Amazon Sells Clever Wall Hooks That Instantly Add Storage to Small Rooms – Without Damaging the Walls
I swore by them throughout my time at college, and still do four years after graduating
A dorm room is usually blank, with empty white walls, devoid of any personality, and lacking in storage and organization. That's why, while at college, I relied on clever, damage-free hooks to string up my fairy lights, display pictures, and add all-important hanging space, without risking my deposit.
Once I graduated and moved out of my final college room, I thought I was done with Command Hooks, available at Amazon. As I soon found out, though, they aren't just for students.
Even now, four years later, I still swear by them for decorating and organizing my home.
These larger strips are suitable for hanging up larger, heavier items, like towels or big artworks. They can be used on a number of different flat surfaces, including painted walls, finished wood, laminate, and glass.
In a dorm room with next to no storage, using vertical storage to save space is not a choice – it’s a necessity. And, from hanging towels to organizing keys and coats, Command Hooks are still just as handy around my home now as they were back at college.
Admittedly, I'm far from a professional when it comes to DIY projects, which is exactly why I love them − simply stick the hooks to the wall and remove them damage-free whenever necessary, without the need for any power tools for either installation or removal.
They immediately improve wall storage ideas (essential for small dorm rooms), and allow me to move items around as I need to, without having to follow-up with hole filler and paint.
Plus, I can hang items above wall sockets and switches, without the usual stress that comes with drilling into a wall and navigating electrical.
How to Use Command Hooks Correctly
Command hooks are a great way to hang artworks or create a gallery wall without damage or drilling.
The key to using hooks for increased storage is to apply and remove the Command Hooks properly − you can't rush the process. To hang artwork without damaging walls and expand your home storage ideas, these Command tips are a must:
- Clean the wall first: Any small hair or dust can prevent proper adhesion. A slightly damp microfiber cloth, available from Walmart, is all you need for this.
- Use the correct strength strip: Always check the weight of the item you're hanging first. If you do not have suitably sized kitchen scales, from Walmart, for this, I have found that using bathroom scales (also from Walmart) and weighing myself, then weighing myself holding the object, and working out the difference, is a good guide. Opting for a strip designed for a bigger weight is always a safe option if you are unsure.
- Ensure the tab is pointing down: I cannot stress this step enough, as it is the reason I had to fix cracks in plaster walls in my second year. The small tab on a Command hook is how you remove it, and it needs to be pointing downwards, not sideways, to ensure damage-free removal later down the line.
- Allow the strip to stick before hanging anything: In a rush to decorate or organize a space, I have been guilty of sticking the strip on the wall and hanging the item up right away. However, this can cause the strip to peel away. Instead, let the strip sit on the wall for 24 hours before hanging anything with it to allow it to properly adhere.
- Remove slowly with two hands: The ‘damage-free’ part of command strips comes down to the removal technique. To remove a strip from a wall without damage, place one finger at the top of the strip, applying firm pressure, as you pinch and pull the bottom tab downwards, not away from the wall. This stretches the sticky backing for safe removal. Only once it is fully stretched out, remove your top finger for the strip to come away completely.
What to Shop
There are so many variations of Command strips, each of which can hold items of different weights and sizes. Below, you can shop from a selection to meet a wide range of different needs and preferences, along with organizational and cleaning essentials to make using them seamlessly simple.
All prices were correct at the time of publication.
These heavy-duty strips are suitable for hanging heavy items like picture frames, mirrors, and wall art, and have 40% more adhesive holding power than the large picture hanging strips. Always allow seven days after painting your walls before using them to allow the paint to cure and avoid damage.
These heavy-duty hooks work on most smooth surfaces, including painted walls, wood, and metal. Each adhesive wall hook can hold up to 5 lbs of weight, so they're perfect for hanging small mirrors, cork boards, and artworks, or for storing dressing gowns and hanging towels in a dorm room.
These hooks are ideal for items up to four pounds in weight, and come in three colors to match most interiors. Opt for black for a sleek look, and bronze or brushed nickel for a classic style that looks timeless while being easily removable. They can also be reused with Command Replacement Strips, available at Amazon.
Keep your command strips organized by weight to avoid mixing them up and prevent items from falling from the walls. This box features removable dividers for easy customization, with two side latches to securely lock the lid in place. It's also water-resistant, which is handy if storing in your shed.
These strips allow you to rehang old hooks that may have lost their stick, which means you can sustainably utilize the same hooks throughout your entire time at college. The pack includes eight small, four medium, and four large indoor replacement strips.
This foam makes cleaning walls ready for Command hooks easier than ever. It works to gently remove stains without damaging finishes or leaving a residue, and clings to vertical surfaces for easy usage with no scrubbing required.
Moving to college soon? Check out the organizing lessons I learned from a small dorm room to help set you up for a clutter-free study hub.
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