For most students, a college dorm room is the smallest space they will ever call “home”, and the key to living comfortably is to learn how to maximize that space.
In Scholars, Millet or Zeringue Hall, a private bedroom suite is a total of 414 square feet and a semi-private bedroom suite is a total of 364 square feet. That is not a lot of space considering a Ford Explorer is approximately 115 square feet.
Add in the bed, refrigerator, desk, dresser drawers, closet, microwave and bathroom, and the space continues to shrink.
So, how can you bring all your essentials and still keep the place organized enough for company and comfortable enough to call home?
Decide what you truly need. When you are going through items to bring your “new home”, leave out knick knacks that do not have a practical purpose. Storage is extremely limited in a dorm room and bringing items from home that you will not actually use will make the space seem cluttered and messy. Of course, a few sentimental items can increase your comfort level, but too many can muddle the room.
Group items so it is easier to find what you need. If textbooks and other class essentials are in the same place, you will not find yourself scrambling to find your homework on the day that it is due.
Raise the bed. Under the bed you can store bulky items that are rarely used like luggage and out-of-season clothing. Whether you use the notches on the frame, or cinderblocks, raising the bed can allow for large storage containers that do not fit anywhere else.
Over-the-door storage units are also a great space saver. These units can be used for shoes, folded clothes, cleaning supplies and any other items that are piling up on the floor. Just avoid heavy items so they do not break or damage the door.
Also, plastic storage boxes can serve almost any purpose because they are stackable and durable. Plastic storage boxes come in assorted shapes, sizes and colors.
If you cannot live without your fall, winter, spring AND summer wardrobe, vacuum-sealable storage bags are an essential. Vacuum-sealable bags can condense all your extra items and they are easily transported and stored.
Hang items on the walls with Command products to free up some counter space. These products do not damage the wall and are simple to apply and remove. This can make towels and supplies easily accessible, without having to stack them up around the room or in boxes. Small frames or decorations can also be added to the walls, which decreases clutter on your desk and countertops.
After all of this if you have an empty drawer, use it for miscellaneous items. If it becomes the junk drawer, at least that junk is not just left around the room.
Once your new personal space is organized and free of clutter, it will be easier for you to personalize the room to suit your specific needs.