Creating Your Perfect Dorm Room: 10 Tips for Setup and Organization

With back to school time comes off to college time for those with older children.  It’s a bittersweet time of transition as your nest begins to empty and a new nest is being made – sometimes just across town, but oftentimes across the state or country.  That’s why creating a sense of place in your student’s new space is an important task to help bridge that gap from home, to home away from home.

Moving your kiddo into a dorm room can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience. It's your chance to transform a blank canvas into a cozy and functional space that reflects his or her personality, but also provide the comfort of their new home. With some thoughtful planning and clever organization, you can make the most of the limited space and turn their dorm room into the perfect space of form and function. These 10 tips can help you set up and organize your student’s dorm room for success, so they can be set up for success as well.

1. Plan Ahead:

Before moving in, take some time to visualize how you want your dorm room to look. Consider the layout, color scheme, and any specific themes or styles you'd like to incorporate. Having a plan in mind will make the setup process smoother.

2. Space-Saving Furniture:

Dorm rooms are typically not very spacious, so opt for space-saving furniture like lofted beds, futons, or foldable desks. While we can’t help you out with space-saving built-ins in a dorm, we can give you some inspiration for temporary dupes while they’re in temporary quarters.  These items allow you to utilize the vertical space and create more room for other essentials.

3. Multi-Functional Pieces:

Invest in furniture and storage solutions that serve multiple purposes. For instance, a storage ottoman can double as seating and a place to store extra blankets or books.

4. Bedding and Textiles:

Choose bedding and textiles that not only match your style but also provide comfort. Consider using bed risers to create extra storage space under your bed for items like shoes, bins, and suitcases.

5. Organize with Bins and Baskets:

Bins and baskets are your best friends when it comes to organizing a dorm room. Use them to store toiletries, snacks, school supplies, and other miscellaneous items. Labeling these containers can help you easily locate things.

6. Wall Storage:

Maximize vertical space by adding wall-mounted shelves, hooks, and pegboards. These are great for hanging bags, hats, jewelry, and even organizing study materials.  Our slatwall or the upgraded Symphony wall organizer is a great option for this type of storage.

7. Desk Essentials:

Keep your study area clutter-free by having designated spots for pens, notebooks, and other school supplies. Consider using desk organizers or small containers to keep everything in its place.

8. Command Hooks and Strips:

These adhesive hooks and strips are a dorm room essential. They're perfect for hanging posters, pictures, and lightweight decorations without damaging the walls.

9. Cable Management:

With all the electronics we use today, cable management is crucial. Use cable organizers to keep cords tidy and prevent them from becoming a tangled mess.  In a more permanent space, we always include cable grommets on desktops, bedside cabinets and other spaces where access to power may be an issue.

10. Personal Touches:

Make your kid’s dorm room feel like home by adding personal touches. Hang up photos, artwork, or decorations that reflect their interests and style.

Setting up and organizing a dorm room takes time and effort, but the end result will be a space that has both style and substance, and keeps the chaos at by while providing the sense of calm a new home needs, especially in the hectic life of a new college student