Furnishing your dorm or college apartment when you’re finally out on your own, #adulting, can be intimidating, expensive, and a total headache. Like what should you bring? How are you going to maximize your limited space? And if you’re from out of town, how are you going to get it all there? Not to mention what to do with everything when the semester is over..
Don’t worry- we understand! Which is why we put together today’s blog post- a guide to furnishing your new college housing.
If you’ll be living in a traditional style dorm, thankfully most of your furniture is provided. Typically you will have access to a bed, a desk with a chair, and a place to store your clothes. Of course, this will vary depending on your college and also your building, so double check with your university before buying anything.
If you’ll be living in an apartment, you’ll need quite a bit more to fill the space out. How much you need depends on if you’re living in on-campus apartments or off-campus, and how much furniture is provided.
Making a dorm or apartment feel cozy, like a home, and not like a space you’re just borrowing for a few months can be tricky. There isn’t much you can do to change the look of a rented room! Painting and screwing things into the walls usually is not allowed, and you can’t change the floors either. It can feel very limiting, and make you a little homesick. Then of course all the technical details of how you’re going to get the stuff there is also a hurdle.
We’ve got a few tips to share to help fix that though!
Tips For Furnishing Your Dorm or Apartment
Command Tape Is Your New Best Friend
Anything you want to put on the wall? Use Command tape. There are various types of tape that support different item weights, so make sure to double check that before buying them. They can be a bit pricey, but paying that cost is better than the alternative- naked walls! Use Command Tape to hang anything and everything! Art, wall decor, hanging hooks, a mirror, and so much more!
Get A Comfy Chair
If you live in a traditional style dorm, yes, it will most likely come with a chair for your desk. However, that is not enough. Where will you cozy up to watch TV? What about if you want to read a book, or get some work done on your laptop and be comfortable? A comfy chair will make a world of difference, and it’s a good way to add a fun accent to your space. Opt for a colorful or printed chair to really show off your unique style!
Go For Multi-Use Pieces
You know those lamps you see that have outlets and pen holders in them? They might seem a bit over-the-top and silly, but when you’re living in a tiny bedroom for months at a time, space should come at a high premium. Storage ottomans are another good option- you can put things in them, but also have an extra spot to sit when friends come over. Sleeper sofas are another great option, if you have the room, and plan to ever have guests over. Even if you’re living in a full apartment, if you have roommates, things can quickly get cramped. Maximizing space and storage is a good idea no matter how much square footage you have.
Add In Reminders Of Home
Decorate your wall with pictures of friends and family, or bring you favorite blanket with you to your new space. Little touches like that will remind you of home, and make your dorm or apartment really feel lived in. These are also easy ways to add more personality and style to your space, without spending a ton of money.
Only Bring Essentials
However, make sure you don’t get too sentimental and bring everything with you when you furnish your dorm or apartment! Remember what we said- space should come at a premium. Don’t bring your whole wardrobe and every pair of shoes you own, or a million and one hair care items, or every book, notebook, journal, pen and pencil you have. Moving into your first dorm or apartment is a chance to get a fresh start in a new place! Leave the unessential items at your parents house.
Make A Budget
The cost of making a big move can add up quickly. Depending on how much stuff you have to bring to furnish your dorm, you might need to rent a truck. If you’re moving into an apartment and need to move big furniture, you might want to invest in a moving company to do the lifting for you. Once you get to your new place, you’ll want to clean it thoroughly before getting settled. You also have to think long term- what will you do with all your stuff when you move out at the end of the year? Take it all home, or keep it in a storage unit close to campus for the next year? Think through all of these things so you’re not caught off guard by your spending. This article by Houston Chronicle gives a good overview of how to plan your budget.
Our Blakely bedset is just one of the options of pieces in our inventory that would look great in a dorm or college apartment!
The Easy Way
Make moving to college easier on yourself and rent the pieces you need! Our inventory has everything from bed sets, chairs, art, decor, rugs, sofas (and sleeper sofas!), tables- and more. When you rent furniture, you pay a monthly fee for it all, but you get the added benefit of delivery and setup so you don’t have to worry about it. When you’re done with the furniture, our team picks it up for you too, included in the cost, so you don’t have to worry about an expensive storage unit, either. You can learn all about our rental system here.
Moving into your first place when you go to college can be intimidating! It’s a big change to go through, and the process can just add stress to that. But keeping these tips in mind will make things go a lot smoother.
If you’re interested in renting furniture for your dorm room or apartment, give us a call at 713.780.4647. One of our team members will happily assist you in picking just the right pieces to make your new space feel like home!
