Experts share organization tips and staples for the college-bound

A typical dorm room is equipped with three basics: a bed, a desk, and a dresser. In the limited confines of what you’re allotted, finding extra storage space can be challenging. Factor in a roommate and things are bound to get even cozier. Whether you’re setting off for your first semester of college or you’re a seasoned vet who has done drop-offs for years, there’s a thing or two to learn when it comes to organizing and shopping for a dorm.

Back-to-school shopping can be overwhelming—never mind carving out space to store what you bought. So to help the college-bound and their families pinpoint the must-haves, we turned to organization experts for their take on dorm storage essentials, including helpful product suggestions.

Before leaving for school, think carefully about what will be needed and used, says Karin Socci, founder of The Serene Home, a professional organization service. “If the item is not something you use at home, such as dressy clothing, sporting goods, or books, it is unlikely you will need it at school.”

Instead of packing extra sets of towels and bedding, get into the practice of washing them on a regular basis and reusing the same set or two. And if you’re looking to buy a coffee maker or another small appliance (such as a blow dryer) see if your roommate wants to go in on one together, Socci suggests.

While the closet may be a prime source of storage in a dorm, it’s limited. One easy way to save space? Skip the bulky hangers. A certified professional organizer, Mackenzie Scott of Mission 2 Organize, recommends slim hangers—either felt or plastic will do—to maximize the capacity of the closet.

When hanging items, group longer pieces together and relegate shorter ones to the other end to create room for freestanding storage units or shelves. Scott recommends a plastic drawer system that can house everything from clothes to shoes.

Also, make sure to take advantage of all the vertical space available. For example, use the area above any hanging space in the closet for baskets to hold lightweight items such as socks or intimates, Scott recommends.

Baskets • Honey-Can-Do Task-It Woven Basket in gray, set of two, $17 at Amazon and Walmart, $22 at Bed Bath & Beyond. Slim Hangers • Amazon Basics Slim Hangers, set of 50, $26 at Amazon. • Rebrilliant Velvet Hangers, set of 50, $31 at Wayfair. Storage Bins • Life Story Plastic Stackable Clear Shoe and Closet Storage Box Container Bin With Lids, set of 10, $29 at Target, 20-pack for $47 at Amazon. • Sterilite Wide 3-Drawer Chest With Wheels, $20 at Walmart, $30 at The Container Store.

Outside of the closet, the next best opportunity for storage is under the bed. While baskets and bins can easily slide in underneath, bed risers are a great way to add a few extra inches of clearance space. This dorm-room staple is available in a variety of sizes and can be made from wood, polypropylene, or carbon steel (a sturdier option if you’re looking for something taller). But their functionality doesn’t stop there.

“Many bed risers come with built-in power outlets, which can be a great opportunity to provide ease of access to an outlet from the bedside,” Scott says.

(For more options: “Under-the-Bed Storage Options to Help Banish Clutter.”)

Bed Risers • Honey-Can-Do Bed Risers, set of four, $19 at Bed Bath & Beyond, similar ones for $17 at Home Depot, $22 at Walmart.

Under-the-Bed Storage • Long Under Bed Box With Wheels, $33 at The Container Store. • Sterilite 60 qt. Clear View Underbed Storage Bin, $25 at Target.

Living in a dorm usually means having to use a communal bathroom. “The best method for bathroom-sharing is to get a bath caddy, especially if your bath area is down the hall or not attached to your room,” Scott says. It will make it easy to tote essentials back and forth and give the items a dedicated home.

A caddy will make it easy to carry the essentials. A similar approach can be used for makeup by creating a basket or case that holds all your products so you can pull them out, use them, and put them away, Scott adds.

Bath Caddy • Madesmart Soft-Grip Tote, $9 at Target, a similar one for $14 at Amazon.

Shop baskets: Amazon, Target, Wayfair.

An organized desktop is essential for carving out a productive workspace, especially because the space will probably be getting a lot of use. Consider your work style and whether you do well with visual clutter, says another professional organizer, Tana Ching. If you’re okay with being surrounded by piles of textbooks and notepads, she recommends grouping materials by subject matter and clearly labeling them. If you prefer things to be out of sight, opt for a portable file box to keep your staples in line without having to clutter your desktop.

“Treat your desktop as prime real estate,” Socci says. The more cluttered your desk is, the harder it will be to find the things you need. “Create a folder for each class and others for various social activities, and become diligent about filing things electronically.” For example, paper syllabuses can be scanned and stored digitally on your laptop or computer.

Shop file holders: Ikea, Target, Wayfair.

Last but not least, remember that you don’t have to take everything with you right away, Scott says: “Travel light for fall, and if you find you really need extra items, grab them during your first break home or buy them when you get to school.”

More from Consumer Reports: Top pick tires for 2016 Best used cars for $25,000 and less 7 best mattresses for couples

Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. CR does not endorse products or services, and does not accept advertising. Copyright © 2022, Consumer Reports, Inc.

The Bro Shaver 2.2 makes shaving your back as easy as shaving your face. Save big now on this self-care essential.

In June, Hailey Bieber and her debut skincare line were sued for trademark infringement by Purna Khatau and Phoebe Vickers who founded the clothing brand RHODE in 2013

Make your days a little easier with some of the most genius products you never knew existed. Once you try them, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.

If you're an avid gardener or a lover of a manicured lawn, then you're most likely no stranger to the pains of weeding.

If you’re looking for a good way to overcome this summer’s stifling heat, this portable AC unit is silent, efficient and over 10% off on Amazon.

STORY: Location: Chatsworth House, EnglandThe UK heatwave revealed this hidden 300-year-old garden designSource: Chatsworth House TrustExtreme heat burned the new lawn awayexposing remnants of the original 17th-century garden designThe old European-style formal garden was known as the Great ParterreIt was designed in 1699 for the 1st Duke of Devonshirebut covered and replaced with a new lawn design around 1730

​​​​Grab everything you need to revamp your deck for less with these deals.

Living room furniture can be pricey, with sofas and couches costing upwards of $1,000. But you can switch up the look of your room without having to replace the staple pieces. See Our List: 100...

Bring order to your home with these simple storage solutions starting as low as $16.79.

A Savannah gardener uses native plants to replace his grass lawn and create a healthy, productive ecosystem right in his front yard.

Have some fun in the sun with this affordable summer patio set.

Always have the fresh scents and flavors of basil on hand by regularly starting the seeds in your home.

Preventing stains and discoloration on white clothes can be a challenge, but these hacks will turn you into a clothing care pro.

Knock out your worst kitchen enemies like grime in grease with these affordable solutions on Amazon.

Skip the smelly sprays and get this affordable mosquito-repelling gadget instead.

Make your time in the kitchen more efficient and enjoyable with these nifty kitchen gadgets that will make you wonder how you ever survived without them.

Costco has 828 warehouses and 113.1 million member cardholders worldwide, and those members likely will attest to the same thing: Costco has quality products at consumer-friendly prices. Households in...

Check out this best-selling eco-friendly laundry essential that'll only cost you less than $10 on Amazon right now.

These are especially useful right now.View Entire Post ›

If you’re looking to make your life more organized, check out these five Amazon essentials that are less than $30.