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I can still remember my shopping list for my first dorm room. Years
ago we kept it simple -- the must have storage staple was the old dairy
crate and that was pretty much it. Those dairy crates organized
everything from sweaters and sweatshirts to books. Today the storage
choices are almost unlimited (although the budget may not be...), so
outfitting a dorm room or first apartment can be a bit overwhelming. I
have asked our summer intern (a college student) to share some
organizing challenges she has experienced first hand. We have divided
the typical college living space into 5 areas:
- Common area
- Kitchen and bath area Desk
- Bedroom or sleeping area
- The always too small and functionally challenged closet.
- Common Area
Question:
“A lot of dorm rooms are small and have one common area. What would you
suggest to help students keep their common area organized? Also, can
you suggest some useful products for storing food, movies, and CDs?”
Answer:
Common areas can be a tricky, because you have now entered the zone
where your belongings are community property. I would suggest a
minimalist approach. If it is for a dorm, keep it simple and portable.
There are inexpensive multimedia racks, drawers and even cubes (the
“new” dairy crate!) available for storing CDs and movies.
Trunks
can provide additional table surface, store out-of-season blankets and
sweaters, and even make a good hiding place for your spare laundry and
bathroom supplies. If you are furnishing an apartment, make it a group
project so that everyone is involved with choices and expense sharing.
Many
students store their snacks and munchies where they hang out, so just
remember to label them and stay clear of glass. Many discount stores
have some really cool and inexpensive dry storage options.
Kitchen and Bath
Question: “Can you give advice on how to keep your stuff separate from your roommates in both the kitchen and the bathroom?”
Answer:
In the kitchen -- label, label and label. People are less likely to
help themselves to something when it is clearly marked. An alternate
system is to divide the shelves in the refrigerator – maybe one for
each person and one common shelf? If your budget permits, purchase a
set of food storage containers and clearly label them with your name
and any warning you may want to include. Unfortunately there will
always be those few who will help themselves to anything and
everything, so don’t sign a lease with them next year.
There is
never enough room in the bathroom, so keep it simple and portable. Buy
a shower tote or caddy; a proven product that has been around for
years. I recommend girls go for the largest one you can carry while
most guys could probably make do with the smaller ones. If finding a
surface is an issue consider a hanging dopp kit, which can be easily
hooked on to a towel rack. Don’t forget about your towels; consider
large hooks for hanging wet towels. Extra towels and toiletries can be
stored in a simple 4-drawer storage cabinet also available at many
discount stores and other retailers.
The Desk
Question: "What would you suggest for keeping your desk neat and school work organized?”
Answer:
There is a wide range of great things on the market today to keep your
desk clutter free and functional – you are only limited by your budget
and your imagination! Consider increasing the surface area of your desk
by placing your notes and class papers in a file cart or create a
hanging file box that can fit neatly under or on the side of your desk.
Organize your desk by keeping like things together or categorize by
subject. Utilize a bulletin board with a calendar for important dates
and project deadlines, so they won’t be missed or forgotten.
The Bedroom
Question:
“Do you have any suggestions for students on how to maximize this space
and still keep as much of your personal belonging in this small space?”
Answer:
You can be as creative with this space as you want to be. Take
advantage of the total area, including under the bed, behind the door,
the walls, and even the college issued furniture. Look for wide
underbed drawers; they make the perfect secondary storage unit. Hang a
shoe bag behind your door; these pockets can be used for more than
shoes -- socks, extra toiletries, small camera, film, batteries, water
bottles, and yes even that extra case of beer. Hang a few hooks on the
wall or if allowed install a small shelf. If you have a large desk,
consider adding a hutch; the additional shelves are very convenient and
accessible when working at the desk.
The Closet
Question: ”How do I make the most of this very small space?”
Answer:
Years ago my first dorm closet was about 3 feet wide and 9 feet tall.
An extremely narrow area in which to cram 9 months worth of clothes and
shoes and remember this was the time in my life when I agonized over
every clothing detail. Today that limited area would be a snap, because
my “mom uniform” does not require a lot of space.
Seriously, most
of the time closet space comes is at a premium, so you must utilize
every inch. The right type of hangers is key – an item like a
multi-tiered shirt or pants hanger can save space and have clothes fit
neatly in small spaces. Consider adding another rod for short hang
items since most college wardrobes are heavy on short hang pieces.
Another product used to increase space and keep things from tumbling
down is stacking shelves. If you prefer your sweaters and sweatshirts
at eye level, use a hanging sweater bag that attaches to the closet
rod. Don’t forget about the floor space -- short stacking baskets work
well in this space.
Today’s college student may have a lot more
organization and storage options than we did in years past, but with a
small budget, some advance planning, clear lines of communication with
roommates and a sense of humor, organizing their space can be easily
accomplished and they can focus on what’s really important about
college. I was referring to learning – what did you think I meant?
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About the authors: Bridget Messino is a Professional Organizer,
speaker and co-owner of Clutter Free Living, Inc. Her work frequently
appears on many Internet sites, on her own organizing site Clutter Free
Living (http://www.clutterfreeliving.com),
as well as in her monthly Home Organizing Newsletter How to Be Clutter
Free. Subscribe to the FREE monthly e-newsletter by sending a blank
e-mail to mailto:
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Emily
Steinecker is a senior at the University of Wisconsin, interning with
Clutter Free Living for the summer. Organizing has always been a
passion of hers and her dream is to become a professional organizer.
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