Dorm, Sweet Dorm

Without Mom and Dad around to pick up the slack, the average undergrad is likely to pass the semester toiling away on furniture made of cinder blocks and pizza boxes, recycling a single pair of socks, and dreaming up excuses for lost homework. Fortunately for the 265,000 university students rolling into Boston this month, help in getting organized is close at hand. These local professionals can pave the way for a smooth -—and relatively homey—transition to college life.

Furniture Assembly
Nothing is less fun on move-in day than spending hours cobbling together an Ikea entertainment center. That’s where Dedham professional assembler Paul Dennehy comes in. He has a decade’s worth of experience working with all things assembly-required, and has yet to find a piece of furniture he can’t conquer (with or without instructions). And if a part is missing or damaged, he’ll arrange to have a replacement shipped to you, then return to finish the job. Starting at $45 per hour, 866-539-7285, pauledennehy.com.

Space Planning
Mary Roberts of RoomChi has lectured students at places like UC Berkeley and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, on the relationship of furniture arrangement to general well-being. Locally, the Carlisle-based consultant offers one-on-one advice that aims to make small rooms feel larger, help separate work time and play time, and even encourage roommates to get along better. Among her most important fixes: orienting students’ beds and desks for maximum restfulness and productivity (in that order!). $108 per hour, 617-653-0370, roomchi.com.

Go on to the next page for three more dorm room helpers...