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Living in a New York City apartment is kind of like living in a college dorm room. You don't have a lot of space, and you're surrounded by other people. So when it's time for students to head back to school, I start keeping an eye on what people are adding to their dorm room checklist. That's because dorm life essentials are typically space-saving, super cute, and affordable. So if you live in an apartment, I've rounded up the best dorm room essentials that are hella convenient for anyone living in a small space.
Because when you don't have a lot of room, you have to make use of what you have. Buying bed risers can give you that vertical space for some storage cubes. A cute magnetic key holder makes use of wall space. Capitalize on your living space with floating neon shelves. The home decor options are endless.
From bed risers to a small desk lamp, a rotating desk organizer to a handy closet organizer, these are the best dorm room essentials that are convenient for people living in small spaces. Because why should college students get all the cute home decor and space-saving must-haves?
A Compact Power Strip With AC Outlets & USB Charging Ports
Amazon Basics Power Strip Cube 3 Outlet
If you can never find an outlet when you need it, then you have to add this convenient power strip to your cart. It's compact, portable, and includes 3 AC outlets and 3 USB charging ports (1 USB-C and 2 USB-A) for all your devices.
A Closet Organizer That Can Hold A Lot
Sylroal Closet Organizers & Storage, 2-Pack
I've never lived in a NYC apartment with more than 2 closets, so I'm always on the search for ways to maximize my closet space. These 2 organizers (with 10 clips per hanger) are perfect for hanging leggings, skirts, pants, socks, and more, in a way that doesn't take up a lot of room.
A Popular Air Purifier With a Small Footprint
A Single Serve Coffeemaker That Comes in Cute Colors
CHULUX Single Serve Coffee Maker
Snag this single-serve coffeemaker in bright orange, cyan, green, red, and more. Not only does it brew a delicious cup of joe in minutes (using K pods), but it also measures just 7.4 x 9.06 inches and costs less than $40.
Pastel Storage Containers That Easily Fold & Collapse
HUUSMOT Pastel Storage Crates, 6-Pack
Store away your small objects with these 6 storage crates (measuring 3.9 x 5.9 inches each). And when you don't need them, they easily fold and collapse for later. They're even stackable.
A Handy Alarm Clock That Projects the Time on Your Wall
Amazon Basics Rectangular Projection Alarm Clock
How often have you gotten up in the night and thought, "What time is it?" This handy alarm clock projects the time on your wall or ceiling and includes a USB port for your phone and a radio. Plus, the projection has adjustable brightness, so you can set it for your personal preference.
This Super Cute Magnetic Key Holder
TWONE White Cloud Magnetic Wall Key Holder
Never know where your keys are? Then you need this key holder. It easily attaches to your wall with a secure adhesive and features a magnetic design for holding your keys in place.
A 60-Pack of Hanger Hooks That Add So Much Space in Your Closet
Smartor Clothes Hangers Connector Hooks, 60-Pack
Make the most of your closet space with these connector hooks. They conveniently attach to most hangers and allow you to layer your hanger vertically. Save space and easily plan out your OOTD all at once.
A Wire Basket for Fruit With Storage on Top
Wawocs Gold Wire Basket for Organizing
This chic wire basket gives you room for fruit (or coffee or office supplies or toiletries) on the bottom, but a small amount of space on top for other essentials. It even comes with 2 hooks for hanging items and can be stacked or hung on the wall for added space saving.
A Chic End Table With Locker Vibes
Novogratz Cache Metal Locker End Table, Orange
Get a back-to-school aesthetic with this metal locker end table. It includes 2 shelves, measures 27.14 x 14.96 inches, and includes keys for when you want to lock items away. And if you're looking for something bigger, I love the locker designs over at Mustard Made (and they come in tons of bright colors).
A 50-Pack of Sleek, Space-Saving Hangers
MIZGI Premium Velvet Hangers, 50-Pack
You can save so much space with these sleek, velvety hangers. They take up less room in your closet, include notched shoulders to keep straps in place, and will keep your clothes looking great.
A Portable Blender That Can Blend Anything
nutribullet Flip Portable Blender
I own a Vitamix (brag) but when I want to make a quick smoothie for work or to take on the go, I reach for my nutribullet portable blender. With its sleek, sturdy design, it blends ice, frozen fruit, and more, in a snap (unlike some other portable blenders I've tried). Plus, it includes a handy to-go top and stainless steel straw.
A Desk Organizer That Rotates 360 Degrees
Marbrasse Desk Organizer
With a rotating base, 5 compartments, and cute design, you'll want this desk organizer on your desk ASAP. It holds so much and comes in 13 vibrant colorways.
This 2-Pack of Petite, Folding Desk Lamps
A Set of 4 Risers to Give You More Under-Bed Space
Whitmor Bed Risers White Set of 4
These 4 risers raise your bed so you can have more storage area underneath. They're made of durable plastic and can be stacked when not in use.
These 4 Floating Neon Shelves That Deliver a Futuristic Aesthetic
upsimples 4-Pack Acrylic Shelves
Floating shelves are a great way to make use of wall space. Each of these acrylic shelves can hold up to 8.8 pounds and come with mounting screws for easy hanging. They also come in 12 cool colorways.
Looking for more dorm room decor? Then check out these finds under $100.