Functional Dorming on a Budget

Are you on a budget for the upcoming school year?  The good news is that the best way to decorate your dorm room is also the cheapest way.  The key word to keep in mind is functionality.

If you are a returning dormer, you can probably admit that you brought belongings to school that you neither needed nor used. By packing only items that have a purpose to your school needs, you can avoid the "first-year clutter" and save money by limiting futile purchases.  Hence, the easiest rule to follow is this: if your decorative item takes up space then it needs to be functional.

For example, bring a colorful desk lamp equipped with a pen holder. You can buy stackable cubes or patterned, decorative baskets that bring character to your room while helping you organize clothing or papers.

Book ends are another way to exhibit "practical decorating", as they come in a plethora of designs and you can even create your own out of a paper weight. Even simple items, such as tissue boxes can be used as décor. Most of these items can be found at local craft stores and supercenters.

To create a more personalized feel to your dorm room without taking up too much space, bring pictures of family, friends and/or pets and use multi-colored thumbtacks to secure them to a bulletin board on your desk. Pick out a fun calendar to keep yourself organized.

Of course, your wall serves as your gateway to creativity.  Posters and wall decals are perhaps the most widely used and least expensive way to decorate your dorm room, available online, at Target Stores, Wal-Mart and Bed Bath & Beyond.  You can also purchase removable adhesive hooks to hang your favorite hats, scarves or belts on your wall or closet door.  

Some schools do not permit candles and many schools have strict fire-safety rules regarding how much you can put on the walls.  Check your school's rules before packing!