How can I optimize space in a dorm room? As in DIY storage for dorm?

Most dorms will raise your bed to "upper bunk" height. This is great because you can either put your desk under the bed or use that space for storage. Closet space is very limited so think more about colorful boxes and trunks that can also be used as seating.

1st off I commend you on being proactive! 2nd, think of vertical storage and keep measurements of avail. spaces with you as you shop. Don't look at how an item was intended to be used, but at how you can adapt it to your needs. I have a tall, baker's rack, half the width of a regular one you would see in a kitchen, tucked into a small bathroom beside the shower. The wall space is only 12" wide and would only hold a couple of hooks for towels. By using a tall metal baker's rack with metal shelving, I have 6 folded beach towels, 12 folded bath towels and baskets of hand towels in that space that extends upward to 6' good use of a 12" space. An over the toilet cabinet provides lots of hidden storage and get one on legs so it doesn't have to be bolted to the wall, making it removable. The shelves aren't deep but will hold every kind of toiletry needed in the bathroom. I use lidded, wide-mouth canisters that are intended for food storage on the top of that cabinet to store extra items. One holds disposable razors, first aid supplies, and a tall canister intended for spaghetti is the perfect size for storing extra toothbrushes and toothpaste. If you have a wall cabinet in the bathroom, again you can use the top as another shelf. A narrow basket intended to hold CD's is perfect for storing toothpaste, deodorant, etc. For small spaces, think multi-purpose. I purchased a round metal bin with a thick wooden lid at a superstore. It could hide laundry supplies, extra toilet paper and paper towels or dirty laundry and is sturdy enough to be used as extra seating. Look for throw pillow covers that are removable, and instead of using the foam insert, fold an extra bath towel or two and stuff them inside. When your schedule doesn't allow enough time to get laundry done, you'll be glad you have those extra clean towels on hand. Look in kitchen supplies for what you need in the bathroom, and in the craft stores for baskets that are less expensive than home goods stores. While you are scoping out the area, see if their is a BJ's Club, or something similar in the area. Ask for a membership or gift cards as graduation gifts. Then shop with a couple of other students, reap the savings of shopping in bulk, and split the savings and supplies between you. Good luck to you!

Hang a plastic shoe rack on back of door to hold your shampoo, lotion, etc.

Command hooks hang as much as possible. Most dorm room beds are adjustable so u can put yours up high and store stuff under neath in bins or plastic draws

go to pinterest.com and search dorm organization and storage.. So so many great ideas