Quiz: What’s Your Dorm-Room Personality?

[qzzr quiz=”464571″ width=”100%” height=”auto” redirect=”true” offset=”0″]

Shop the Results

Feminine and Fun

Gold Pineapple Bookends
from Houzz



Urban and Chic

Urban Shop Faux-Fur Armless Swivel Chair
from Walmart

Laid Back and Free-Spirited

Macrame Wall Hanging
from Bellacor



Traditional and Nostalgic

Gold Metal Rolling Cart
from Cost Plus World Market

Cool and Classic

HomePop Velvet Tufted Storage Ottoman
from Walmart

10 Organization Tips for Teeny Tiny Dorm Rooms

Student studying on laptop in college dorm room

It’s back-to-school season and students everywhere are busy packing and getting ready to move into their new dorm rooms. Everyone knows that while living in the dorms can be a ton of fun, extra space is hard to come by so you’ll need to get creative with both your storage and organization ideas. Whether you’re heading off to college for the first time or returning for another year, check out this list of awesome organizational tips and tricks to help you get your room set up in style and comfort in no time. Be sure to activate Cash Back at Ebates for those organizational essentials that you’ll need to pick up to ensure that you’ll still have some pocket money left come moving day!

Tip # 1: Get Your Room Measurements & Dorm Rules Ahead of Time

If you can get the approximate dimensions for your room or visit a sample dorm room on campus before your move-in date, you can start planning out your dorm room early. Even a rough estimate of the space and a list of the rules will let you know how much to pack, whether you’re allowed to bring things like a mini-fridge or a microwave and will help you start brainstorming dorm room ideas and dorm décor.

Tip # 2: Pack Your Items in Organizers

Once you figure out how much space you have to work with in your dorm room, you should organize your stuff into bins as you pack. The dorm will probably provide a dresser and a desk but all your other odds and ends will need a dedicated spot. Prepping your storage ideas ahead of time is also a great way to hit the ground running and get unpacked quickly when you get to campus. Get all the bins and storage solutions you’ll need online at The Container Store and keep an eye out for a storage bin promo code.

Woman descripting boxesTip # 3: Label Your Boxes

Don’t forget to label your boxes as you pack, especially for the bins that you’ll be using as a part of your ongoing storage system at school. This will help you unpack the essentials first, maintain the organizational system you’ve already set up and quickly get to hanging out with your new friends.

Tip # 4: Vertical Storage is Your Friend

When it comes to keeping your dorm room organized and tidy, don’t forget about going vertical! The ceiling is the limit when it comes to stacking handy storage cubes and other vertical storage options like tall shelves or over-the-door hanging pantry racks. Just make sure your storage cubes and shelves are not at risk for tipping over!

Hanging shoe organizerTip # 5: Optimize Your Closet Space

Get the most out of your dorm room closet space with the help of useful hanging racks and organizers. Whether you add a hanging shoe rack like the one above from Macy’s or some hanging drawers, you won’t regret the extra space it frees up. Pack seasonal stuff in a designated box to pull out when you need it to help keep clutter out of your closet organization system.

Tip # 6: Invest in a Shower Caddy

Keep your bathroom supplies tidy with a water-draining shower caddy that you can easily carry in and out of what will likely be a shared dorm bathroom. Bed Bath and Beyond has a great selection of dorm-ready bathroom caddies online that come without a hefty price tag.

Tip # 7: Prep Your Desk for Success

Gather all the school supplies plus the important organizational tools, trays and accessories you’ll need to make it to the top of your class. Pack these supplies in their own dedicated and labeled box to help you find them easily when you arrive on campus. Start shopping early and keep an eye out for an awesome back to school promo code online at Dollar General to get the most bang for your buck.

Whiteboard wall calendarTip # 8: Get a Whiteboard With a Calendar

Help yourself and your roommate stay organized with a white board with a calendar to keep track of your social events, room cleaning to-dos and your shared shopping list. Pick one up at RoomMates Decor, add in a pack of colored dry erase markers and you’re good to go!

Tip # 9: Make Use of Space Under Your Bed

With the limited space available in your dorm room, help keep the floors and surfaces clear by making use of the valuable space under your bed. There’s ample space under your bed to store your extra dorm bedding, seasonal apparel or other things that are most often tucked away. If your beds are bunked, divvy up the space under the beds with your roommate and consider getting some drawer-style under bed organization to help keep your stuff separate and organized.

Tip # 10: Keep Things Tidy With a Housekeeping Caddy

Keep all your housekeeping items in one place so you can freshen up your dorm room in a flash. With a dedicated place for cleaning sprays, you and your roommate can easily spruce up your room for any impromptu social gatherings in your awesome dorm room.

What are your favorite ways to keep your dorm room organized? Share your best tips in the comments below!

 

 

Dorm Room Decor Essentials to Create an Inspiring Space

Modern decor college dorm room

When it comes to the college experience, it is hard to overstate the importance of dorm room décor. The classic college dorm room is usually cramped, awkward and short on privacy, but one thing it does offer is a blank slate for self-expression. A dorm room has to be a lot of things at once: a bedroom, living room, study spot, closet and sometimes even a kitchen. To cram all that function into one space while maintaining comfort and a sense of style can be hard. So we’ve put together a list of dorm room essentials and unique finds to inspire you. It’s also important to not break the bank on dorm room decorations. While you look through our dorm room ideas, remember that you can earn Cash Back on all your dorm furniture when you shop with Ebates. Get the dorm room decor you need without draining your savings. Now that’s a class act!

Himalayan Ionic Salt Lamp

Himalayan Glow Medium Ionic Natural Salt Crystal LampWhen space is at a premium, it’s important to make sure everything you decorate with is multi-functional. When heated, this hand-carved Himalayan salt crystal lamp glows with a beautiful natural light and emits negative ions that help clear the air and dilute odors. A bedside lamp that neutralizes your roommate’s gym socks? Genius.

Emoji Pillow

Emoji Pillow – Nerd

There’s no reason your dorm bedding has to be super serious. This comfy, squishy pillow from Sears is not only the perfect size for a dorm bed, but it’s a quirky way to express yourself in an unmistakable way and show off your silly side.

Sunset Tapestry

Pink Sunset Tapestry

Use this handmade fine art photography print as a bedspread, wall hanging or curtain and bring the beauty of nature inside. Shop Etsy for unique handmade goods and tons of other bedroom ideas and use a bedroom décor promo code from Ebates to save on everything you buy.

Nebula Duvet Cover

nebula duvet coverAn ultra soft microfiber blanket that’s easy to wash and features a photo of distant planets is an amazing way of bringing space into your dorm room. Literally.

Gold Diamond Throw Blanket

Gold Diamond Throw Blanket

Show ‘em what a gem you are with this custom gold sparkle fleece blanket. Snuggle up while you make a statement.

Dots and Feelings Stapler

Polka dot stapler

Desktop essentials can double as décor if you find one with enough style, like this cute stapler that’s practically a work of art. Find this and more desk friends at ModCloth.

Alma Otter Tape Dispenser

Otter Tape Dispenser

Who said a tape dispenser can’t be impossibly cute? Get a case of the warm fuzzies every time you need tape and spread some smiles in your dorm room with this unique tape dispenser.

Brilliant Resilience Hoop Art

Life is tough but so are you hoop wall art

Not only is this itty bitty wall art adorable and dorm-sized, but it might just help you stay motivated during late night cram sessions.

Simple By Design LED Desk Lamp

Simple By Design LED Desk LampTalk about multi-purpose, this battery-powered lamp doubles as an emergency charging station for two phones and even has a dish to hold paperclips or keys.

Mountain Wall Decal

Mountain Wall Decal

Removable wall art like vinyl wall decals are a great, temporary way to decorate without damaging walls. Even if you can’t paint or hang pictures, you can easily put up movable décor wall stickers and then take them down later.

 

 

Dorm Decor 101: 4 Snazzy Styles You’ll Love

dormdecor

Decorating your dorm room can look like a massive task, especially if this if your first time away from home and you finally have free reign to express yourself in your own little space. But you don’t have to major in interior design to create an organized yet stylish dorm room. Here are four dorm room styles to get your creative juices flowing. From bold bohemian to geek chic, you’ll be sure to find a few essential items to add to your study space this fall.

bohobold

If you’re in touch with nature or perhaps a little wild at heart, you might like the bohemian vibe. Find a bold, brightly patterned bedding set to set the tone of the entire space. String lights will help give your room a nice cozy feel when you can’t enjoy the natural sunlight. Decorate your walls with a vibrant tapestry that you can use as a headboard or even hang from the ceiling. This bird cage card holder can display photos of all your friends, new and old alike. Concrete dorm floors can be cold and uninviting so warm things up with a colorful rugHang a few succulents for an earthy vibe and prop your feet up on this striking storage ottoman when it’s time to relax. Lots of dorms have rules about candles, but you’ll be fine with these mercury glass LED candles which will add the perfect glow to your room. (See all products with Cash Back)

classychic

Ready to keep things classic and chic? Start off with a white ruffled bedding set that is equally cozy and classy. A personalized storage tray gives you a place to keep all your keys and wallet or a place to display your perfumes. Add some dazzle with a sequined pillow and tealight votive holders. Keep the gold theme going with this metallic print pillow and framed magnet board where you can hang your favorite photos or keep a list of things to do. Space can be an issue in dorms so add a shelving ledge set to give you more room to display all your favorite keepsakes. Finish off your chic room by hanging these adorable lace paper lanterns(See all products with Cash Back)

nauticallife

If you dream of the ocean and life at sea, this nautical look is just for you. A navy blue patterned bedding set is key to this look. Add a starfish plate to collect your earrings, rings and other knick-knacks. Throw in a whale pillow to get a little playful with the look and a white clipboard frame to show off your college life photos. Coral decor adds to the ocean loving theme as does this ship wheel wall mirror. Weathered looks are key for the vibe like these house lanterns and anchor wall plaque(See all products with Cash Back)

 moderngeek

Not sure if one specific style is for you? Get creative and show off your love of your favorite (nerdy) things! Geometric bedding gives your dorm room a bright and modern look. If you’re a Star Wars fan, this Darth Vader alarm clock will make sure you’re never late to class. Add a dry erase board world map if you love to travel and stay organized. Light your room up with a natural salt crystal lamp or stargaze at night with a star lamp projector. Show off your super hero love with Iron Man 3D lenticular wall art or jam out to your favorite records with a portable turntable. If you find yourself cold, snuggle up with a Gryffindor throw or hang it on the wall to show your house pride. (See all products with Cash Back)

 

 

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.