College Dorm List

College Dorm List – Back to School Ideas

Whether you are a freshman or a returning student, getting ready for college in the fall can be a bit nerve-racking, exciting, and fun – all at once. Preparing for dorm living now and compiling a college dorm list can ease some of the discomfort. The following is our essential dorm list to get you started now on your exciting fall adventure.

1. Bed Risers

Dorm rooms are notorious for being small and having limited storage space. First thing to do if you have a freestanding bed is to add storage underneath. Use inexpensive bed risers to add extra height to your bed and more storage clearance underneath. They’re made from a variety of materials and colors to suit your needs. Elevating the bed gives you tons of under-the-bed storage options.

2. Under Bed Storage Containers

Shoes, clothes, books, jackets, linens and tons of other stuff can be stashed under your bed, provided you have room. Canvas chests, lidded plastic containers, and even containers with wheels are available for easy access to your goods. If you have a freestanding bed, you won’t want to miss out on the storage space beneath it. Under-bed storage containers are lifesavers for dorm living.

3. In-Closet Hanging Storage

You’ll want plenty of standard hangers to organize your clothes, but other in-closet storage hangers make the closet more versatile. Hanging cubes add convenient in-closet shelf space for jeans and sweaters. Scarf and belt organizers help get you dressed in a hurry while freeing up drawer space. Tiered hangers are really great for space-saving hanging storage of slacks and jeans. Usually, in dorm rooms, closet space is at a premium, so think about ways to optimize your closet using hanging storage solutions.
Umbra’s Little Black Dress line of organizers are great for storing jewelry, cosmetics, accessories and all kinds of smaller items. They are cleverly designed and feature tons of clear vinyl pockets for easy viewing and accessibility. The mini version is perfect for smaller storage needs and great for weekend getaways as you can roll it up and throw it in your luggage.

4. Over-Door Organizers

When space is at a premium, over-door storage hangers are lifesavers. A single shoe rack can store up to 36 pairs of shoes, freeing valuable shelf and floor space in your closet and living areas. Sharing with a roommate is a good idea, depending on your combined collection size. For the sports-minded, the Perfect Cap Rack makes for easy storage of baseball caps and again, it’s OK to share.

Over-cabinet-door hair care racks are another life saver for rooms with bathrooms. Made in a variety of configurations, these lightweight storage racks are designed to store hairdryers and curling irons – plus, some even have onboard shelves for storing hairspray, styling gels and other hair products. If no cabinet door is available, this wall-mount rack provides plenty of storage for all of your hairstyling accessories.

5. Makeup Organizers

Makeup organizers help keep your purse and vanity less cluttered by consolidating everything in one place. This two-tiered pink spinning rack holds a ton of makeup, nail polish and other supplies and is made from attractive pink mesh with a spinning mechanism for absolute accessibility. For smaller cosmetic storage needs, you can’t beat the clear acrylic two-drawer cosmetic holder. At only 7.25-inches wide, it takes up very little space on your counter or dresser, and the clear finish makes it easy to find what you’re looking for.

6. Device Chargers

Device charging stations are lifesavers, and not only keep your digital goods ready to use, but help prevent you from misplacing them, provided you make a habit of storing them in the station during your down time. Cell phones, iPods, tablets, mp3 players and other digital toys are likely candidates for this must-have college item.

7. Laptop and Tablet Stands

Whether you’re chilling while watching a movie, chatting on Facebook, or doing homework, Laptop and tablet stands hold your device upright at the angle you need. Whether you need a dedicated laptop cart, a squishy lap desk, or a bamboo tablet stand for your iPad, we have it.

9. Backpacks

Next on your college dorm list is backpacks. Backpacks are your portable workstations. They can be makeup bags, device holders, book bags and the portable refrigerators that keep you fed while on campus. A backpack, while essential to your campus experience, can also be a personal statement. Whether you want to strut your stuff in bold hot pink or prefer a subdued, earthy, low-key style, you’re sure to find something you like at Organize-It. Lots of pockets for writing utensils and compartments for devices and water bottles are must-haves. If you do a lot of walking, consider one with wheels. Laptop backpacks are designed with extra-secure storage to keep your devices safe. And leather ones are available as an upscale option.

10. Bulletin Boards

Bulletin boards make fantastic visual reminders for your new class schedule, things to do, and places to be. They are the hub by which you can communicate with your roomies, schedule events, and just write goofy stuff. Erasable, magnetic, stainless steel and corkboard ones are available. Choose something that suits your style. They also make a great way to temporarily decorate, hang your latest selfies, and share your inspired and not-so-inspired thoughts.

11. Laundry Bags

There is no surviving the dorm without a laundry bag. Baskets are nice, but when space is at a premium, it’s great having something that collapses and folds out of the way. For small needs, this compact, colorful laundry tote is great as it has carrying handles and takes up little space. It’s about 21 inches high and the sides expand, so it holds more than one might think. On heavy laundry days, this 33-inch high canvas laundry bag with strap has the heft and volume you need. Plus it has a heavy-duty shoulder strap and a smart, black and white design that makes dirty clothes look almost fashionable.

Getting your living space together is going to make staying organized for classes easier and we carry just about anything you need to get settled into your dorm life and start your semester off on the right foot. Be sure to make a college dorm list of your own as you prepare for your bold new life.

Also see our Pinterest College Essentials board for dorm organizing ideas and everything college related and check our blog archive for more back-to-school ideas. And we have a dorm food checklist here. And, finally, read about 10 dorm storage ideas for under 10 bucks here.