7 Organizing Items That Real Students Call “Durable,” “Cutie,” and “Great for Storage”

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A bedside table with a lavender finish, featuring headphones, a water bottle, a wooden block, and a lamp. — Credit: Photo: Alex Lepe. Prop Styling: Vicky Wasik and Maya Borrero

Dorm rooms are notoriously short on space, but that doesn’t mean yours needs to be short on organization! In fact, certain super-functional products can make all the difference throughout your room — in your closet, your kitchen area, the space under your bed, the space next to your bed, the space above your bed … you get it.

We just announced the winners of the 2026 Dorm Therapy Awards — our list of the very best products to purchase for your dorm for the 2026-2027 school year, all used and recommended by real college students. We surveyed nearly 700 current and recent college students to help curate the list! And get this: The winning items include seven essential organizing products. Check them out below, and get ready to have the sleekest, most functional dorm room (sorry, everyone else).

IKEA RÅSKOG Utility Cart

$30

The three-tier RÅSKOG metal cart looks chic and instantly organizes your clutter. "[It] saves space and is great for storage," says Andrew L., University of South Florida '27. Students even use it as a nightstand!

$30 at IKEA

Brightroom Metal Garment Rack

$40

When you run out of closet space, store (and display!) your favorite pieces on this Brightroom garment rack. It also has a mesh bottom shelf for extra shoe or accessory storage.

$40 at Target

Kitsure Shoe Rack

$13$1023% off

Pack your favorite sneakers, flats, and boots because this sleek three-tier shoe rack fits up to 12 pairs of shoes — and it can move with you. "[It's] very durable and has lasted me all four years of college!" says Emma R., Carroll University '26.

$10 at Amazon

Brightroom 3-Drawer Wide Cart

$20

At nearly 2 feet wide and more than 15 inches deep, Brightroom's three-drawer wide cart offers plenty of space — plus, this zip-tie trick will give you so much extra storage. Jessica T., UNLV '28, loves how portable it is: "Because of the wheels I can slide it under my bed easily and tuck it away."

$20 at Target

IKEA FÖRLUNDA Pouffe

$70

Go bold with this red FÖRLUNDA storage pouffe that acts as extra seating. Isabelle S., Loyola University Chicago ‘28, calls it "very cutie and functional." Plus, the fabric is treated with easy-care to handle spills.

For a more classic look, try the Room Essentials upholstered storage ottoman.

$70 at IKEA

Brightroom Clear Storage Bin

Make moving in and out of your dorm a breeze with this durable 66-quart storage bin that can also hold your belongings throughout the year. "I stored extra linens, bulky clothes, and cleaning supplies in them," says Zoey R., USC '28.

$9 at Target

Room Essentials Plastic Hangers

“The best option for affordable hangers!” says Lydia Strickland, Arkansas State University ’26. Get a few packs of these hangers, the cheapest find on our list, to help you organize your clothes as you unpack.

If you prefer slim velvet hangers that can save closet space, these Amazon Basics hangers will do the trick.

$3 at Target

Alison Goldman

Editor-in-Chief

Hi! I’m Alison, and I’m the editor-in-chief of Cubby, AT Media's site for families at home, and Dorm Therapy, the company's site dedicated to helping students feel at home at school, as well as the director of special projects for AT Media. I’ve lined my bookshelves with magazines for as long as I can remember. I love creating content that helps people live happier, more fulfilling lives. Previously, I worked as the lifestyle editor at Boston Globe Media's Boston.com, where I oversaw coverage of arts and entertainment, food and restaurants, travel, and wellness, and I co-edited the Globe's popular Names page. Prior to Boston.com, I held editorial positions at WomensHealthMag.com and Glamour magazine. I've also worked as a full-time freelance journalist, crafting lifestyle and culture content with an emphasis on women’s issues for publications including Cosmopolitan, The Lily from The Washington Post, Well+Good, The Boston Globe Magazine, and Chicago Magazine. I graduated from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism, where I’ve taught as an adjunct lecturer. I’ve lived in a few different cities, but now I’m based in Chicago with my husband and two kids.

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Collette Reitz

Special Projects Editor

I've worked in digital media for more than seven years — first as a writer, and then as a weekend and full-time editor. I began as a daily trending news writer for Elite Daily and then expanded my coverage as an editor into tech, food, social media, health, current events, and politics. I've collaborated with colleagues to create many exciting packages throughout my career, like Elite Daily's Money Issue, which aimed to help Gen Z better understand their personal finances. More recently, I helped launch Apartment Therapy and The Kitchn's "Happy Hosting!" vertical, packed with clever solutions for making holiday celebrations less stressful. I've also covered exciting product launches, including an Apple iPhone reveal in Cupertino, California. I've been lucky enough to interview accomplished individuals, including former WNBA star Sue Bird, Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman, and the iconic Dolly Parton.What I love most about digital media is connecting with readers. My goal is always to create well-researched content that impacts someone's day, whether that's offering practical solutions and reliable information or just providing a laugh with a well-placed pop-culture reference.

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