Make the most of your dorm room with these space-saving ideas.
Before you know it, summer will be gone, and kids will be preparing to move into their college dorm rooms after purchasing the necessities during back-to-school bargains. If you’re a student, you’re likely to overpack when you leave home. In addition, knowing how to economize space in a student dorm room is helpful if you are short on it. For those who are sharing a place with a roommate and would want to keep things neat and orderly, this is a particularly good rule to follow.
You need not worry about running out of space since even the smallest dorm or apartment can accommodate all of your belongings. All you need are some clever storage solutions and some much-needed decluttering. So, if you want to make the most of your student dorm room’s limited square footage, follow these tips for saving space while yet maintaining a homey atmosphere.
Make sure to check these 7 cleaning tips every college student should know if your dorm has seen better days.
1. Savvy storage organizers
Because most dorm rooms have limited storage space, it’s essential to choose storage that’s appropriate for your needs. Modular storage, such as bedside caddies or space-saving bins, is a terrific way to keep everything in its proper location. Because they don’t occupy a lot of floor space, vertical bookshelves and cabinets might be useful in tiny rooms.
These OlarHike Floating Shelves ($19, Amazon(opens in a new tab)) are another option. Use baskets and boxes like these Extra Large Storage Boxes with Lids ($79, Amazon) to store loose or smaller goods, such as books and magazines.
2. Under the bed storage
The ideal place to keep things that would otherwise end up taking over your dorm room is out of sight. Extra clothing may be safely stored beneath the bed with an under-bed storage bag organizer like this Lifewit Under-bed Storage Bag Organizer ($15, Amazon(opens in new tab)).
Under-bed shoe storage bags, like this Extra-Large Under-Bed Shoe Storage Organizer, may save you a lot of room if your shoe collection is large.
3. Multi-functional furniture
In order to save space, use ottomans or blanket boxes that serve as chairs. Transporting these items is made simpler by the fact that they are generally collapsible and portable. An ottoman bench that doubles as storage and sitting in a dorm room is the Youdesure Folding Storage Ottoman Bench ($39, Amazon).
4. Clothing rails
You may want to look into a clothing rail/rack on wheels if your closet is overflowing. To fit your dorm room, they come in single or double types, and the rods may be shortened or extended. This YOUDENOVA Rolling Clothes Rack on Wheels ($42, Amazon) may be positioned anywhere in the room and disassembled as required.
5. Folding tables and chairs
Furniture that folds up when not in use might save you a lot of room while eating or entertaining guests. If you’re looking for an easy method to store your chairs or tables after you’re done using them, folding chairs or tables may be the answer. In order to minimize room, buy a folding table and chair set like this Flash Furniture 5 Piece Black Folding Card Table and Chair Set ($104, Amazon).
6. Desk organizers
Invest in desk organizers to keep stray papers, notepads, and other stationery out of the way. In addition, label anything you come across. It may seem tedious at first, but it will save you time in the long run since you’ll be able to locate things more quickly and efficiently.
An acrylic desk organizer with a drawer, for example, retails for about $29 on Amazon(opens in new tab).
7. Over the door storage
If you want to look your best on the first day of school or on a date, a full-length mirror is a must. If you’re short on floor space, an over-the-door alternative is a great choice. To provide the illusion of a larger space, you can easily attach them to any door, no matter how large or tiny it is. Like this Lynk® Over Door Hook Rack ($16 on Amazon(opens in new tab)), you may use it to put up coats, hats and other light articles of apparel and save up some room.
The end result is as follows. Try these ingenious hacks and see whether you can turn your claustrophobic dorm into a delightful retreat in no time at all.
Tips before moving into your dorm room
- Pack according to the college’s list of requirements, if at all feasible.
- It is essential that you familiarize yourself with the college’s Housing and Residential Life policies.
- Don’t relocate to college all by yourself. When moving, it’s often helpful to have a helping hand from family or friends.
- Take just what you need at a time and don’t overstuff your vehicle/transport. When moving, just bring what you need and store the rest in a storage facility.
- Transport and store items in laundry baskets, containers, and vacuum bags.