What are the best under-bed storage ideas for the dorm?
Heading off to college can be an exciting prospect, but enthusiasm can turn to stress when you consider how to make a tiny dorm room feel like a home away from home that isn’t inundated with items stacked from floor to ceiling.
To reduce dorm room clutter, try taking advantage of under-bed storage. From drawers and bins to shelves and chairs, you can select from an array of storage solutions to help you transition from home life to college life with ease.
How to choose dorm under-bed storage
Assess your overall space
Find out how much space you have to work with and how you can save space in other areas of your room. Use your closet door for a door-hanging laundry hamper or shoe organizer. There is no shortage of dorm room space savers out there to help you stay organized.
Measure your dorm bed
Most dorm mattresses come in a twin XL size that typically measures 38 inches wide and 80 inches long. Your mattress will also sit on some sort of bed frame. Knowing the horizontal space the bed takes up will clarify how much floor space you have for storage.
Determine your vertical space
Find out if your dorm bed can be raised off the ground, as this will determine what kind of storage you can use. Some dorm beds can sit on risers, while others can be raised into a loft-style bed. A bed that sits 6 feet off the ground provides more versatility than a bed that sits directly on the floor. You can fit furniture with built-in storage under a lofted bed, while a lower-sitting bed might offer only 6 or 8 inches of storage space.
Organize your storage
What types of items do you want to store? For storing off-season clothes or old books, a soft under-bed storage bin will suffice, while storing your gaming system and games requires a different type of storage altogether. Also, consider how accessible you need certain items. Your high school yearbook needn’t be as accessible as your graphing calculator. Make sure you can easily retrieve your important articles.
Coordinate your look
Your dorm room is your home and sanctuary while at school, so take the time to find storage options that match your space. Coordinate under-bed storage with your bed linens, lamp, rug and other room décor.
Cost of dorm under-bed storage
Depending on materials and size, storage options typically cost between $14-$110.
Best dorm under-bed storage ideas
Richards Homewares Metal Frame Under-bed Storage with Lids: available at Amazon
Two plastic sliding drawers are built on a sturdy metal frame. You either can pull the entire drawer out of the frame, or you can raise the lid without completely removing the drawer.
Simply Essential Small Stacking Drawer: available at Bed Bath and Beyond
Although this plastic drawer comes in several different heights for stacking, this specific selection is the ideal height to fit under beds that sit close to the floor. It keeps your items dust-free, and the drawers glide smoothly from the frame to keep accessories within reach. Keep your look clean and consistent by buying enough to fit the length of your bed.
Shoes Under Shoe Storage Organizer: available at Bed Bath and Beyond
Keep shoes out of the way and organized for quick access. Each organizer measures 29 inches long to hold 12 pairs of shoes. It is made with a plastic zippered cover for you to see each compartment. This organizer is also great for socks, belts and other accessories you need to access frequently.
Low Profile Under Bed Storage Containers: available at Amazon
If your dorm bed sits low, these low-profile storage containers are a great option. The set of two fits under beds as low as 5 inches from the floor. They’re made from sturdy fabric with pull handles and clear plastic tops for quick viewing. Their length makes them a nice option for holding extra linens or seasonal clothing.
Seward Trunk Under the Bed Trunk: available at Amazon
At only 8.25 inches high, this truck fits under most dorm beds. It comes on recessed wheels for ease in moving. It has a push lock with two keys and accommodates a padlock for securing important documents. It has a side handle for easy maneuvering.
Best dorm storage ideas for beds on risers
Dormco Suprima Ultimate Height Bed Risers: available at Amazon
Give your dorm bed an extra 20.5 inches of storage space with these bed risers. Made of carbon steel, they are stronger and four times higher than standard plastic risers. Dormco is a trustworthy brand that specializes in products for dorms and other small spaces.
Shanda Under Bed Stackable Storage Drawer: available at Wayfair
Maximize your under-bed storage space with these plastic stackable drawers. The clear front allows you to see each drawer’s contents. Each drawer is 17.3 inches high and 26.7 inches deep for optimum storage space.
ClosetMaid 1029 Cubeical Organizers: available at Amazon
These cubicle organizers come in various sizes and colors for you to customize under-bed storage. Lay an organizer on its side or stack two of them, if space allows. Purchase coordinating bins to complement your décor.
Best dorm storage ideas for lofted beds
ORE International Polyurethane Storage Accent Chair: available at Home Depot
Multi-function is the key with this chair that has built-in storage under the seat. The seat lifts off to reveal approximately 20 inches of added storage. The fabric wipes clean with a dry cloth.
Three Tier Rolling Cart: available at Amazon
Coming in three colors, this cart rolls in as great storage for food and utensils, skin care or jewelry items. It stands 31.75 inches tall. It comes with two dividers and one small bucket that hangs on the side.
YITAHOME Fabric dresser: available at Amazon
Built on a metal frame for added sturdiness, this light-grey fabric dresser is lightweight enough to transport but durable enough to hold any number of items. Each drawer has a fabric handle that pulls the drawer smoothly. The top is made of MDF waterproof wood.
Suprima Classic Fridge Stand: available at Amazon
This sturdy stand keeps your dorm-size refrigerator off the floor for better venting, while offering extra shelves for food and utensils. No extra tools are required for assembly. It comes with locking caster wheels for easy movement.
Tammy Tilley is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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