Dorm rooms come in many shapes and sizes, but they never seem to be big enough for the student. Follow some of these easy, inexpensive steps to make the most of out a tiny living space. Does this Spark an idea?
The Bed
Under the bed lurks not monsters, but the secret to tons of extra storage. The first way to get at that space is to put the bed on risers, which run about $10 or more for a set of four at a bed and bath store. A simpler and cheaper way is to use cinderblocks. They may be heavy, but the advantage is you can turn them on their side to vary the bed height, and they are very sturdy.
If you want to fit more under your bed--say, a desk--a loft may be the answer. Often during move-in week, students or companies offer their services building lofts. It is even possible to buy a loft from a student who is leaving school at the end of the year (but then you have to find a place to store it over the summer). A loft is usually made up of wood braces with plywood across to hold the mattress. They are usually about 6 feet tall and may include a ladder. A loft keeps your bed private, while freeing the space underneath for your desk, couch, TV or whatever you want. Be sure it is sturdy and all the bolts are tight and that the wood is not cracked. Enlist the help of an experienced adult--or an engineering student--to vet its safety.
The Bathroom
Many dorms have communal bathrooms, making it necessary to haul your toiletries down the hall every time you take a shower. Shower caddies are plastic baskets with various holes and compartments to hold shampoo, soap, toothbrush, comb, makeup, razors and anything else you may need to take to the bathroom. Even if you share a bathroom with only a few other students, caddies help keep your personal belongings organized in a small space.
The Closet
Dorm closets can have strange shapes. If it is large enough, consider putting your dresser or desk inside the closet to maximize space. If it is very tall and narrow, hang a second rod from the top rod to double your hanging space, especially if you have lots of short items like t-shirts and skirts. Multi-tiered hangers for pants and shirts are a great space-saver.
Getting Along
If you share your room with another person, it's vital that you work together to maximize space. Contact your roommate before the term starts, if possible, to make sure you are not duplicating appliances like refrigerators or televisions. Consider splitting the cost of a piece of furniture such as a couch.
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