Everyone who lives on campus knows there are both ups and some major downs on dorm life. For one, you have the great opportunity to live (almost) independently while being surrounded by your best friends. However, fitting all of your stuff into one side of a room can be daunting. Here are a few smart tips in order to optimize the space you have, regardless of what type of living situation you have on campus:
1. Take advantage of the space under your bed
The best part about storing things under your bed is it frees up the already limited floor space in the rest of the dorm. A good idea is to buy some cheap plastic dressers to fit underneath. You automatically have so much more room for all those extra clothes you packed. Depending on how high you are comfortable with having your bed you can either half loft or fully loft a wooden-framed bed. Stuck with a metal frame? Have no fear, for you can buy stackable bins and still have some extra storage space. The milk crate option below is great because the plastic is more durable than a cloth-lined bin. You can stack the bins sideways for a shelf look. Â
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Sterilite Wide 3 Drawer Weave Tower Cement Gray $19.99 at Target
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Buddeez Classic Milk Storage Crate, 2pk $11.56 at Walmart  Â
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2. Buy a hanging closet organizer
With a two-person dorm room, you’re going to have the challenge of fitting all of those cute cold-weather ready sweaters you know you’re going to need by October, maybe sooner. A great way to make room in your closet is a hanging shelf. You may be concerned that this takes up too much space, but you can buy ones in different lengths. If you want room at the bottom of your closet for a shoe shelf, go for a shorter, 3-shelf option. For maximum benefits, making room for a full length hanging shelf adds a place for your accessories, bath towels, etc.
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6-Shelf Hanging Closet Organizer Gray $12.99 at Target
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3. Learn all the ways to use command hooks/strips
Heavy items can still be supported with a metal command hook. Although they are a bit more expensive than plastic, you only really need one or two to make a big difference. Small command hooks can be used to hold keys, small wristlets and any decorations you want to add to walls. Command strips are great because you don’t have to worry about damaging the walls. No one wants to have to pay a fee for the residue of tape or pushpin holes.
Command Adhesive Mount Metal Hook, Large for $6.16 at Walmart
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4. Use every bit of wall space you can
With some strategic planning, you can use every inch of space at your disposal. The golden rule is to have everything a cinder block below the ceiling so you don’t go against school policy. Everything else is up for grabs. Working with the wall space above and behind your bed, you can add a shoe organizer, which can be used for anything. The back of your door can be a great place for a mirror or additional hanging space as well.
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5. Invest in a shelf for your desk
This option is a great way to make room for actual writing on your desk. Also, your life becomes so much easier when all of your books are immediately in sight and easy to grab (and easier to remember to take to class). Your overpriced textbooks will no longer be stacked in your bottom desk drawer. You don’t have to break the bank getting a huge shelf. The one below is only $13.99.
31” Stackable Shelf- White- Room Essentials at Target
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6. Double up on clothes
A small trick to fitting all your clothes into your closet is by double hanging similar pieces onto one hanger. You save money by not having to buy more and more hangers every time you buy new clothes and you save up room in your closet (for more clothes!)
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7. Get an ottoman you can use as storage
A storage ottoman is a college student’s best friend. Not only do you have another bin (which college students need an endless supply of), your room still looks put together with an ottoman out because it doubles as an extra seat for guests. You can find so many different kinds and colors that you’re guaranteed to find one in your style. Find a foldable one that’s easy to transport back home. The black one below falls under the no upholstered furniture rule.
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Mainstays Ultra Collapsible Storage Ottoman, Black Faux Leather $12.21 at Walmart