August is upon us and that mean back to school (ready or not!). If you have a child (or are yourself) headed off to college this fall, prepping for that big move can be overwhelming. What do you need to make your dorm space comfortable, functional, and stylish? You’re in luck because there are more affordable options out there than ever before! But before you get to shopping and styling, here are a few things to keep in mind.
Consider starting a Pinterest board of ideas for your room. This post is a great place to start! Try searching “dorm room decor” or “small space decorating ideas” to get you started.
Check your school’s website for specs and details of your particular dorm room. Make sure you know the dimensions and layout, but also find out what appliances are allowed (or disallowed), whether or not you can control the air and heat, if lofting your bed is an option, and any policies regarding hanging items on the walls and doors. If laundry facilities are not convenient, you may want to consider two sets of sheets or towels to stretch the time between laundry mat visits.
Consult with your roommate on who’s bringing what. Space will be limited so be sure to compare notes on small appliances or extra furniture and storage pieces. Duplication of effort and expense is almost always avoidable!
Get creative with your space. Every square inch will matter, so make sure your choices in decor can serve more than one function — storage and seating, for instance.
I have two kids in college, so we had fun pulling together this Polyvore collage of must-haves for expressing your style.
Don’t forget to add a few fun things that can showcase your personality… a cute throw pillow, inspirational artwork, and a place to showcase photos and mementos add individuality to your room and exude that feeling of “home” you might be longing for.
Think about the extras — throws or blankets and personal fans can help keep your room comfy if the thermostat is not under your control. Wall decals are a great way to add temporary style and fun to walls if you are restricted from using nails or screws in your walls.
Comforts of home with small appliances. That dining hall may be closed at midnight, but if your dorm allows, we highly recommend a compact refrigerator and small microwave. Once again, check the specs of your dorm for maximum voltage on these and shop around for the best deal.
And two more things that my daughter swears by… a small stick vacuum to keep the floors and rug tidy and a filter pitcher. We quickly learned those small refrigerators won’t house a case of water bottles. 🙂
Have fun! This is an exciting time of transition and independence. Embrace it! I wish you all the best in the coming school year.
Find more decor inspiration and DIY on my blog, Decor & More. You can also follow me on Pinterest, Polyvore, Instagram, and Facebook.
