Organizing Your Dorm Room

Well, it’s that time of year again when kids and parents are preparing for the start of school. If you or your child is heading off to college, you might be wondering how you will possibly fit all that stuff into an area seemingly smaller than a prison cell. The most important thing to consider is that given the minimal horizontal space, you need to make the most of the vertical space. Here are some examples:

Black Storage Cube

• Interlocking Wire Storage Cubes – these are a staple item in any dorm room. You can store just about anything in them from sweaters to books to snacks. You can also store totes in here to group shower supplies or laundry supplies together.

• Closet Organizers – even though the closets are tiny, there are still things you can do to maximize what little space you do have. A double hang closet rod allows you to double your space for hanging clothes by providing a second rod that hangs from the first. Other options for your closet include hanging shoe organizers, hanging sweater organizers, and shoe racks or stackable drawers for the bottom.

Closet Shelf Organizer

• Shelving – vertical shelving around your desk can provide useful storage space for books, class materials, computer equipment, CDs, DVDs, etc.

• Beds – don’t overlook the beds themselves. If your school will allow it, making your beds into a loft nearly doubles your living space. If that is not an option, see if you can bunk the beds or use bed risers. If neither of these options is feasible in your dorm room, make use of the space under your bed with under bed storage containers. This can be a great place to store bulky items like sweatshirts or sweaters. You can also store your luggage under your bed.

Over-the-Door Shoe Organizer

•Over the Door – there are so many over the door hooks, racks and organizers on the market now. Hooks can be great for hats, coats and wet towels. Shoe organizers can be great for shoes, but you can get creative as well. The pockets can be used for other things like lotions, hair products, hair brushes, accessories and more.

Some schools can provide the dimensions of your room before you arrive. This can be extremely helpful in allowing you to plan before you arrive. In addition to the tips mentioned above, don’t forget to be realistic about how much you really need to take to college. For example, if you are coming home at all during the school year you can swap out clothing for the changing seasons. Now, get packing. Congratulations – college is such an exciting and memorable time in your life. These organizing skills that you practice in your dorm room will serve you well the rest of your life!

– Donna Lindley, Certified Professional Organizer and owner of Rochester Hills, MI-based Organize Your World, Inc.

For more back-to-school organization ideas visit Organize-It.