Trying to fit your entire life into a shoebox of a dorm room is never an easy feat. We’ve all been there. But fear not! Here are some helpful tips and hints that will maximize your dorm space and reduce the unnecessary clutter in your room.
- Preparation: Before you start unpacking, measure the dimensions of every part of your dorm room, especially the space under the bed and inside your closet. That way, when you go to pick out containers and decorations from your local BedBath and Beyond or HomeGoods store, you know exactly what is going to fit and how much of everything you need.
- Loft or no Loft, That is the Question: Lofting your bed will allow you to optimize a ton of space underneath for clothes, suitcases and other miscellaneous items. So, we recommend to loft your bed!
- Plastic Containers are your BEST FRIEND: We mean it. Buy as many plastic drawers and bins your dorm space allows. The drawers can be used for clothes in your closet and under your bed, and the different-sized bins can be used to organize books, toiletries and miscellaneous school supplies. If you try to just fold your clothes freely in your closet, they will never stay organized and will eventually end up in a heap on the floor.
- Double-Duty: look for decorations that serve two purposes: aesthetics and utility. For example, look for an ottoman that doubles as a container!
With these tricks in mind, you will come out a pro when setting up your dorm room.