Storage: what to look for

Shared rooms run out of space long before they run out of floor. Good storage keeps your things secure, off the floor and easy to pack at the end of term. One good answer is the peti, the lockable trunk that gives this site its name.

Metal trunk or lockable storage box

The peti: it keeps valuables and spare clothes locked in a shared room, doubles as a side table, and carries everything home at the end of the year.

Check before you buy

Measure the space under your cot; many trunks live there.
A hasp that takes a padlock, and strong side handles.
Metal is tougher; a plastic box is lighter to carry.
Compare the listed inside dimensions, not just the outside size.

Skip or avoid

A trunk so large that you cannot carry it up the stairs on your own.

Most useful for: Hostel · PG with meals · PG, no meals · Working PG

Shop: search Amazon.in for metal trunk or lockable storage boxAmazon.in search results. No commission is earned at present.

Suitcase or duffel for the move

You need something to carry it all in, and something to store when the move is done.

Check before you buy

Soft duffels fold into a small cupboard when empty.
If you are flying, check the airline’s baggage limits before you buy a large bag.
Wheels help on station platforms; check the zip, handle and return terms in the listing.

Skip or avoid

Hard cases that will not fit under your cot or in your cupboard.

Most useful for: Hostel · PG with meals · PG, no meals · Working PG

Shop: search Amazon.in for suitcase or duffel for the moveAmazon.in search results. No commission is earned at present.

Under-bed storage bags

The space under the cot is storage that is easy to forget.

Check before you buy

Zipped bags with a clear window let you see what is inside.
Vacuum bags shrink winter clothes and quilts, but need a vacuum or a hand pump.
Measure the gap under the cot first.

Skip or avoid

Thin bags that tear when dragged across rough floors.

Most useful for: Hostel · PG with meals · PG, no meals · Working PG

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Hanging closet organiser or fabric wardrobe

A shared cupboard may have just one rod and one shelf. Hanging shelves turn that into usable space.

Check before you buy

Check the hanging width and the weight it is rated to hold.
Hook-over-the-rod designs need no tools.
A collapsible fabric wardrobe helps if no cupboard is provided.

Skip or avoid

Organisers wider than your share of the cupboard.

Most useful for: Hostel · PG with meals · PG, no meals · Working PG

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Adhesive hooks and over-door hangers

Towels, bags and keys need somewhere to hang that is not your chair.

Check before you buy

Removable adhesive hooks avoid drilling; check the rated load.
Over-door hangers need a gap above the door; check before buying.
Clean and dry the wall before sticking a hook.

Skip or avoid

Drilling or nailing walls without the warden’s or owner’s permission.

Most useful for: Hostel · PG with meals · PG, no meals · Working PG

Shop: search Amazon.in for adhesive hooks and over-door hangersAmazon.in search results. No commission is earned at present.