August 9, 2007
Tips for Organizing a Dorm Room
Whether you're returning to college or going for the first time, having a well-organized dorm room will make your life a lot easier.
TIP #1 - TAKE ONLY WHAT YOU REALLY NEED AND WILL USE: Space will
be limited
and, most likely, shared. Create a "home" for all your items and return them there when not in
use. This will save you the wasted time it takes to look for things that aren't where they
should be and create a pleasant environment to live and work in.
TIP #2 - AVOID DUPLICTION: Because space will be limited, coordinate with your roommate(s), if possible, to avoid duplication of larger items. Multiple microwaves, televisions, refrigerators, etc. will waste valuable space that could be otherwise utilized.
TIP #3 - CHECK IN ADVANCE: Since rules vary from school to school, check
with your school to avoid bringing any items that are prohibited, i.e., space heaters, toaster
ovens. Also, check to see if your dorm provides items for communal use such as vacuum cleaners,
irons, ironing boards, etc. especially
if you use these items infrequently! Save space in your
room whenever and however you can for more important items.
TIP #4 - MAKE A LIST: Make a list with four columns titled HAVE, NEED, WANT, NOT ALLOWED. List the items you already have under the HAVE column. List the items you need to purchase under the NEED column. List the items you would like to have, if possible, in the WANT column and the items prohibited by school or dorm rules in the NOT ALLOWED column. After you've completed the list, look it over to see if there is anything you need to add or anything you can remove that isn't essential. Print out this list and save it on your computer for future reference and reuse.
TIP #5 - PACKING: Once your list is completed, check items off as you pack them. Use it again when you're packing up at the end of the school year to make sure that you haven't forgotten anything or to remind you to retrieve items you may have lent out. Use it again when you are getting ready to return to school the next fall.
TIP #6 - CLOTHING: Bring only what you need and will use! It's not necessary to pack winter items if you'll be going home for a visit before the cold weather sets in. Be sure to bring enough underwear to last a couple of weeks or until laundry day!
TIP #7 - MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR SPACE: Add shelves and use other space saving
organizing solutions in your closets, i.e. use tiered hangers to hang multiple garments in the
space of just one hanger. Take advantage of vertical as well as horizontal space. Use your walls
for more than just posters
by putting up shelving, hanging organizers, wire grid storage systems,
memo boards, etc. Attach hanging pockets to the end of your bed for additional storage. Utilize
the backs of doors by installing towel racks, hooks, etc. Install hanging clear pockets on the
inside of closet doors to hold shoes, socks, underwear, hair accessories, gloves and lots more.
Use stackable or modular storage containers that can serve at bedside as a night table/storage
unit combination. They can also be used to create a coffee table/storage unit combination,
stool/storage unit combination, etc. Their versatility allows you to create totally customized
storage solutions that can be changed from year to year or whenever necessary.
TIP #8 - UNDER THE BED: Buy plastic containers specifically designed for use under the bed and utilize that space for extra, easily accessible storage. In order to accommodate under-the-bed containers, you may need to raise the bed off of the floor by purchasing bed risers. You might also want to ask your school if they can raise your bed to a loft bed set-up. This will allow you to use the empty space underneath the bed as your desk area and will free up a lot of floor space in your room.
TIP #9 - STORAGE CONTAINERS: Figure out what kinds of storage containers
you need to hold what you have before you go shopping. You should also determine where in your
room they will go so you purchase the correct sizes
and shapes. Since rigid, plastic laundry
baskets take up a lot of precious space, try a hanging laundry bag instead.
TIP #10 - YOUR DESK: Make your desk a well lit, inviting place to study.
Cut down on distractions by keeping it clutter free. Use organizers inside desk drawers to keep
things neat and easy to find. Have everything you need at
hand when you begin studying - paper,
writing instruments, class notes, textbooks, etc. - so you don't have to break your concentration
to look for a study tool. Have an agreement with your roommate(s) about times and days
that will be devoted to studying. Keep those times noise and guest-free.
TIP #11 - DATE BOOK/CALENDAR: Write down assignment due dates, appointments, reminders about tuition and fees' payments and other important information in a date book or calendar. You will most likely use one of these for the rest of your life so now's a good time to get in the habit if you aren't already!
TIP #12 - ELECTRONICS: A laptop takes up less space than a desktop computer. In addition, its portability will allow you to work away from your dorm room if necessary or desirable. Be sure to label it with your name and contact information and record its serial number in case it gets stolen. The same goes for all your other electronic devices: IPods, televisions, electronic games, DVD players, etc.
TIP #13 - FOOD: Keep everything in sealable containers or zip lock bags if you don't want little, creepy-crawly creatures enjoying your food.
TIP #14 - SHOWER ITEMS: Since showers are communal, wear rubber-soled flip-flops to avoid picking up Athlete's foot, etc. Keep shower and toiletry items ready to go by storing them in a hanging toiletry bag or plastic tote.
TIP #15 - TOO MUCH "STUFF": If you find that you're short on space and have items you don't use or need, ship them home or bring them home on your next visit. You can also sell them or give them away. Do whatever it takes to make your space function well for you.
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MILLER ORGANIZING. All rights reserved.
14 Stuyvesant Oval
NYC, NY 10009