With all the complexities of life, it’s easy to get bogged down by clutter — in your work, in your academics and, especially, in your room. Putting off tidying can be tempting when you have so much else to do, but coming home to a cozy environment can make all the difference in your sense of serenity. Still, sometimes just cleaning isn’t enough. In that case, it’s time to recreate your surroundings, so here are a few ways to change your dorm into your dream house for little or no money.
Rearrange
One of the simplest ways to switch up the ordinary is just to move it around. Try arranging your furniture to put your window in a different perspective, or see how you like an open floor plan. Even just switching which end of the bed you place your pillow on could help to freshen your perspective.
Shop in your yard
Another free way to bring beauty to the mundane is by taking some time to absorb nature — and then taking it with you. Pressing wildflowers, drying roses and collecting seashells are all great oddities to spice up a boring bookshelf.
Grow your own decor
While not quite free, buying seeds to plant or a small house plant is hardly costly but will bring you the joy of nurturing bright leaves every few days. Adding a sproutling to your routine might seem small, but you’d be surprised how much focusing on something or someone other than whatever’s eating at your time makes stress more bearable and life more beautiful.
Cut up a magazine
Whether you like fashion, sports, art or animals, there are magazines out there that cater to your likes. Fortunately, buying just one magazine presents the opportunity for countless pictures that you can make into a collage or hang like posters. The best part is that in addition to new reading material, you even get that cathartic feeling of snipping away all your woes.
Light your life
Buying fire-safe fairy lights or on-sale light decorations is an easy way to tie your room together. Even the blandest environment is more than doubly improved with soft lights in key places. Doing your homework or sitting back and relaxing is always more relaxing when you let go of harsh fluorescents and embrace more subtle, glowy colors.
No matter what route you go, even trying to improve your room will doubtlessly make you happier with it. A little effort really pays off in the long run, and once you’ve put the finishing touches up, you can sit back, relax and admire your work.
