5 Secrets For Making Small-Space Living So Much More Comfortable

While heading back to campus in the fall can mean all sorts of fun — catching up with friends, planning weekend trips, taking an elective that you actually love — it also comes with its challenges, and I’m not just talking about that 8 a.m. multivariable calculus class. Whether you’re moving into a new dorm or settling in off-campus, chances are that you’re working with a super-small space — and that doesn’t even factor in your roomie (if you have one).

But don’t lose hope (or give up on your dream decor style) just yet! With a few strategic hacks, you can maximize your minimal space, creating a room that’s as comfy as it is cozy, and the perfect home base for studying, hosting friends, and beyond. Read on for a roundup of tricks that that’ll help you turn your tiny spot into your very own oasis.

1. Consider The Cloffice

Make the most of a hall closet or a seriously pared down wardrobe by creating a cloffice, aka a closet-turned-office. This setup offers the dedicated space of a traditional work area without the precious (and often unrealistic) square footage typically required to distinguish your personal space from where you study. Not only will it help you focus (simply shut the door for no distractions), but it’s also ideal if you’re looking to add some separation between homework time and relaxation time.

2. Choose Lights Strategically

Sure, a strand of fairy lights is objectively cute — not to mention a low-cost way to make any space feel cozy, especially once you’re schlepping to and from class in cold weather. But it’s also a major space saver when you use it as a soft lighting option since it requires, at most, a few stick-on hooks and exactly zero floor or desk space.

If dreamy-chic isn’t exactly your vibe, you can also opt for a skinny floor lamp or a minimalist light that clips onto your bed and doubles as a reading aid (and, bonus, won’t keep your roommate awake).

3. Invest In Organizers

Even if you’re not a fan of the popular home organizing shows that seem to be everywhere these days, you can still lean into the oh-so-satisfying trend of creating neat and tidy spaces with simple hacks. Start by stocking up on some baskets in various sizes (bonus points if they’re cute enough to keep on display). Use them to keep your desk drawers, closet shelves, and bathroom cabinet in order so you can always see what you have — and at the same time, get rid of what you don’t need.

For one apartment-dweller’s bathroom organization hacks, don’t miss this Idea Pin:

4. Put The Wall To Work

While most people think of the floor, desk, or closet when they think of storage, there’s one key spot that often gets overlooked: the wall. Add shelving to hold books and photos, and leverage heavy-duty stick-on hooks to display everything from floating succulents to winter coats without taking up precious floor space.

Check out this Idea Pin to see how one editor and her daughter find room for storage (and more) in one unexpected place:

5. When In Doubt, Keep it Flat

One of the easiest ways to add your own personality to a small space while taking up minimal room is with decor that literally lies flat — think: a rug to add warmth to concrete dorm floors, a tapestry to totally transform a blank wall, or a soft blanket to add some texture to your study area. It may sound simple, but it’s a foolproof way to add a splash of color or style to your room without a bulky footprint.

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