Going off to college and leaving home for the first time is an exciting experience. For those choosing to live the dorm life, this exciting time can come with the extra challenge of working with limited space. However, with a bit of creativity and planning, and plenty of space saving storage, a small dorm room can be transformed into a comfortable, efficient living area that is worthy of showing off to family and friends. Follow these simple dorm room tips to make the most out of your space:
- Utilize Vertical Space
Get the most out of your space by using your wall and door spaces for storing your belongings! You can do this by:
- Using wall shelves and hooks. Installing shelves on your walls, if your dorm permits, can be a great way to store stuff while keeping your desk and floor clear. Hooks are also great space savers and can help with bags, keys, and clothing.
- Get over-the-door organizers. These are perfect for storing shoes, accessories, or toiletries without taking up floor space.
- Put items on the windowsill. In dorm rooms, using every little available space is essential. Windowsills can be great places for decorative knick-knacks, plants, and other items that will make your dorm room more aesthetically pleasing without wasting functional space.
- Take Advantage of Multi-Functional Furniture
Another excellent way to maximize your dorm room space is by using items that serve more than one purpose. Here are some great multi-functional furniture ideas for your dorm room:
- Storage ottomans. These not only provide extra seating in your dorm room but can also be used to store clothing, blankets, books, and other items.
- Lofted beds. Raising your bed creates space underneath that can be used for a desk, seating area, or more storage.
- Foldable furniture. Use chairs, tables, and drying racks that can be used and then folded and stowed away.
- Rolling carts. Use a rolling cart for extra storage that can be moved around as needed.
- Maximize Storage Solutions
There are ways to make the most out of your bed, closet, and desk, including:
- Under bed storage. Even if your bed isn’t lofted, you can use storage bins or drawers that fit underneath your bed for extra storage.
- Closet organizers. Use slim hangers, hanging shelves, and over-the-door shoe racks to organize your clothing, shoes, and accessories while maximizing space.
- Desk organizers. In a dorm room, desks often serve many purposes such as a dining table, entertainment area, and storage. Keep your area tidy by getting organizers for your school supplies, as well as designated areas in your desk for all other items.
- Personalize Thoughtfully
Decorating your dorm room to make it your own is fun but can take up space that might otherwise be used for storage or other functional uses. Follow these tips for adding flair to your room without sacrificing space:
- Wall art and photos. Decorate your walls with posters and photos to make your space feel more like home without taking up any additional physical space.
- Instead of desk or floor lamps, use string lights or clip-on lamps to create a cozy atmosphere.
- Choose light colors. By choosing light colors rather than dark, you can make your dorm room feel more spacious.
- Keep Your Space Decluttered
When you don’t have much space to work with, it’s vital to make sure that you aren’t wasting space on unnecessary items. Keep your dorm room decluttered by:
- Evaluating your needs. Regularly go through your belongings and get rid of items you no longer need or use. Sell what you can on platforms like Facebook Marketplace to get a little extra cash!
- Keeping your cords organized. Use cable clips, ties or sleeves to keep cords out of the way and prevent them from becoming a tangled mess.
- Rotating items seasonally. Store out-of-season clothes and other items in bins or a storage unit.
A storage unit can be the perfect solution to your storage problems while you’re living in a dorm room. Storage City is a locally-owned and operated facility offering affordable, clean, secure self-storage units in Rapid City, Box Elder, and Belle Fourche. We offer climate-controlled and cold storage units that are fenced in and secured by a gate with code-entry access. Call us at 605-394-9442 today to rent your unit!