Dorm Decorating: Not Your Grandma's Milk Crates

By Samuel G. Smith on Thursday, July 26, 2012

Milk crates have long been staples of dorm room decor thanks to their ability to hold just about anything from clothes and accessories to books and knick-knacks.

Plus, their durability and portability make moving a whole lot easier -- no need to pack your stuff away in boxes. Just carry the crates out to the car and load them up!

But even old standards could use an upgrade now and again, which is why we love the idea of these cool "Crates" that add useful features like wheels, dry-erase boards and clips to help tame the mess of cables behind your computer.

Start with a crate, link each one together to build a storage system, and add the accessories to customize your stylish new space. Choose metal casters for mobility or wooden legs to keep it steady. A cord clip manages your cables, and hooks are available for hanging items like headphones and keys. Separate drawers and shelves keep things organized and the cushion provides extra seating. Choose the corkboard and dry erase side panels to post notes, photos and messages.

See more at Quirky.com/crate. Pieces are sold individually for $19.99 and are available at Target.