By Ruhi Datar
Just before I hit “accept” on my college commitment to Cornell, a million thoughts consumed my head — the grueling academics, the dining hall food, finding a roommate. But, above all, I was most concerned about the state of my closet.
For as long as I can remember, my wardrobe has been more than just clothes and hangers. It’s how I express myself while preparing for the day ahead. So, as excited as I was to begin this next chapter at Cornell, I couldn’t help but panic just a little at the idea of fitting my entire identity into half of a tiny dorm room closet.
What would I do with all my winter coats? Could I bring more than one pair of boots? Would I have to sacrifice my favorite sweaters in favor of “practicality”? And what about the shoes, the bags, the scarves I swore I’d never part with?
At first, I was in denial. I thought, “I’ll make it work.” But the more I looked up dorm tours and room dimensions, the more I realized: something had to change.
Downsizing wasn’t inevitable — it was essential.
But here’s the good news: maximizing closet space isn’t about giving up style, it’s about using all the right strategies. Lucky for you, after a semester of trial and error, I have compiled a list of tips and tricks that I wish someone had passed along to me before my pre-move-in freak out. I have come to discover that a cramped living space does not have to cramp your style.
1.Take Inventory — and Be Brutally Honest.
Before even attempting to start packing for your new closet, the first and most important step is to take inventory of your wardrobe. This means looking at every single item and asking yourself: Do I really wear this? Do I feel good wearing it? It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking, Well, I might need this one day… but the truth is, space is limited, and you’ll thank yourself later for being decisive now.
In the weeks before move-in, I made a point of noticing what I actually wore. That ruffled blouse I kept saying I’d wear “next week” never left its hanger. Meanwhile, my Levi’s Baggy Dad Jeans and my favorite hoodie were always in rotation. So I packed those — and left the rest behind. If something held sentimental value but wasn’t practical, I reminded myself that I could grab it the next time I went home.
This process not only helped me curate a more thoughtful closet, it also made getting dressed way easier. You won’t miss what you don’t wear.
2. Double Up on Hangers
One of the fastest ways to save space in a dorm is by doubling (or tripling!) up on your hangers. After moving in, I quickly realized my biggest enemy to saving space was bulky winter clothing. Coats, jackets and chunky knits eat up a ridiculous amount of room — and in Ithaca’s cold weather, not bringing them isn’t an option. My solution was simple: maximize the vertical space I had by layering multiple garments on one hanger. I grouped similar items together — like a few tanks or t-shirts — so I could find things quickly without digging. Kate Sahin ’28 said that she likes to utilize multi-layered hangers so that she can fit a large amount of clothes while minimizing the amount of hanger space taken.
3. Roll, Don’t Fold
When you’re working with tight quarters, every inch counts, especially when it comes to space. That’s where the rolling method comes in. Inika Mehta ’28 explained that rolling your clothes rather than folding them allows you to fit way more in a drawer while still being able to see each item clearly. She likes to fold her jeans, sweatpants and pajamas to maximize her storage space. It also helps prevent wrinkles, which is key when your only ironing option is the rusty iron in the laundry room that you’re hesitant to use.
4. Utilize Every Nook and Cranny
Your closet isn’t the only place for clothes. When you’re living in a dorm, using the space under your bed can make all the difference, especially because the drawers already provided have so little space. I got drawers for under my bed from Cornell’s Dump and Run for under $10, and they’ve been one of my smartest purchases.
5. Make Your Walls Work
When your closet and drawers are bursting at the seams, don’t forget about your walls. Vertical wall space is one of the most underused areas in a dorm room, and a few simple hooks can go a long way. I use large Command hooks all over my side of the room to hang scarves, bags and belts that I wear often.
Scarves, in particular, can take up an entire drawer if folded, but this can be prevented when hung neatly on hooks. I also put all of my totes and purses on hooks. Instead of stuffing them into bins or trying to balance them on closet shelves, I hang them where I can see and grab them easily. Plus, this setup makes it easier to put your accessories to good use — when you see them, you’ll actually use them.
So, this fall, I encourage you all to take a pause before seeing how tiny the dorm closets actually are. Sure, your wardrobe might shrink — but your sense of style doesn’t have to. With the right mindset (and some rolling and hanging hooks), that small space becomes less of a limitation and more of a fresh start.
Ruhi Datar is a first-year in the College of Arts and Sciences. She can be reached at rrd56@cornell.edu.