Common… even the hostel room deserves a makeover too!
Pile of unwashed clothes, over-stuffed shoe-rack (smelly socks, old sneakers), discarded chocolate wrappers under the bed, and the list of BEING MESSY is never-ending in hostel life. This “unkempt scenario” hardly changes unless a surprise visit by the landlord makes one realize that his/her hostel room is screaming for a “makeover”.
Common, won’t you agree with the fact that a room where you stay, study and snooze deserve a touch of cleanliness and care? Sure, you do. But, only folding the clothes on time or sweeping the floor (only on Sundays) is simply NOT ENOUGH. You need to make the room pretty and presentable.
Follow these clever hacks to make your messy room beautiful, and yes, without burning a hole in your pocket:
Organize EVERYTHING
Learn the art of organizing. Arrange your clothes, books, shoes and other essentials in an allotted cupboard/space. Use cubbies, plastic containers (these can easily get fit under the bed frame) to keep “extra” stuff than you own i.e. quilts, seasonal clothes, medicines, food items, etc. Since hostel rooms are mostly shared with roommates, consider giving equal space to keep their stuff too. Avoid invading in their allotted space.
Use of space WELL
Since hostel rooms are mostly “confined”, learn the art of using the available space well. Keep the bed, study table, etc in the corner space. This can help bring an “illusion” of spaciousness. If thinking of adding extra furniture accents then go for a lightweight, foldable option i.e. chairs, study tables, etc. Look for pieces that serve “dual” purpose.
Go for a makeover
Since you don’t have the authority of holding a major architectural makeover i.e. changing window panels or giving a fresh coat of wall paint, go for “mini” makeover instead. Start by changing the bed linens. Go for poppy print cushion, bedcovers. Spruce-up the study table/side table by adding a flower vase/family photos etc. If allowed, place lightweight wall art/posters of your choice.
D for AFFORDABLE decor
Giving a makeover doesn’t mean you raid the home decor section of the mall. Look for online, discount deals on decor essentials. They offer affordable deals on upholsteries and furniture. If you are a fan of DIY decor, then nothing like it. From making a vase/pen holder out of an empty water bottle to giving a chair “uber” look by wrapping cane thread around it, everything is possible. Be creative!
Avoid overstuffing
It’s common to be excited and enthusiastic when thinking of giving a makeover to the room. But don’t be in a rush and avoid adding EVERYTHING NEW at the same time. Take your time. Add decor accents one at a go. E.g. you may want to frame the latest outing pictures. Instead of making a web of pic frames, select one or two. That can add a decor value in your room.
Bid goodbye to OLDIES
Used/torn shoes, moth-eaten pillows, and bedspreads/mattress bid adieu to the same. You don’t have to use the same until someone complains of the foul smell. Similarly, sale by date packaged food items (yes, pickles, canned fish, etc) needs to be dumped in the bin after their expiry date.
The periodic CHANGE
Okay, it’s not possible to change the dorm bed (coz, it’s not yours), but you can shift it of course. Consider shifting the tables/chairs/bed/cupboard etc to different corner/angle. It will help add a new dimension and outlook to the room. Similarly, changing cushion covers, table mats, etc can bring in sense of newness to your bed/seating arrangements. And, yes, these won’t cost you the earth.
Clean, sweep, repeat
Maintain a cleaning routine. Once you have given a newfound makeover to your hostel room, don’t leave it unattended anymore and wait till the fresh set of cobwebs appearing over the wall frame. Do reserve the weekends to tidy your room. Give away extras or not-needed any more goodies to the needy ones.
Giving a makeover to your hostel room is a fun way to incorporate the CHANGE. Try it and thank us later!