5 Cheap(ish) Dorm Essentials to Make College Life Easier
Top pick
It assembles in seconds and offers ample interior storage for a fraction of the price of any other storage bench we considered.
Lofting a bed absurdly high is the first step in maximizing dorm storage space, but neatly stashing everything under it requires creativity. A collapsible ottoman, such as the Seville Classics Storage Bench Ottoman — which also comes in a smaller cube shape — is an aesthetically pleasing, multifunctional storage option for your new tiny living situation.
Wirecutter’s Hana Stepnick used her storage ottoman to keep extra shoes out of sight and as an aid to climb onto her lofted bed (according to Seville Classics, the storage ottoman can withstand up to 500 pounds on the lid when closed and can hold up to 50 pounds inside). When friends come over, you can also use it as an extra seat.
