Dorm Room Decorating 101

Going off to college this year? Chances are that if you are like most students, you won’t have your own bedroom anymore. Yes, for the next year you will share that precious living space with a roommate (or two, or three).

Not to fear—there are plenty of smart things you can do to maximize that tiny residence hall square footage and make it feel homey and quaint.

Divide and Conquer
Since you will be studying, sleeping, eating, and relaxing all in the same space, it may help bring some order to your life if you can section it off into different areas. Decide the most logical place for large furniture items (if you have the option to move them), and then you can create a plan of attack. Where do you want to study? By a window, to take advantage of natural light? Where can you plug in kitchen appliances? Once you’ve answered these questions, it’s time to unpack your belongings into their logical designated areas and do your best to keep them there.

Store any snacks and beverages in plastic or thick cardboard bins near the mini fridge and microwave, if you have one—not at your computer desk or above the laundry hamper. If you can likewise keep your clothing area free of food, and your sleeping quarters free of books, you won’t see the clutter and will be much more likely to find a mindset of sleep, study, or relaxation when you set out to do those things. Atmosphere is everything.

Love those Lofts
If you have the option to loft your beds, talk this over with your roommates as a viable option. You will have loads more possibilities to create a unique living space by lofting the beds up in the air, thus maximizing your floor space. If your lofts are tall enough, you should be able to fit a TV and entertainment area underneath, or else move your desk and study materials in that space. For help on how to build a loft, visit www.askthebuilder.com or www.lifehacker.com.