Let’s face it, college dorm rooms are tiny, and it’s especially noticeable when sharing your living space with one or more roommates. To prepare yourself for move-in day, learn to capitalize on the storage space you have using these top ten organizational tips and tricks:
1. Utilize Vertical Space
Use furniture, like stacking drawers, cubbies, or a foldable bookshelf, which sit tall and take up less floor space. Use a tall hamper, like this one found on Amazon, instead of a short, wide hamper to save space; the wheels make it easy to transport when full. Add a hutch to your desk to store books and other schoolwork if one isn’t already built in. Also, consider a rolling cart for a multi-purpose, vertical storage unit that is easily movable to fit any open space as needed.
2. Loft Your Bed
Lofting your bed can free up the space underneath for storing less frequently used items or appliances, like a mini fridge and microwave. Some beds can also be bunked to save even more space and make room for extra furniture, storage bins, and more.
3. Bed Risers
Some dorms don’t allow lofting or bunking. In those cases, invest in some low-cost bed risers. Add in some under-the-bed organizers and mini storage drawers to maximize floor space without creating clutter.
4. Use A Bedside Table
Consider a small bedside table, pocket organizer, or clamp-on shelf to conveniently place your alarm clock, phone, and other nightly essentials.
5. Get A Hanging Rack
Hanging racks can be repurposed at home and are great for the back of your door to store shoes, toiletries, and other small items. You can even get a hanging mirror or over-the-door hooks for hanging coats, towels, or a robe to free up wall and closet space for other items.
6. Use Matching Hangers
Dorm room closets are not built to fit an entire wardrobe. Use space-saving, matching hangers and closet organizers, like hanging cubbies, to store shoes, shirts, and more. Insert a closet rod to also add more storage space when needed.
7. Switch Out Clothes Seasonally
Keep the bulk of what you don’t need at home and always hold on to some clothes for layering as temperatures fluctuate in between seasons, with a plan to update your wardrobe during breaks.
8. Enhance Dresser Space
Roll or tightly fold your clothes and store them upright instead of laying them flat. This not only saves room, but also leaves all clothing visible and easily identifiable.
9. Invest In Multi-Purpose Furniture
If working with an area that needs extra furnishing, like a common room, consider an ottoman, or a coffee table with shelves or drawers for extra storage space.
10. Use Command Strips
Command Strips offer a great way to hang items and maximize on wall space. Use flat strips to hang décor and Command Hooks, which are available in regular or heavy duty options, for hanging heavier items, like backpacks or purses.
College dorm rooms provide a great opportunity to think outside the box and get creative in a very limited space. They offer the ability to organize your life on your terms when other stressors, like classes, might be out of your control. While it can be daunting, there are many useful hacks and items to help transform your room into an efficient and comfortable space to relax and unwind, most of which can be conveniently purchased on a budget and from major retailers. If there isn’t enough room to bring everything back home when the semester ends, conveniently keep items for the next school year in a self storage unit.
