Completely Clutter-Free Dorm Rooms For Under $200

For those of you heading to school for the first time this fall (or know someone who is), no doubt tales of wonder and horror surrounding these fabled small spaces are running through your mind. It's absolutely incredible how many people can fit into one of these spaces for a Saturday night get-together, yet trying to get all your jeans in one drawer can be a challenge.

That's why the seasoned academics at Shoestring hunted down these thrifty and tech-friendly ways to successfully organize any dorm room in style. Whether you're planning to bring an extensive sweatpants collection or making sure there's room for all your frat party heels, we've found budget- and travel-friendly ways to maximize the dorm space you're stuck with. Plus, the total for everything on this shopping list is still under $200!

KEEP CALM AND CONSOLIDATE ON

Bunk Bed Shelf ($10, Container Store)
Even if you have a single, or choose to un-bunk your beds, this very simple shelf can be an absolute lifesaver. Many dorms don't have space for nightstands like you’d have at home, so you're left wondering where the hell you're going to plug in your Blackberry or alarm clock at night. Instead of using the biggest shelf of all (the floor), clip this portable shelf onto the leg of your bed. You'll instantly have a place to keep a bottle of water, your phone, or a book, without taking up any precious square footage.

Under The Bed Storage Bag ($9, Target)
The most wondrous thing about college beds is their ability to expand their capacities. When stuck in a tiny room, lifting your bed even three feet off the ground can add a ton of neat storage space. Target has these great under bed storage bags, each for under 10 bucks, that you can slide and stack right under there; they're great for towels and sheets, denim and sweatshirts, or anything else you just can't fit in the drawers or the closet. Plus, it has a cute design on top so you're not sacrificing form for function.

9 Cube Organizer ($40, Lowe's)
It's too bad we didn't find these before we moved in! Assembled in under 10 minutes, this three foot square organizer can easily be slipped into the back of a closet or under a bed in most dorm rooms. Slide it against the back wall of your closet and pack it full of necessities while keeping your clothes neatly hung above, or slide it under a raised bed for storage. Since it flaunts a chic design, there's nothing wrong with keeping it out on display for everyone to enjoy, either.

"Coexist" Ultrasuede Storage Ottoman ($20, Sears)
You will undoubtedly have guests in your room, and they will always want two things: something to drink, and somewhere to sit. Keep them comfortable with one (or a few) of these ottomans from Sears, made with super-soft, super easy-to-clean ultrasuede.  Easily slid under a bed when not in use, and cute enough to keep around a common room, they provide seating and storage: the top comes right off so you can fill 'em to the brim.

Rotating Desk Organizer ($7, Staples)
Sometimes it’s the simplest thing that makes the biggest difference: this ultra-cheap rotating desk organizer from Staples will absolutely fit on even the smallest of school-provided desks. Since it rotates, it allows you to fill it up with everything you'll need to get your homework done while using less space, so you can display more important things on your desktop — like pictures of you and your roommates breaking hearts and barstools around campus.

Charging Station by Lori Greiner ($26, QVC.com)
If the sight of cords all over the place from your smartphone, MP3 player, camera, or other gadgets makes you sick, pick up one of these ingenious charging station organizers. With a hidden power strip, the compact little box stores all your gizmos neatly while keeping them charged and easily within reach.

LITTLE EXTRAS NEVER HURT NOBODY

Storage is important in any dorm room, but so is adding your own style! The best storage containers aren't always as customizable as we'd like, so check out these little extras to give your room a personal yet paycheck-friendly touch.

Well-Stacked Housewares ($4, Urban Outfitters)
There's no doubt about it — if you bring glass cups, bowls, and plates to college, they will break. Save yourself the pain right off the bat and stock up on these Well-Stacked housewares from Urban Outfitters. At just $4 each (or $12 for a set of four), these bowls, plates, and cups stack up easily to save space and their fun colors will add some punch to any drab dorm palette. They're plastic, too, so even your frat-bro boyfriend will have a hard time breaking them!

Roommate FYI Behavior Correction Note Pad ($12, Amazon)
Sharing your small space driving you up the wall? Go the passive-aggressive route and tell your roommate how you feel with these Nifty Notes specifically designed for such dilemmas. Whether they need to keep the music down, lay off the Cheetos, or stop stealing your shirts, you can whimsically parlay your peeve by leaving one of these notes strategically on their desks. Of course, you can always tell your roomie how much you love her, too.

Removable Chalkboard Wallies ($20 for 4, Paper Source)
Save money on buying a new desk calendar every year with these reusable chalkboard squares that can be positioned into a weekly calendar. Black goes with everything, so hang them on your wall feeling confident that you won't be ruining the gorgeous dorm decor. A calendar is a must for any busy college student, and these "wallies" let you completely customize each week, which saves you green since you'll never have to buy a calendar again. Pick up a set of Bistro chalk markers ($13) to keep your room and your clothes clean and chic.

Perpetual Bloom Towels ($8 to $36, Anthropologie)
Unless you're very lucky, chances are you'll be starting out your freshman year sharing a bathroom. During those critical first weeks, make sure you look your best at all times — even when getting into the shower — with these plush and patterned hand, face, and bath towels from Anthropologie. In seven colors, there's a good chance you'll find the one that perfectly matches your eyes.

Story and image: Copyright 2010, Shoestring LLC.