The 22 Best Dorm Items at The Container Store

As a recent grad, I remember how tricky it was as a freshman trying to fit all my belongings into a small dorm room. Keeping organized is vital; I needed to know whether the things were and that I had enough space for everything. I bought good-quality storage — a cost-effective solution — I used in my first apartment.

There is no better place to nab storage pieces than The Container Store. With a designated College Shop, it’s one of the best places to buy dorm supplies, but sifting through closet, bath, and office storage options can be a bit overwhelming.

Here are the 22 best things to buy at The Container Store for your student’s dorm supply needs. From under-the-bed storage to innovative closet hangers, I’ve covered the gamut of practical dorm items like drying racks and mirrors.

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The Best Dorm Storage Items at The Container Store

1. Iris Under Bed Drawer

With limited dorm space, making use of under-bed storage is crucial. These under-bed drawers are stackable, so you can use a little or a lot of space under a bed, which is great if your student has a lofted bed. Additionally, drawers easily access what’s under the bed without pulling everything out. These are super practical and will come in handy in an apartment down the road.

2. Premier Stacking Tote Clear

A storage bin is the best way to store seasonal clothes, extra bedding, or towels, and it can quickly be shoved under a lofted bed. These boxes are built strong for easy, dependable storage and are stackable. The smallest bin measures 13-3/4″ x 22-1/2″ x 11″ h; two larger bins are available, too.

3. 3-Compartment Hanging Closet Organizer

A sweater organizer easily stores folded clothes in a closet, freeing up limited drawer space. This one, available with three or six compartments, gets Wirecutter’s top pick for a hanging closet organizer. This versatile shelving system can even be used for accessories or purses and is made from breathable poly-cotton canvas with sturdy metal hooks and reinforced shelves.

4. Sterilite Stacking Laundry Baskets White

If your teen prefers to use a laundry basket to carry their clothes to the laundry room, this is the top pick for the best laundry basket from Wirecutter. Its ergonomic design makes it easy to carry, while its ability to stack makes it perfect for sorting clothes or storing other items if you want to buy multiples.

5. The Container Store Convertible Backpack Tote

Like the popular IKEA bags, this oversized shopping bag is excellent for move-in day! You can stuff a ton of clothes in it, which can be worn as a backpack when you schlep into the dorm. These can be used year after year to move in AND out, and are so handy.

6. Like-It Large Desktop Station

For a clear mind, start with a clear desk. Give your student a head start with a desk organizer for school supplies and accessories. It makes it easy to find pens, highlighters, a planner, and spot an ID lanyard, dorm key card, or phone charger.

7. 3-Tier Rolling Cart

Credit: The Container Store

Rolling carts are handy for toiletries or cleaning supplies. As one of the most popular items at The Container Store, it will help your teen keep all their daily essentials organized. Each tier can be used for snacks, beauty, school supplies, and more.

8. Five Two Fresh Start Laundry Backpack

A laundry backpack will make it much easier to carry their laundry to and from the laundry room, especially if they must go to another building to wash clothes. This backpack is large enough to hold multiple loads, is padded for comfortable carrying, includes pockets, and is machine washable. It’s made from cotton polyester using 100% recycled yarns.

9. Poppin Large Storage Cubby

These storage cubes are great for extra items such as medication, extra toiletries, hair dryers, towels, extra sheets, and more. With six pretty colors, you can mix and match or designate a specific color for a particular organizational use.

10. Non-Slip Velvet Shirt Hangers

Hangers are an essential dorm item that you won’t want to forget! These non-slip velvet hangers have slender profiles to maximize closet space and come in several color choices. Each pack has ten hangers, so you may want to pick up a few.

11. Stackers Taupe Supersize Jewelry Box Collection

Keeping jewelry organized in the dorms can be challenging with limited space, and pieces can be easily misplaced. Designed in England, this jewelry organizer system will let your teen choose the stacks that fit perfectly to help them store all their jewelry in one place.

16. Poppin Box Seat

This storage ottoman is a win, doubling as an extra seat for friends and a storage box! It holds up to 275 pounds and can store towels, sheets, and more. Available in four colors, it collapses flat when not in use. The top is cushioned, making it a comfortable place for friends to sit.

17. Elfa Printer/Fridge Cart

A fridge cart is ideal for elevating a mini fridge for easy access to food — there’s no need to bend down for a midnight snack. The additional bottom drawers can store non-refrigerated snacks, paper towels, and cleaning supplies. This is another Elfa product; the top can hold a printer later in life. A Container Store Exclusive!

18. Yamazaki White Adjustable Branch Coat Rack

Dorms are notoriously short on hanging space — and you’re not allowed to use nails. Thankfully, this coat tree offers a multitude of hooks for hanging coats, jackets, umbrellas, towels, and backpacks. Moving the “branches” to fit the space best is also adjustable.

19. Poppin Laundry Hamper

For a more traditional hamper, try this canvas one. The removable canvas drawstring bag makes it easy to pull out to bring to the laundry room without lugging the entire thing. It comes in three muted color options that will blend right in.

20. Large Tint Stacking Drawers

There might not be room for a tall dresser in the dorm room, but these lightweight, stackable drawers will do the trick. They can stack on top of each other or be used individually. You can use them to store clothes, snacks, and supplies, and they also come in different fun color options.

21. Umbra Skinny Can

A trash can is an overlooked essential for dorm room shopping. Your student will need one, and this simple plastic option will complete the job. It comes in several neutral color options to be as discreet as possible.

22. Foldover Puffy Laptop Sleeve

Laptops are expensive, so ensure your student protects them with a laptop sleeve. This puffy option is made from recycled plastic bottles. It will keep their computers scratch-free as they bop from class to class on campus.

Prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

If your teen has a suite-style bathroom, this is great for storing all their toiletries, and each person in the dorm can have a separate space for their belongings. It will help keep things neat within the bathroom. Elfa products are The Container Store exclusives and are very popular for their incredible durability.

This kit includes Melamine Top, Cabinet-Sized Runners, Cabinet-Sized Frame, Grid Tote with Handle, 3 Small Tint Stacking Drawers, and an Umbra Hide-N-Sink Under Sink Caddy. (Parts can be customized and are sold separately).

13. Polder Aluminum Clothes Drying Rack

Protect leggings, sweaters, and delicates while shortening drying time with this rack. It collapses flat when not in use, and the thick aluminum rods give 18 feet of drying space and include six soft-touch garment clips to secure small items and straps.

14. 1X/5X Countertop Pedestal Makeup Mirror

The mirrors in the dorms usually aren’t the best for doing makeup or getting ready. This makeup mirror has one side featuring a standard view while the other features five times magnification — ideal for getting the perfect cat eye. It is lightweight for moving about and blends well with any style of décor.

15. Luxe Acrylic Modular Makeup System

Students with an overwhelming makeup collection need more than just a makeup bag. This acrylic system can be stacked to their preference and easily stored on a desk or vanity. Plus, it wipes down easily to clean.