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This Storage Piece Will Make Your Cluttered Mini-Fridge Space Way More Organized

Kaitlyn Luckoff
Kaitlyn Luckoff
Kaitlyn Luckoff is currently a master’s of journalism student at Northwestern University. She came to this program after earning a degree in Organizational Studies and minor in English from the University of Michigan. Kaitlyn also studied abroad at King’s College in London for a…read more
published Aug 17, 2025
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Refrigerator filled with fresh vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli, along with various cheeses and condiments.
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Credit: Photo: Erik Bernstein; Food Styling: Thomas Hoerup & Maya Borrero

With all the excitement (and some nervousness!) that surrounds moving into your dorm and starting college, you might not consider things like how small your living space is. More specifically, that your mini fridge and the small space around it is probably going to be your whole kitchen. But have no fear — there are small refrigerator shelves that help you actually use the space around your fridge for storage and keep it organized.

When I moved into my dorm, I remember stacking my microwave, paper towels, and dishes on top of the fridge and constantly juggling the vertical space. I wish I had thought to get a storage piece to surround my mini-fridge space like these. 

4 Small Refrigerator Shelves for Dorm Mini Fridges

There are so many ways to use the extra shelving space, whether you go the functional route and add a microwave or a coffee bar, or choose to put some decor on the shelves. 

Space-Saving Mini Fridge Organizer Shelf with Cubby Storage
$167

I love the cubby style of this piece. A standard mini fridge (approximately 30" tall, 20" wide, and 20" deep) can slide into the left cubby, while there are still two other shelves and the top of the piece for extra space. If I had this piece, I would use the two side shelves for snacks and dishes, and the top for a coffee bar. I also could see myself using the top for meal prep and a makeshift cooking surface.

$167 at Wayfair
2-Tier Mini Fridge Shelf Storage Shelf
$90

This table is a bit more narrow, and is perfect if you don’t have a ton of space but still want some extra shelving. If you’re short on space, keeping a microwave and other kitchen accessories on the shelves will be great. However, it can also be a supercute space to decorate and match the aesthetic of your room.

$90 at Amazon
WAYTRIM Mini Fridge Stand
$76

This mini fridge stand will add storage below the fridge, and raise the fridge off the floor a bit. The stand can support a stuffed mini fridge that weighs up to 120 pounds. If you don’t have as much vertical space for shelves, this smaller piece is a great option. Plus, it comes in three different colors, so there’s something for every room. The stand is on wheels, but the wheels lock if you want it to stay put.

$76 at Amazon
Whitmor 2-Tier Over-the-Fridge Household Shelving Unit
$60

This piece is the ultimate storage option. I love the hooks hanging off the shelves! I would totally hang my mugs on these and keep my coffee maker on one of the shelves. There’s still plenty of space for a microwave, snacks, and just about anything else you want in your makeshift kitchen.

$60 at Home Depot

This post originally appeared on Dorm Therapy. See it there: This Dorm Must-Have Will Make Your Mini Fridge Way More Functional (So Much Storage!)

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