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| 5 Steps to help you maximize space in your dorm |
Step 1 - A Checklist of Needed Items
Before deciding upon how you'll furnish your dorm room, you'll need a college checklist of things to bring. If you don't have a list, there's a convenient ready-to-use list at BigFuture. Their list breaks down suggested items you'll need by category.
Here's a Summary of the Categories on the BigFuture Checklist:
- Items for the Room's Décor and Storage Considerations
- Linens and Laundry Supplies
- Your Office and Desk Supplies
- Electronics
- Items You'll be Sharing with a Roommate
- Toiletries and Clothing
- Household and Kitchen Items
Be sure to head over and check out their ready-to-use checklist, it's very detailed. You'll find the site a helpful resource for your college planning.
Step 2 - Acquire a Layout of Your Dorm Room
Take a dorm room photo or acquire a floor plan layout from your college or university. Get or take the measurements of the room itself. Be sure to mark or know where the main door, closet doors and windows are located in the space. Mark them on your photo or floor plan.
Step 3 - Do You Have a Roommate?
You'll know the answer to this fairly quickly. As basic as it sounds, it's critical to maximizing space in your dorm. Determine which items you'll both share and where the dividing line in the room will be. Is the window centrally located and accessible to both or will one of you have the side with a window? How about the closet or hopefully closets?
Step 4 - What Furniture Comes with the Dorm? Can It be Replaced With Your Own?
Is there a bed and a desk in the space? Do you like them? If not, can the school's items be removed and replaced with your own? Does the Dorm come with a mini-fridge and or microwave? If not, can you bring your own?
Step 5 - Where Can You Maximize Storage Space?
Traditionally in dorms, you create storage under the bed or by going vertical. If you want to see how some of the pro's have done it, check out these designs. You'll see ideas for mini-fridge and microwave storage, raised beds to create storage space and hutches above the bed and over a desk.
What Size and Style of Storage Bins or Containers Will Work Best?
Bringing a bunch of storage containers without knowing where they'll go and if they'll fit is unwise. Double check what will work for your dorm's design. The way to do this is by measuring your space, your furnishings, and knowing ahead of time the bed you'll be using.
Here are options for different types of storage items:
- Over-the-door storage hanging units
- Under the bed storage containers (what size, how big - check under the bed height)
- Benches that double as storage
- Hanging wall storage items
- Cabinets with storage
- A hutch over the desk for storage
- Shelving units for the wall
- A bed headboard with storage
View a collection of the above items plus many other storage product ideas here.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
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