With graduation right around the corner, the horror for many parents and the thrill of most seniors will soon focus on the big move to college and dorm living. It really isn't too early to start your planning now. One of the biggest challenges is the lack of space in a shared room. Finding great storage options and shopping wisely (sales) will keep your move budget friendly. Here are some great tips and suggestions to getting you ready for the big move.
Pick a color scheme and stick with it. For this project I choose black and white with accents of pink and green. Pull from items you already have and love. Bring a little of your old room, to your new one.
Maximize Your Closet Space. Take only what your really need. Look at it like you are packing for a trip. Bring your favorites only. It's better to have fewer clothes to wash anyways. Put outfits together after laundry day(including jewelry), so you can jump out of bed and be on your way...this will save hanger space and time.
Organizing the closet is the most important. Start with some hanging organizers. Hanging shoe organizers can hold totes, shoes, magazines and Cd's. Sweater organizers easily organize in separate cubbies; use them to fold jeans, paper supplies, towels or books. Belt organizers hold more than belts; use them for headbands, cell phone charger, extension cords and belts.
Milk crates are a life saver in a dorm. They can be use in the closet (on a shelf or stacked), stacked under your desk for supplies, stacked to make a table, and can also be used as a stool. Office boxes also stack very easily, hold lots of items, and keep your space looking clean a tidy.
Creating A Work Space. Basic dorm rooms will provide you with a bed and a desk. Some will have shelving already installed some don't. Create a little privacy for yourself (especially if you get the bed that right in front of the door), by picking up a hollow core door at the local home store. Simply slide the door between the bed and the desk and you have an instant wall.
On the desk side, hang an shoe organizer from the top of the door to hold office supplies, note cards, sunglasses, concert tickets...whatever you need handy. Hang a bulletin board for messages, notes, photos, etc. This one is made from an old frame. Remove the glass and replace with cork tile (walmart). Replace the backing to the frame and hang. A hanging file is useful for project papers, binders and magazines. I cut some scrapbooking paper to fit the front panel so it would go with the rest of my accessories.
Color coordinate all your accessories. If everything coordinates, the room will flow better and look more spacious. Another bulletin board idea is to make one out of the hard insulation sheet (Home Depot). Sheets are sold in different sizes and thicknesses so choose on that fits your space. Simply duck tape or hot glue fabric to board and embellish. 70's canisters make one of the coolest storage items. These can hold office supplies, candies, snacks, headbands, clips, etc. You can find them in lots of different colors and prints at antique stores or thrift shops. You gotta have tack pins for your bulletin boards so why not make some. These are made with a fabric covered button kit. Simply cut the fabric and use the tool included in the kit to press and secure the fabric. Clip off the button loop and glue to a tack pin. Lots of sized are available, you choose the fabric...easy peesy! File...Don't Pile! Create an easy file system that's portable and functional. Files can easily be moved or tucked away for privacy. I covered these files with more scrapbooking paper so the match. Magazine holders can store lots of items; printer paper, class projects, and calendars.
Windows and Walls: IKEA has tons of inexpensive drapes and panels to dress up your room. They often have extra length since some dorm rooms have very high ceilings. If you're in a cement block room you can soak lightweight curtains or sheets in liquid starch, wring out well, attach to the wall like wallpaper. Fabric will dry and stick to the walls. At the end of the semester the fabric will peel right off the wall. Give it a little wash with soap and water and it's good as new. If you have drywall walls, attach the fabric to a piece of luan. Sold in sheets similar to plywood (Home Depot), and hold in place with your bed. These make decorating a empty wall easy. Use groupings of mirrors or frames to create photo collages. Find cool frames for photos or fabric. Frame your own art by using scrapbook paper and cards.
Other Dorm Must Haves!
Under the bed storage, bed risers, laundry bag, plastic removable hangers, travel air bags for bulky items, label machine, area rug, clip lights, poster goop, duck tape (it works on everything even fixing a hem), and full sized garbage can. WHAT? Did I just say full sized garbage can. Yes, I did! This is probably one of the greatest storage tricks I have ever been taught. Thanks to my friend Randy. Get a new (NOT USED) galvanized can, a 45 inch table round (both available at home depot), and a 60 inch or larger round table cloth. Place the can between the two beds (where a night stand would go), then place the table top on top of the can, cover with cloth. You have now made yourself and your roommate a beautiful side table (you get to share) that doubles as a huge storage for blankets, pillows, coats, shoes, etc. No one but you will know there is a garbage can under there. SEE!
This second one I found in the Seattle Times. Isn't it beautiful. The base is made from a vintage English can and other recycled items.
Remember to shop your home first for items you can use for storage. Check with grand parents and friends so see what treasures they might have for you to use in your new digs. Recycle, reuse and re-purpose items to save money and the earth. Have fun and good luck in the Dorms!
Teresa
