10 Dorm Essentials Pro Organizers Are Shopping During The Container Store Sale

Rather than letting shoes pile up by the door, they can rely on this best-selling drop-front shoe box, which is 50% off right now. Jones calls it a "game-changer" for dorm room closets.

"I’ve never seen them marked down this much," she says. "They’re stackable, space-saving and perfect for maximizing vertical space, either on closet shelves or under your bed. In college, I made the mistake of bringing every pair of shoes I owned, but I had nowhere to put them. These would’ve saved me!"

A sturdy rolling bar cart is a dorm room necessity. This multi-purpose pick, which is available in eight colors, is a favorite of Composed Living's Elsa Elbert, who suggests using it as a homework station, or to organize toiletries or snacks. "Best of all, it's on wheels so you can move it wherever you want, and always tuck it out of the way," she says.

Every dorm room could benefit from a compact — and stylish — drop zone with just enough space for a student's jacket, coat and go-to shoes. Diane Lowy of New York at Home suggests this tall valet stand.

"As a New Yorker who is always working with people looking for just a touch more closet space, this takes less than two square feet to add a full length mirror, a hook, shelves and hanging space," Lowy says. "It's perfect for a dorm room."

Any organizing pro would confirm that utilizing door space is crucial in a small layout, and this five-section organizer fits the bill.

"I love the shape of this particular storage piece — it's perfect for storing pretty much everything!" Elbert says. "Try creating a 'getting ready' zone and store hair tools, makeup, skincare and extra towels here. Or, roll up your tees and pjs for extra clothing storage."

An ottoman that also doubles as storage? Yes, please! "Keep extra blankets, sweaters or even textbooks in this cute little stool, and you'll appreciate having an extra spot for friends' to lounge, or to put your feet up during study sessions," Elbert says.

They can never have too many velvet hangers to help them fit as much as possible into their tiny closet. "Velvet hangers are a small switch that makes a big impact," Jones says of this 10-pack. "Plastic hangers may seem more affordable, but they take up twice the space. With velvet hangers, you can fit more in less space and keep your clothes from slipping off."

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"Under-bed storage is a must," Jones says. This bed riser, which comes in a pack of four, will give them some extra space (5-3/4" to be exact), and each one is designed to support up to 275 lbs.

"I love the flexibility of rolling mesh drawers or placing two plastic 3-drawer carts front to back and zip-tying them together," she says. "One side for toiletries, the other for snacks or off-season clothes. It’s a dorm essential."

Storage bins are one of the easiest ways to hide clutter in a dorm, and Lowy likes this lattice metal basket, which comes in small, medium and large.

"This basket is the perfect bin for a dorm room if you need to see what you have and prefer not to use plastic," Lowy says. "The rope wrapped around metal makes this bin feel soft, it keeps its shape, and the color looks great anywhere. It's the perfect container for any dorm room."

Here's another brilliant solution for small spaces — a charging attachment that works with the retailer's rolling three-tier cart. Complete with a metal hook for hanging along with Type A and C ports, their devices will be ready to go at all times. "It doubles as a tech hub next to your bed," Jones says.

Sweater season will be here before you know it, and there's no reason to let their collection take up much-needed drawer space. In addition to sweaters, though, Lowy recommends these cotton bags for any college party items they may have to store.

"They're the perfect size for keeping theme-party items together in the back of their closet," she says. "One side is cotton and the other side is clear, and they'll be able to find everything easily when they need it."