Decorating Dorms and Small Apartments on a Budget

When decorating a freshman dorm room or a first apartment, think about how all of that stuff will fit into future dorm rooms or apartments. Don’t spend a fortune coordinating with a roommate. Do buy items that will last at least four years. Choose neutral colors for the more expensive items. Add splashes of color with duvet covers or pillows that can be updated — inexpensively — as needed.

Tips for Buying Furniture and Big Ticket Items
Consider durability and portability when buying furniture and décor for a college dorm or apartment. Make sure you buy items that are easy to pack and move at least four times in four years. Choose fabrics that won’t show dirt and are easy to clean. For beds, shelves, and dressers, choose items that dismantle easily and aren’t difficult to carry up stairs. This year’s apartment may not have stairs, but next year’s apartment very well could.

When decorating a small space, always consider functionality. Invest in items that can serve more than one purpose. For example, consider an ottoman that could serve as extra seating, as well as storage for books or blankets.

Dorms without carpet can be very cold. Carpet can be very expensive and often can’t be re-used if cut to fit a room. What’s the solution? Carpet remnants are often large enough to cover an entire dorm room and are a fraction of the full price of carpet. This is a great solution — especially if you aren’t picky about the color. If you buy carpet first, it will be easier to match items like duvet covers. Make sure you know the dimensions of the room before buying a remnant. Area rugs can also warm up a room. Search for bargains, and remember that  area rugs can be reused so it could be worth investing a little more into a rug than a remnant.

Tips for Making the Most of Small Spaces
Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves will draw the eye upward, creating a sense of space — and providing much-needed storage space.

Use strategically placed mirrors to make a room appear larger and to better distribute light throughout the room.

Raised beds provide more room for storage underneath, and loft beds provide plenty of room for a desk and bookshelves below.

Allconnect can assist with your move, whether to a dorm, apartment or new home, by offering free mover quotes, an online change of address form, and help transferring your essential home services. You can also compare services available at your new address to make sure you are getting the best deal.  See tips to help you during your move.