Dorm Room Hacks: Make the Most of Your Space!

Summer break has already come and gone! If you're moving into a dorm room for the first time, just getting a new room, or moving into an apartment for school, Downtown Self Storage has some tips to make the most of that space. We've proudly been the go-to for university and college students in the Portland area for over 30 years, from PSU and PNCA to OSU, UO, PCC, UP, and more! We're excited to support students in another successful academic year.

For helpful tips on making your move easier, check out this blog post: Back-to-School Moving Hacks for College Students and Is a Roommate in Your Future?

UO OSU PSU PCC PNCA Willamette University college Portland Oregon back to school stedents seld storage storage near me

Utilize Your Walls

Mounting shelves on your bare walls can be an incredibly effective storage solution, whether for aesthetics or storage. A bookshelf or a few plants on a shelf can pull double duty as decor and storage, and it's a great way to get the most mileage out of a dorm or small apartment.

For a few suggestions about caring for plants in an apartment, visit Perfecting Your Apartment Garden in Small Spaces.

Image: studio_benedetto and bennyrebecca

Don't be Afraid to Decorate

A few personal touches make all the difference. Many apartments and dorms use cold, inhospitable fluorescent lights. One very popular touch is to pick up a lamp or two to diffuse warm light into the space. Mirrors can help as both wall decor and make the space feel larger, while paintings and other wall art add a personal touch without infringing on the actual square footage. There is also an amazing array of peel-and-stick wallpaper and murals for an extra special look and feel! By the way - if your looking for trends and inspiration, Benedetto Rebecca's blog, Dorm Therapy, is amazing!

Image: Grove

Make a Cleaning Schedule

With roommates, overcommunication is always preferable to no communication at all. A small space gets cluttered fast, so regular maintenance is a must. Make sure everyone is okay with their tasks and that those tasks get done. With a bit of coordination and elbow grease, a dorm can be really awesome! If you need a few ideas, the Grove has a great free cleaning list and blog with all details!

Make Use of External Storage

If anyone brought too much stuff (it's been known to happen), it's not the end of the world! Downtown Self Storage has local, convenient, and affordable units in a variety of sizes available to ensure that your extra stuff doesn't clutter up your home.

Need help with moving and self-storage? Our Davis Street or Johnson Street facility professionals are ready to assist you. For more packing tips and tricks, check out our storage blogs:

U-Haul Packing Guide

Crash Course in Storage Sizes

Pack Like a Pro