Dorm rooms are notorious for being small and cramped, and figuring out how to fit all of your belongings into this tight space can be quite a challenge. Among the many items you will need to store in your dorm room is food. If you have ever stepped foot in a college dorm room, you are probably all too familiar with the struggle of finding space to store your food. Fortunately, there are some great storage solutions. With the right food storage, you can keep your food fresh and your dorm room clutter-free!

The Basics on Dorm Food Storage

Sure, you won’t be cooking extensive meals in your dorm, but you will still need access to food and snacks right on hand. That’s why it is important to create a food storage system for your dorm. It doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive, but simply act as a mini kitchen for your space. Depending on the size of your dorm and your budget, here are some great food storage ideas.

1. Mini Fridge

Mini fridges come in a variety of sizes, so opt for the size that best fits your specific space. A standard size mini fridge provides enough space for basic cold foods such as drinks, yogurt, cheese, lunch meat, and leftovers. They typically have a small freezer as well, which can be great for storing a few frozen dinners or treats. A mini fridge is a must-have for any college student and will provide adequate storage for a few cold and frozen items.

2. Shelving Unit

There are a number of different shelving units that can be used in conjunction with your mini fridge. The fridge slides nicely into one of the compartments while the shelves are ideal for storing dry goods. Keeping all of your food items in one place can help you create a “kitchen area” in your dorm while also keeping your food neat and organized.

3. Plastic Storage Drawers

Another clever way to store your food is by using vertical plastic storage drawers. It is a great way to store your food all in one place and your food is less likely to get stale or attract critters when it's neatly stored inside plastic drawers. These vertical drawer systems are also great space savers and can fit pretty much anywhere in your dorm room.

4. Hanging Food Storage

A hanging snack station is another great storage hack for dorm rooms. You can use an over-the-door shoe organizer for more than just shoes! The handy pockets are perfect for storing a variety of snacks from chips and granola bars to ramen packets and condiments. This genius hack takes up very little space and keeps your food off the ground so as not to attract unwanted visitors.

5. Rolling Carts

A multi-tier rolling cart is an awesome food storage hack for dorm rooms. Many college students use these carts as a coffee bar, food storage, and to organize their cups and utensils. Not only do they keep all of your food and kitchen items in one place, but they are portable so they can easily be moved around the room. They are a great option for maximizing your dorm space.