15 Multipurpose Dorm Products to Save Space, Starting at $10

While there’s a lot to look forward to when it comes to dorm living, the size, layout, and space available are probably not high on the list.

Dorm rooms are known for being notoriously small, and this is especially true if you’re sharing with a roommate—or multiple roommates.

With this in mind, we’ve rounded up some of our dorm must-haves. Best of all, they’re all multi-functional, space-saving, and well-priced. 

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MR.SIGA Bamboo Palm Brush

Let’s be honest, keeping a smelly sponge in your dorm room is about as ideal as using the communal one in the shared kitchen. Instead, go for these durable palm brushes that can be used for everything from plates to pots and pans, and are easier to keep fresh for longer than your standard sponge. 

BlissTotes Laundry Basket and Hamper

If you’ve never used a laundromat, laundry day can be surprisingly stressful when you’re first settling into dorm life. A cute, functional laundry basket that doubles as a hamper can help cut down on any first-timer anxiety, and we especially love that this one is collapsible. 

Nordstrom Square Zip Jewelry Box

Whether your college student is zipping around to visit friends on the weekend or only popping home at the end of the year, anything that doubles as easy-to-pack is a win for dorm life. We love these jewelry boxes that are both stylish, compact, and simple to store in a drawer or shelf. 

Norwex Counter Cloths

Whether you or your college student wants to admit it, some dorm room cleaning is surely in their future. Any cleaning pro will tell you that a lot can be done with a microfiber cloth, and this set of three is perfect for tackling the main dorm room zones: surface dusting, kitchen cart clean-up, and sink or vanity area wipe-downs. 

Magness Cork Corkboard / Bulletin Board

Dorm room door whiteboards are a definite staple but don’t forget about a corkboard above or near your study space. If you opt for one that’s in a cute frame or skews more stylish, they can be the perfect option for functional wall decor that’s easy to dress-up. Use it to share notes with your roommates, hang pictures, post schedule reminders… or a mix of all of the above. 

Command Small Wire Toggle Hooks

While most dorm rooms are strict about how you hang things on the walls, Command hooks are an ideal solution. They’re lined with heavy-duty adhesive, and you can use them to hang lightweight picture frames, display accessories like hair ties and jewelry, or function as a mini landing space near your door for keys, lanyards, and other quick-grab items.

SANQIANWAN PU Leather Valet Tray

In a dorm room, most surfaces end up covered and cluttered with books, school supplies, and other daily living necessities. Small and large catchalls like this valet tray are a great way to rein in the clutter and keep things slightly organized. Stackable, functional pieces are great but don’t forget to add a few softer pieces that are decorative, too. 

The Container Store 3-Tier Rolling Cart

Almost every pro organizer will tell you a rolling cart is one of the best things you can buy for a dorm room. They’re incredibly multifunctional and can be used as a microwave cart with food storage, stashed in a closet as a place for shoes and other accessories, or rolled in between desk spaces as shared supply storage. 

VOLUSPA Baltic Amber Reed Diffuser

Most dorms are understandably strict about open flames, but a lack of candles doesn’t mean you can’t have a great smelling room. We love these Voluspa diffusers because the scent options are both incredible and long-lasting, and the jars are adorable. You can easily refill and reuse, or you can repurpose for other small storage options. 

Latitude Run 23” Desk Lamp with USB and Outlet

Desk space is cramped in a dorm, and while some come with built-in lighting, others might require a desk lamp. We love that this one is slim and space-saving, but also serves a few purposes with built-in ports and outlets for charging. 

Poppin All-in-One Desktop Organizer Sage

Another desktop must-have is an organizer for everything from pens to highlighters to notecards. This is a perfect one because it adds some vertical space, and we love that it comes in a variety of cute colors. It’s also the ideal shape for stacking on other organizers or tucking into corners.

Inbox Zero Macide Laptop Tray

While college students might spend a decent amount of time studying at their own desk or in the library, there are times where having a portable laptop tray can be a huge help. This one folds down nicely and can be carted over to friends’ rooms for group projects or propped up in bed if a cozier study space is in order. 

The Container Store Underbed Zippered Storage Bag Natural

Whether you loft the bed or keep it low to the ground, some underbed storage is an absolute sanity saver at college. Plastic bins are great, but we also love this softer option for storing backup clothes, extra blankets, and out-of-season wardrobe items. 

Pontianak Velvet Storage Ottoman

If you’re adding any furniture to the already camped quarters of a dorm room, it absolutely must serve multiple purposes. This storage ottoman is the ultimate pick because it can be used as storage, extra seating, or a footstool if needed. 

MapleGrace Bamboo Drawer Organizer Box Set

We adore a great drawer organizer set here at The Spruce, but if you’re hauling one off to college, it’s best to pick one that can be used outside of your drawers, too. This one is perfect because and extra trays can double as catchalls on your dresser, desk, or other available surfaces.