College is often the first time you move out of your family home. Aside from the exciting adventure you’re about to embark on, something many people look forward to is decorating their dorm room. Wall art, lighting, flooring—this is your chance to venture out into the adult world and do your own thing. But a dorm room isn’t quite like moving into a new apartment, so here are some things to keep in mind to make sure you don’t spend the next year stuck in a living space you don’t enjoy.

Do:

Invest in multi-purpose furniture.

Storage is at a premium in dorm rooms, so multi-tasking furniture can be a space-saver. Wall shelves with clothes hooks underneath, desks with extra drawer storage, and shoe racks you can stack in a wardrobe will all help make the most of every last inch.

Find a good rug.

A decent rug is a budget-friendly solution to flooring. It can bring a burst of color to your room and instantly make it feel like home—all you have to do is unroll it. Just be sure to measure the space first so that you don’t get something too big or small.

Keep things you love at home.

College can be messy: people are clumsy, space is scarce, and you may find your belongings mysteriously disappear. Keep anything you love at home and take alternatives instead; you’d hate for anything to happen to something irreplaceable.

Don’t:

Don’t go heavy with nails & screws.

Many dorm facilities ask for a deposit to cover damages, and they can be strict about what that means. Be cautious with anything you’ll need to attach to walls or that may mark the paintwork. Most hardware stores carry no-mark fixing solutions, which are usually strong enough to hold picture frames.

Go for trendy colors.

Fads come and go, so don’t opt for colorful furniture just because it’s on-trend at that point. Instead, choose neutral base colors and add pops of color with accessories such as cushions, rug flooring, and artwork. That way, if you’re bored of it come winter, you can easily revamp your room inexpensively.

Bring large furniture with you.

Large furniture is unlikely to fit in your space — and won’t help relations with your new roommate, either. Look for compact versions of larger pieces, such as half-size bedside tables or narrow-fit bookcases.

If you’re heading off to college in the fall and need a final flooring touch to make your new dorm room feel like home, head to Carpets To Go in Onalaska and Prairie du Chien, WI. Throughout August you can take advantage of their huge Back to School sale, so you can pick up more of what you need for less. From rugs and carpet to wood flooring, with almost all products always in stock, you can even take your purchase home with you on the day. Visit their website now or call them on (608) 326-1700, and for expert flooring advice, visit their Facebook page.