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Most Useful
BedShelfie The Original Bedside Shelf
Most Useful
BedShelfie The Original Bedside Shelf
Credit: AmazonIf 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."
Best Book Storage
Jerry & Maggie Desktop Organizer Shelf
Best Book Storage
Jerry & Maggie Desktop Organizer Shelf
Now 23% Off
Credit: Amazon"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.
Best Magnetic
GlossyEnd Over the Fridge Caddy
Best Magnetic
GlossyEnd Over the Fridge Caddy
Credit: AmazonIs 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."
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Best Cubbies
ELUCHANG Foldable Storage Organizer, Set of 2
Best Cubbies
ELUCHANG Foldable Storage Organizer, Set of 2
Credit: AmazonSimilar 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.
Most Storage
L&H UNICO 3-Shelf Freestanding Shelving Unit
Most Storage
L&H UNICO 3-Shelf Freestanding Shelving Unit
Credit: AmazonIf 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.
Best for Beauty Products
MIUOPUR Makeup Organizer
Best for Beauty Products
MIUOPUR Makeup Organizer
Now 25% Off
Credit: AmazonWhether 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.
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Best Nightstand Alternative
ALVOROG 3-Tier Rolling Cart
Best Nightstand Alternative
ALVOROG 3-Tier Rolling Cart
Credit: AmazonSkip 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.
Best on Wheels
Rolling Underbed Cart White Wire
Best on Wheels
Rolling Underbed Cart White Wire
Credit: AmazonA 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.
Best Overall
Dormify Bedside Caddy
Best Overall
Dormify Bedside Caddy
Credit: AmazonHang 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.
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Best for Drawers
mDesign Adjustable Drawer Dividers
Best for Drawers
mDesign Adjustable Drawer Dividers
Credit: AmazonThere'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.
Best for Closets
StorageWorks 6-Shelf Hanging Closet Organizer
Best for Closets
StorageWorks 6-Shelf Hanging Closet Organizer
Credit: AmazonIf 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.
Best for Clothes
Amazon Basics Under Bed Fabric Storage Container
Best for Clothes
Amazon Basics Under Bed Fabric Storage Container
Credit: AmazonIf 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.
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Best Shelves
Amada Home Furnishing Bathroom Shelf with Towel Bar
Best Shelves
Amada Home Furnishing Bathroom Shelf with Towel Bar
Now 42% Off
Credit: AmazonAnd 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.
Most Stylish
Anthropologie Matilda Mirrored Cabinet
Most Stylish
Anthropologie Matilda Mirrored Cabinet
Credit: AnthropologieStore your most-used beauty essentials, like fragrances and hair oils, on the miniature shelves of this antique-inspired cabinet. Because it's so lightweight, you can mount it on the wall using two super-small nails yourself—no power tools required.
Most Space Saving
17 Stories Laundry Hamper
Most Space Saving
17 Stories Laundry Hamper
Credit: WayfairInstead 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.
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Best Set
Mainstays Shoe Storage Box
Best Set
Mainstays Shoe Storage Box
Now 34% Off
Credit: WalmartWhether 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!"
Best for Everyone
Dotted Line Hines Wall Mail Organizer with Key Hooks
Best for Everyone
Dotted Line Hines Wall Mail Organizer with Key Hooks
Now 31% Off
Credit: WayfairIt's our personal belief that everyone can use one of these wall-mounted organizers. As soon as you get home, hang your keys on the hook and slide your mail into the perfectly envelope-sized compartment. Stick whatever suits your fancy on the miniature shelf. We love the idea of a tiny succulent.
Most Durable
PBteen Recycled Classic Shower Caddies
Most Durable
PBteen Recycled Classic Shower Caddies
Credit: PBTeenArguably 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.
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Most Elegant
Novogratz Beverly Over-The-Bed Storage
Most Elegant
Novogratz Beverly Over-The-Bed Storage
Now 62% Off
Credit: WayfairOne 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!
Most Mature
Homary Narrow Nightstand
Most Mature
Homary Narrow Nightstand
Now 30% Off
Credit: HomaryThere'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.
Market Editor, House Beautiful
Brittney Morgan is a noted land mermaid and a Virgo with a penchant for crafts, red lipstick, and buying way too many throw pillows. Her work has also been published at Apartment Therapy, NYLON, HuffPost, Hello Giggles, Elite Daily, and more.
Senior Market and Partnerships Editor
Medgina Saint-Elien covers everything your home needs. She writes about exciting new product launches, hands-on reviews, and the "lightbulb" moments in every maker's story. In overseeing key HB editorial franchises, including the Live Better Awards, Saint-Elien champions the work of BIPOC entrepreneurs in the design and beauty industries. In addition to House Beautiful, her work has been published in Byrdie, Snapchat, and more. Outside of work, the writer and poet can be found documenting her travels on social media and saving memes for future use.
Jessica Cherner is House Beautiful’s associate shopping editor and knows where to find the best high-low pieces for any room.
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