Creative Dorm Storage Ideas

When you move into a dorm room for the first time, you might be disheartened by the lack of storage space, but don't let first impressions fool you. A dorm room may appear to be cramped at first, but with a little innovation and courage, you will find creative ways to store your things. It's all a matter of widening your perspective and using what is available around you creatively.

Underbed and Bedside Storage

The dark, mysterious space under your bed doesn't have to be so scary anymore. In fact, the space under your dorm bed is perfect for storing things. If you're worried about your stuff getting dirty or lost under there, you can always use an underbed storage bag to hold and protect your things. Underbed storage bags are made to fit perfectly under dorm beds and usually have zippers that easily open and close for easy access to your stored belongings. Underbed storage bags can hold linen, clothes, and just about anything else that you want to keep out of view. There are also small bedside storage bags that are made to hang from your bedside panel. These smaller storage bags contain pockets that are meant to hold nightstand items such as cell phones, small clocks and books. You can also keep a flashlight in it for late night bathroom trips.

Zip Up Bean Bag

You can buy bean bags with zippers and double their use by turning them into storage space. You can de-stuff your bean bag, and re-stuff it with extra linen, clothes, or anything soft that you want put away. Another great space saving thing about the zip up bean bag is that it can be emptied and collapsed when not in use. Bean bags are easy to move and you can even bring them to other dorm rooms for movie nights. As long as you don't mind the bean bag being just a tad lumpy, you've got yourself an easy and multi-purpose seating product that is practical in many ways.

Multi-Layer Hangers

Multi-Layer Hangers do wonders for closets. With one of these, you can hang three or four pieces of clothing on one elongated hanger. These hangers are made to hold multiple pieces without taking up more space, allowing you to store three times the amount of clothing in one closet. Some can be used as single hangers as well and connected with other hangers when the need arises. You can also use multi-layer hangers to hang coordinated outfits.

Makeshift Table Top

If you have extra full boxes just lying around your dorm room, you can turn your pile of boxes into a makeshift table top. Simply stack your full boxes on top of each other. Try to form a square or rectangle shape, drape a throw or small blanket over the top surface, and voila! You have a table. This really works if you have enough boxes. You can use your table top to hold lamps, books, laptops, and whatever else you can think of. Use one or two boxes to make yourself an extra nightstand, or use many boxes to build a full table. Throw a dinner party in your dorm room with a temporary makeshift table and be proud that you have the amazing ability to turn clutter into furniture.