors and patterns that make you happy and show off who you are. Bonus points if you coordinate with your roommate(s) to create a vibe for your whole room."
What are some dorm room storage hacks?
Toombs recommends taking advantage of vertical space whenever possible. "By hanging your curtains and artwork higher or creating a gallery wall that uses the height of your room, you will make the space look larger. Trust me, those walls can close in fast so any trick that helps the room look bigger is a must try!"
Why Trust The Spruce?
Dena Ogden is a Commerce Writer for Appliances, Cleaning, Organizing, and Home Tech for The Spruce. She’s been writing professionally since 2015, and with The Spruce since August 2022, Prior to starting her writing career, she worked in higher education student services for seven years, spending her days on college campuses in Washington and California. For this piece, she spent weeks researching storage options and organizers from a variety of retailers, assessing their suitability for dorm life. She also consulted with Melanie Potts, Director of Housing and Residential Life at Eastern Washington University, and with Liz Toombs, Certified Interior Decorator and the Owner & President of PDR Interiors, an interior design firm that specializes in residential and sorority housing.
Read the original article on The Spruce.
