The Storage Squad Blog
College Shipping Tips & Student Storage Advice
The Storage
Squad Blog
College Shipping Tips &
Student Storage Advice
Best Underbed Storage Bins
for Dorm Rooms in 2025
Heading off to college as a freshman or sophomore brings a mix of excitement and nervous energy —as it should. There is so much students and their families are about to learn, extending way beyond just academics. For instance:
Did you know dorm rooms are small? Like really small? And you often have to share them?
One of the first lessons an underclassman learns is that storage space is hard to come by. Having the right space savers is essential, like a good underbed storage bin. Extra blankets, clothing, towels — even those things you’d rather not leave out — under the bed is often the smartest place to tuck them.
We’re going to take a look at the top three underbed storage bins we’ve found online, compare their benefits, and even save you from having to move them into the dorms yourself.
⭐ How We Rate Each Product
Each storage bin is scored on five criteria, using a 5-star system:
Dorm Fit: Fits under a standard dorm bed (a twin XL) without sticking out
Durability: Can it survive a full year of college use (and abuse)?
Price-to-Value: Is it worth the cost based on functionality and features?
Parent/Student Reviews: What real users are saying, especially about long-term satisfaction
Room Direct Ready: How well it can be shipped from a retailer to our facility and delivered without damage or hassle
These individual scores combine to give each product a general “Overall” rating. It’s not about perfection — it’s about finding what works best for dorm life.** Ships easily from online retailers right to campus.
Best Underbed Storage Bins
for Dorm Rooms in 2025
Heading off to college as a freshman or sophomore brings a mix of excitement and nervous energy —as it should. There is so much students and their families are about to learn, extending way beyond just academics. For instance:
Did you know dorm rooms are small? Like really small? And you often have to share them?
One of the first lessons an underclassman learns is that storage space is hard to come by. Having the right space savers is essential, like a good underbed storage bin. Extra blankets, clothing, towels — even those things you’d rather not leave out — under the bed is often the smartest place to tuck them.
We’re going to take a look at the top three underbed storage bins we’ve found online, compare their benefits, and even save you from having to move them into the dorms yourself.
⭐ How We Rate Each Product
Each storage bin is scored on five criteria, using a 5-star system:
Dorm Fit: Fits under a standard dorm bed (a twin XL) without sticking out
Durability: Can it survive a full year of college use (and abuse)?
Price-to-Value: Is it worth the cost based on functionality and features?
Parent/Student Reviews: What real users are saying, especially about long-term satisfaction
Room Direct Ready: How well it can be shipped from a retailer to our facility and delivered without damage or hassle
These individual scores combine to give each product a general “Overall” rating. It’s not about perfection — it’s about finding what works best for dorm life.** Ships easily from online retailers right to campus.
1. Sterilite 56 Quart Gasket Box with Latches
- Room Direct Ready: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Dorm Fit: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Durability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Price-to-Value: ⭐⭐⭐
Parent/Student Reviews: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall Rating:
4.2
The perfect bin for bulkier items and sentimental storage.
A little pricier than a basic bin (under $40), the latching lid and stackability keep your items clean, dry, and together. It’s also a good option for seasonal items like jackets and extra bedding, where a secure seal and durability really matter. This is the bin you buy when you want one less thing to worry about mid-semester.
2. IRIS USA 50 Qt Underbed Storage Box with Handles
Room Direct Ready: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Dorm Fit: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Durability: ⭐⭐⭐
Price-to-Value: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Parent/Student Reviews: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall Rating:
4.1
A practical choice that won’t take up extra room.
A simple, affordable pick (under $30) that ships well and works for clothes, shoes, or snacks. The handles make it easy to access even under low-slung beds, and it’s lightweight enough for your student to move it without hassle. If you’re looking for a no-fuss, easy-to-replace bin that still gets the job done, this is it.
3. Amazon Basics Collapsible Fabric Bins
- Room Direct Ready: ⭐⭐⭐
- Dorm Fit: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Durability: ⭐⭐
- Price-to-Value: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Parent/Student Reviews: ⭐⭐⭐
Overall Rating:
3.2
A collapsible option best for lighter items.
These fold flat, ship easily, and are a cost effective (under $25) add-on for dorms. Just note: they’re best for lighter items — think socks, accessories, or snacks — not heavy-duty hauling. If your student wants something that looks a little more styled and doesn’t scream “storage bin,” this is a cozy, fabric-covered alternative. Bonus: they’re collapsible, so if they don’t need them later, they’re easy to tuck away.
➡️ Know someone sending their student off to college?
Share this list with them to save them time, space, and move-in stress.
1. Sterilite 56 Quart Gasket Box with Latches
Room Direct Ready:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Dorm Fit:
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Durability:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Price-to-Value:
⭐⭐⭐
Parent/Student Reviews:
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall Rating:
4.2
The perfect bin for bulkier items and sentimental storage.
A little pricier than a basic bin (under $40), the latching lid and stackability keep your items clean, dry, and together. It’s also a good option for seasonal items like jackets and extra bedding, where a secure seal and durability really matter. This is the bin you buy when you want one less thing to worry about mid-semester.
2. IRIS USA 50 Qt Underbed Storage Box with Handles
Room Direct Ready:
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Dorm Fit:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Durability:
⭐⭐⭐
Price-to-Value:
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Parent/Student Reviews:
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall Rating:
4.1
A practical choice that won’t take up extra room.
A simple, affordable pick (under $30) that ships well and works for clothes, shoes, or snacks. The handles make it easy to access even under low-slung beds, and it’s lightweight enough for your student to move it without hassle. If you’re looking for a no-fuss, easy-to-replace bin that still gets the job done, this is it.
3. Amazon Basics Collapsible Fabric Bins
Room Direct Ready:
⭐⭐⭐
Dorm Fit:
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Durability:
⭐⭐
Price-to-Value:
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Parent/Student Reviews:
⭐⭐⭐
Overall Rating:
3.2
A collapsible option best for lighter items.
These fold flat, ship easily, and are a cost effective (under $25) add-on for dorms. Just note: they’re best for lighter items — think socks, accessories, or snacks — not heavy-duty hauling. If your student wants something that looks a little more styled and doesn’t scream “storage bin,” this is a cozy, fabric-covered alternative. Bonus: they’re collapsible, so if they don’t need them later, they’re easy to tuck away.
➡️ Know someone sending their student off to college?
Share this list with them to save them time, space, and move-in stress.
Already Shopping? Let Us Ship It for You.
With Room Direct, you can ship your online purchases directly to us — and we’ll deliver them to your dorm before you arrive.
Room Direct makes college move-in easier with:
✅ Direct-to-dorm delivery
✅ Affordable flat-rate shipping
✅ Free boxes and packing supplies
✅ Real tracking + real insurance
✅ More time to say goodbye, the right way
👉 Learn just how easy college shipping can be with Room Direct.
Already Shopping? Let Us Ship It for You.
With Room Direct, you can ship your online purchases directly to us — and we’ll deliver them to your dorm before you arrive.
Room Direct makes college move-in easier with:
✅ Direct-to-dorm delivery
✅ Affordable flat-rate shipping
✅ Free boxes and packing supplies
✅ Real tracking + real insurance
✅ More time to say goodbye, the right way
👉 Learn just how easy college shipping can be with Room Direct.
Trusted by Universities nationwide— simplify college move-in with the best ship to school service.
