How to Make the Most of a Cramped Dormroom

Even the best dorm rooms are often considered "cramped." And how could they not be with two 18-year-old strangers occupying one closet-sized room? However, a little creativity can turn that closet into a palace.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Tape measure
• Storage shelves
• Two 10-shelf shoe organizers
• Plastic storage boxes

1. Measure out how much free space you will have. Account for large objects such as beds, dressers and desks. Cut this space in half if you are sharing a room.
2. Discuss with your roommate whether you will put a television, mini fridge or microwave in your room. If so, keep these items in mind when calculating free space.
3. Create a list of all your dorm necessities. Account for personal, academic and living necessities.
4. Make three piles of all the things you intended on putting in your dorm: a must-have pile, a would-like-to-have pile and a don’t-have-to-have pile.
5. Begin eliminating things you’re planning to take with you, starting with your don’t-have-to-have pile. Move down the piles accordingly.
6. Purchase cheap, plastic storage boxes for clothing items such as socks, undershirts, and undergarments, and for school supplies, small electronics and any toiletries that won’t fit in the bathroom cubby.
7. Flip your bed, if possible, to create more storage under it. Store any oddly shaped items here. Store any other large or oddly shaped items on top of your dresser or wardrobe.
8. Buy wall hangers to store jackets, hats and belts.
9. Buy two 10-shelf shoe organizers. One to store shoes, one to store multiple layers of folded t-shirts, sweaters and sweatshirts.
10. Buy shelves to hold any trinkets, mementos or photos that would otherwise take up prime space on a desk or nightstand.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep seasonal clothing and decorations at home until appropriate
• Remember to leave some room open for new items you’re bound to collect like school memorabilia, printed-out lectures and assignments, reading materials and gifts
• Don’t buy extra supplies and/or toiletries. They will be readily available on campus or at a convenience store if you run out
• Don’t bring a lot of large shoes or jackets all at once. Rotate some out to avoid overloading your closet