Finding Storage Space in a Dorm Room | ABC30 Fresno

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By ABC30

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Fresno, CA Most colleges give incoming freshmen a list of items they'll need in the dorm or in the classroom. But with a shaky economy, it may not be practical to buy everything on the list.

Times are tough and if you're the student, or unfortunately the parent, you are paying that load. Consumer Reports suggests doing some homework before you leave home, especially regarding pricey electronic items. Maximize campus resources like printers and wi-fi hubs, even if it means venturing out of the dorm to the computer lab or library.

Get in touch with roommates to see which items, and costs, you can share. Offer to split the resources that you may need. For example, offer to bring the coffeemaker if your roommate is bringing the microwave. Also check with your parents to see if there are any home goods they may want to get rid of. And buy just the basics before you move in, once you're settled reassess your needs. Make sure you get maximum function from a minimum number of items.

"You're definitely short on space so you want things to do double duty. Anything you can put over the door for over-the-door storage is great, that can do double duty for socks, toothbrushes, hairbrushes and things like that," said Leslie Garza with Bed Bath & Beyond.

To avoid sticker shock on textbooks, shop online, or see what older students are looking to unload.

Scout around. See if you can find a past year, a previous year student who will give it to you free directly or at a much better price than you can find in the bookstore.

Watch video above for more..