It's that time of year again. Pinterest activity is picking up, color schemes are being chosen, and before we know it, Target will have aisles upon aisles dedicated to shower caddies, drawer organizers, and twin XL bedding in every color imaginable (except the one you are looking for, of course). Dorm shopping can be a stressful time, and the early bird really does get the worm. If you haven't already, start making your shopping list. Here are seven must-have, multipurpose dorm items I recommend you add.
1. Storage ottoman
I bought my storage ottoman solely because a dorm room can never have enough storage, but it has become so useful in so many ways that it is the first thing I recommend when asked about dorm room essentials. Mine has been used as a snack cupboard, dish storage, a foot rest, a desk, a dinner table, a seat, a stool to get into my bed, a food prep counter...you get the point. I use it for everything and would be 100 percent lost without it.
2. Loft tray
Most of the people I know use a cloth bedside caddy, which is all fine and dandy, but the sturdiness of a loft tray puts it head and shoulders above the alternative. My fan is clipped to the loft tray, it acts as my journal's resting place, it's easy overnight storage for a water bottle, and I may or may not have used it as a snack tray in the past. It's like a nightstand, only it's six feet in the air. Can your bedside caddy do that?
3. ENO style hammock
This time of year, you can't go anywhere on campus without seeing someone hammocking. There are few things greater than relaxing between two trees on a nice spring day. Up until the weather got nice, though, I had my hammock hanging from my bed, and its versatility shone through. It became another seating option and something in which I could safely drop my laptop late at night. Is its multipurpose-ness a stretch? Maybe, but it's still going on the list.
4. Large measuring cup
I made the mistake of purchasing dishes that are not microwave safe. However, I don't like spending money when I don't need to, so I never bought a set that was. Luckily, my measuring cup is microwave safe, so while I often use it to measure the proper amount of water for Crystal Light, I'm more often seen using it to heat and eat Ramen.
5. Hanging closet organizer
This is actually something I don't have in my dorm and wish I did. Closet shelving is limited, and dresser drawers are obnoxious. These also hang nicely from a lofted bed and can store just about anything: clothing, shoes, food, you name it. The possibilities are endless.
6. Small, magnetic chip clips
I felt really proud of myself when I discovered the hidden second purpose of these things. Yes, they keep your chips from getting stale, that's a given. If you have a metal bed frame, though, stick the clips onto it and feed your chargers through to make them that much more accessible.
7. Dr. Bronner's
This is the ultimate multipurpose tool for the messes dorm life can get you into. Dr. Bronner's is advertised as 18-in-1, and they aren't joking. From shampoo to ant spray, laundry detergent to window washing fluid, Dr. Bronner's can do it all. Best of all, it's organic, eco-friendly, and fair trade, so it's a completely guilt free product.
