How to Increase Dorm Floor Space

Furniture

• Multifunctional furniture is designed to serve more than one purpose. Less furniture means more floor space. If your dorm room is unfurnished rooms, consider using a futon or click-clack sofa that converts easily from a place to sit to a place to sleep. If your dorm room is furnished with beds, they may stack into space-saving bunk beds. Small, storage ottomans provide additional seating, storage space, snack tables or desks. A card table can double as a desk, as well as a table for games, projects and eating.

Closets

• A well-organized closet is an ideal space for keeping clothing and other personal items from piling up on the floor. When organizing your closet, think vertical. Install double-rack hangers to increase hanging space. Inexpensive, fabric shelves suspended from the closet rod provide a column of vertical compartments to store sweaters, T-shirts or accessories. Use the back of your closet door to hang a storage rack for organizing shoes. A belt organizer is designed to hang from a closet, keeping belts, ties, scarfs and/or jewelry neatly arranged.

Bathroom

• Dorm bathrooms are typically small and often shared. A portable shower tote or caddy keeps personal hygiene items together, organized and off the bathroom counter top. A space-saving, over-the-stool organizer is ideal for stacking fresh towels and washcloths. Store extra toilet paper in a wicker basket on one of the shelves. Add a couple of hooks to the back of the bathroom door for hanging wet bath towels or bathrobes.

Other Considerations

• Dorm room walls aren't just for hanging posters. Installing economical open shelves on a wall provides an ideal location for books and organizer baskets filled with personal items, snacks and school supplies. An open shelving unit placed against a wall supplies space for a television and other electronic equipment. The space under your bed or futon is useful for storage, too. Fill plastic containers with clothing, sports equipment, bedding and larger personal items, and place the containers under the bed or futon.