How to manage the limits of university living

It is no secret that floor space in downtown areas is much more limited than floor space in rural or suburban areas. Here are some ideas to maximize space for downtown university living.

Making the space look larger:
-Remember, mirrors are not only great for checking out your outfit, but they also make a space look larger.

In the bathroom:
-Let towels double as décor and free up cabinet space by rolling them and placing them in baskets.

-Purchase plastic translucent pockets for toiletry items like hairbrushes or lotions.

-Use stackable drawers to utilize the height of under-sink cabinets. If you don’t have a cabinet, store bath and hair products in baskets around the sink’s pedestal. It saves time, too; there is no need to move around all of the products to get to something you need.

-Utilize the space above the toilet by adding an inexpensive over-the-toilet cabinet.

In the kitchen:
-Cut a manila envelope off at the top and use Velcro tape to attach it to the inside of your kitchen cabinet. You can then place miscellaneous recipes on scattered pieces of paper inside.

Organize like things together:
-Store various pieces from collections in the same space. The objects will be much easier to find.

-In the kitchen, store canned goods together and boxed goods together.

-If you simply must have a few plastic grocery bags around, invest in a decorator tissue box. When the tissues are gone, voila!

Labeling:
-Labeling can work if the labels on storage devices are broad terms, or if you have enough of some small items to make it a reasonable way to go.

Forget about crates:
-Crates look useful in the store, but they are awkward at home and take up space rather than save it.

Closet space:
-Consider using the space above you. Why put only one storage box on the top closet shelf when you can stack two or three to the ceiling? Also, think about weight–heavy things belong in the bottom of the closet while lighter things work well on the top shelf.

Junk drawers can get ugly fast:
-Get a drawer organizer, or design your own. Make sure to select various sizes to meet your needs.

-If you receive monthly billing statements or other papers, invest in manila envelopes. Once again, just pop the paper in and add each new piece in front of it.

Under the bed:
-Purchase specially sized storage tubs to go under the bed. If your bed does not have enough space under it, use bed cups to give it height. Bed cups also have the added bonus of discouraging bed bugs.

Hanging baskets:
-Hanging baskets are great in the kitchen, but make sure it is okay with the landlord to use hooks on the walls. Storing fruit, vegetables or utensils in baskets can be handy.