Dorothy
How to maximize your space
in college with Pottery Barn Dorm
Over the years I've had to learn the beauty of maximizing every inch of space in my dorm rooms and apartments. I will be the first to admit that the size of my freshman dorm room was rather generous. Although, sophomore year while living in my sorority hall, the space was half the size and I even shared a closet with my roommate. Junior and senior year I lived in an on-campus apartment with my friends and, while it was great to have our own rooms, storage was constantly an issue.
There were a number of things that became essential when maximizing my small space. One thing in particular was finding certain organizers to utilize every inch. Fortunately, Pottery Barn Dorm has created three amazing solutions that take up otherwise wasted space and leave your room looking organized and even cute.
When I moved into my apartment for graduate school, I realized the storage I had been given on campus, which included dressers and spacious desk drawers, was going to be my own responsibility in this new space. I found that one underutilized space is the back of your door. Since I can't contain my excitement when it comes to this Over The Door Jewelry Organizer Mirror, I am going to start with it.
When you live with up to 40 other girls, mirror space can become limited. I quickly learned the value of having a mirror of my own. This mirror serves two purposes and perfectly stores and displays my growing collection of statement earrings and necklaces. I especially like how the spread-out hooks leave my necklaces less likely to become tangled. I've also started to store any sunglasses along the bottom hooks of the organizer. Doing this has made it so easy to grab my accessories quickly while displaying them in a way that makes them look like part of my decor!
Next up is an organizational must-have! Over time, I have upgraded to different versions of this same product, and I am particularly partial to the navy color of this Over-the-Door Shoe Rack. Nothing drives me crazier than having to search for a specific pair of shoes in the morning. Organizing my shoes in the pockets of this shoe rack makes it easy for me to get ready without frustration and without taking up valuable closet floor space. Since it takes up less space, I can also store awkward items such as belts or hair tools in the empty pockets at the bottom. A definite win-win.
For me, the prime real estate on my desk is used for books, notebooks and my laptop. This leaves little room for me to take notes on my desk. I learn best when I rewrite my information, so until my most recent discovery that led to me to spread out on the floor. Not the most comfortable of study spots. Pottery Barn Dorm just came out with my new favorite study solution, a Dry-Erase Peel and Stick Wallpaper that is perfect for taking notes and you can put it just about anywhere since it is removable (perfect for those dorm walls you don't want to be fined for damaging). How fun would it be to put this on the outside of the door in your dorm to have friends leave you notes!
If you're graduating or looking for the perfect gift to give a soon-to-be grad, organizational items like these are the perfect and practical gift. While I wish I had these items in college, I am so glad they have been equally useful in the space I have now.
How do you organize your room in college? Show us by using #mypbdorm and scroll down to shop my look!
