Ten Ingenious Space Saving Hacks

You’re completely thrilled to be living off-campus at last. You and your roommates have a great off-campus apartment. The only issue is…it’s kinda small. Way small. Run into each other a lot small.

But that’s ok. You like each other, and close quarters will be fun. The only real problem is how do you fit your stuff? How do you have people over and have them sit down? Sit tight. We have a list of 10 amazing space saving hacks for college apartments to make the most of your space.

• First, think vertical rather than horizontal. If you’ve had two 3-foot-tall bookshelves before…don’t. One 6-footer will do the trick. And if you happen to have high ceilings, try a 9-foot bookshelf or even a 10-foot.
• Store in places you didn’t think were possible. Need a table? Make a storage chest, brightly decorated and painted, into one. You set your glasses on the top; lots of stuff goes inside.
• Build places where storage wasn’t before. Seriously, the area beneath the steps of stairs can be made into storage areas. Make a party of building these.
• If you’ve had a desk for your laptop…also don’t. A shelf will work just as well, and take up far less space.
• And while we’re at it…a desktop computer requires a lot of desk. And a lot of floor space. Far more space-saving to give your desktop to your kid sister and fire up a laptop.
• Bed and couch? Nope. Get a fold-out coach and save tons of space.
• Even better, find a fold-out couch you can store stuff under. See 2 and 3.
• Find a clothing rack that can hang from the ceiling. Seriously, these exist. Use those high ceilings and eliminate the need for closet space.
• Separate space by curtains or brightly painted cubicle walls. Instant study areas—voila!
• Use a TV to mentally separate work space from relaxation space.

There you go! With a little ingenuity and shared effort, that college apartment will be home sweet home.

For more information, see our checklist for college apartments.