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It’s easier to enjoy those last moments of summer break if you don’t have a long to-do list waiting for you, like back-to-school shopping. For college students preparing to live on campus, it’s not just notebooks, highlighters, and folders you’ll need to consider, but also all of the dorm room essentials. From mini fridges and twin XL-sized bedding to laptops and desk lamps, there’s plenty to purchase before you can settle in, and it quickly adds up.

Save on dorm room essentials at Walmart

College is expensive, but that doesn’t mean decorating and furnishing your dorm room has to be. Walmart’s College Shop has everything you need to move on campus without breaking the bank, including deals on futons, school supplies, and tasty snacks for late-night study sessions. The perfect bedspread, a brand new laptop, and a bathroom caddy loaded with toiletries might be the first items on your shopping list, but there’s one frequently overlooked area you won’t want to forget: dorm room storage

Maximize closet space with dorm room storage

It’s no surprise that a cramped dorm room offers limited storage space, but there are several ways to maximize what little space is available. 

The closet is the most practical place to start. If you’re only using the built-in hanging rack in your closet to hang clothes, you’re not using this area to its full potential. Sticking a laundry basket in the corner of your closet is a smart way to keep things tidy, giving you a spot to throw your dirty clothes. Clothes hampers are quite affordable, too. Walmart’s bestseller, the Mainstays Flexible Square Laundry Hamper, is even one of the most budget-friendly picks, especially while it’s on sale for $6. 

I personally loved having a hanging clothes organizer in my dorm room closet back in the day. It gave me a spot to store my folded T-shirts and jeans, but it’s cheaper and more compact than your standard bedroom dresser. 

The bottom of your college dorm room closet will likely be an empty and open space. Adding a shoe rack can keep your footwear more organized and provide a place for tote bags and backpacks on the upper racks if you need accessory or handbag storage. The Sakugi 3-Tier Shoe Rack is a highly rated option, and it’s currently 53% off. Cascading hangers for pants or skirts can save several hangers’ worth of space.

Mainstays Flexible Square Laundry Hamper

Courtesy of Walmart

Bn-Link 5-Section Hanging Closet Organizer

Courtesy of Walmart

Sakugi 3-Tier Shoe Rack

Courtesy of Walmart

Mainstays Heavy-Duty 6-Tier Space-Saving Pants Hanger

Courtesy of Walmart

Kitsure Closet Organizers and Storage

Courtesy of Walmart

College dorm room storage ideas

The closet isn’t the only spot to strategically place storage in your dorm room. Under-the-bed storage containers are perfect for hiding your winter clothing until the temperature begins dropping. If you have a traditional closet door or bathroom door, rather than sliding doors, in your dorm room, an over-the-door hanger can instantly add several rows of shelving for around $20. A $55 mini dresser and nightstand with built-in USB charging can hide your random clutter and keep your smartphone charged. Find these dorm room storage deals and more below. We also suggest checking out Walmart’s dorm storage hub for all your college room organization needs.

Sterilite 66-Quart Latching Underbed Wheeled Storage Bins

Courtesy of Walmart

LazySpin Over-the-Door 5-Tier Organizer

Courtesy of Walmart

Mainstays 3-Drawer Fabric Nightstand with USB

Courtesy of Walmart

Sterilite File Crate Plastic Storage Bin

Courtesy of Walmart

Iris Wide 4-Drawer Plastic Stacking Chest

Courtesy of Walmart

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