Discover useful dorm organization hacks!
Dorm life, though fun and exciting, can also be quite hard in terms of organization. With limited space and a lot of stuff, you need to get creative. In this post, we cover some practical tips to help keep your dorm room clean and maximize the use of your dorm space.
What You Should Have in Your Dorm Room
The best part about setting up your dorm room is that there are so many different essentials and decor items to choose from, which means you can pick out things that match your personal style perfectly. I usually go with a more minimalistic setup, so I LOVE sleek, neutral-toned storage bins and desk supplies. You can find a detailed list of college essentials Here.
- Bedding: A comfortable set of sheets, pillows, and a blanket or comforter. Make sure you have a mattress pad for extra comfort.
- Storage Bins: Stackable bins for under the bed or in the closet. These are great for clothes, shoes, and miscellaneous items.
- Desk Supplies: Pens, notebooks, folders, and a good lamp. Keep these within reach for easy access while studying.
- Laundry Basket: A lightweight, easy-to-carry basket or bag. This makes laundry trips more manageable.
- Cleaning Supplies: Disinfecting wipes, a small broom, and dustpan. These will help you keep your room clean and tidy.
- Personal Items: Photos, posters, or anything that makes the space feel like home. Personal touches can make your dorm room more comfortable.
- Kitchen Essentials: A minifridge, microwave (if allowed) and some basic utensils. Having these items will make it easier to prepare snacks and simple meals.
How to Create Space in a Small Dorm Room
Making the most out of a small dorm room can be tricky, but with a few smart strategies, you can create a more spacious and organized environment. Here’s how:
1. Use Vertical Space
Install Shelves:
- Shelves can be mounted on walls to store books, decorations, or even kitchen supplies.
- Floating shelves are great because they don’t take up any floor space and add a decorative touch to the room.
- Consider installing them above your desk or bed to keep frequently used items within easy reach.
Hanging Organizers:
- These can be hung from the ceiling or on a wall and used to store everything from shoes to stationery.
- Hanging closet organizers helps you keep clothes and accessories organized without taking up extra floor space.
- You can use hanging storage for things like scarves, hats, or even snacks, keeping them off your desk and out of drawers.
2. Multi-Functional Furniture
Beds with Drawers:
A bed with built-in drawers underneath provides extra storage for clothes, shoes, or bedding.
Lofted beds create even more space underneath, allowing you to place a desk or seating area below.
Desks with Shelves:
Desks that come with shelves or built-in storage can help keep your study area tidy and provide additional space for books, supplies, and personal items.
Some desks have hutches that provide vertical storage above the desk surface, perfect for keeping textbooks and binders within reach.
Convertible Furniture:
Look for furniture pieces that can serve multiple purposes. For example, an ottoman that doubles as storage or a bed that folds up into a couch during the day.
Murphy beds (beds that fold up into the wall) can also be a space-saving option, giving you more floor space when you’re not sleeping.
3. Foldable Furniture
Chairs and Tables:
Foldable chairs can be easily stored away when not in use, making them perfect for small spaces.
A foldable table can serve as a dining area, workspace, or extra counter space and can be stowed away when you need more room.
Compact Storage:
Consider collapsible storage bins that can be folded flat when not in use.
Use a foldable drying rack for clothes, which can be put away when not needed.
4. Over-the-Door Organizers
Shoes:
Over-the-door shoe organizers can hold multiple pairs of shoes without taking up floor space. They also keep your shoes neatly arranged and easy to find.
You can also use these organizers for other items, such as cleaning supplies or toiletries.
Toiletries:
Keep your bathroom essentials organized and accessible with an over-the-door organizer. This is especially useful if you share a bathroom with others and need a portable storage solution.
Snacks and Supplies:
These organizers are great for storing snacks, utensils, and other small items.
Use clear pockets so you can easily see what’s inside, making it quick to grab what you need.
By implementing these strategies, you get to create more space in your dorm room, making it a more comfortable and functional living area. That being said, staying organized is key to making the most of your space.
How to Keep Dorms Organized
5) Declutter Regularly:
Get rid of things you don’t need. Donate or throw away items you don’t use. This prevents your room from becoming overcrowded.
6) Use Labels:
Label bins and drawers so you know where everything goes. This makes it easier to find what you need.
7) Daily Tidying:
Spend a few minutes each day putting things back in their place. A little effort each day can prevent a big mess.
8) Schedule Cleaning:
Set aside time each week for a more thorough cleaning. This helps maintain a clean and organized space.
Desk Drawer Organization
9) Lighter Tools on Top:
Keep lighter, frequently used tools closer to the desk’s surface. This includes pens, pencils, and notepads.
10) Heavier Items on the Bottom:
Leave heavier things like textbooks towards the bottom. This keeps the drawers balanced and easier to open.
11) Use Drawer Dividers:
Dividers can help keep small items organized and prevent them from getting lost.
12) Additional Desk Space:
If your desk drawers can be rolled out, use the top of the drawer as additional desk space. This can be handy during study sessions.
Dorm Organization – Additional Tips
13) Do Laundry Weekly:
Do laundry weekly so you don’t need so many clothes. This also prevents dirty laundry from piling up.
14) Limit Shoes:
Re-think how many shoes you actually need. Keep only the essentials to save space.
15) Keep Your Space Clean:
A clean room makes it feel a lot bigger than it actually is. Spend a few minutes each day tidying up.
16) Set a Good Example:
When you keep your side of the room clean, it often encourages your roommate to do the same. This helps keep the entire room more organized.
Buying Dorm Organization Essentials
17) Wait Until Move-In:
Buy what you need after you move in. This way, you know exactly what you’re working with in terms of space and furniture.
18) Measure First:
Dorms can have different furniture sizes, so it’s best to measure before buying items like hanging closet shelves and extra storage containers.
These tips and tools can keep your dorm room neat and make the most of your small space. Happy organizing!
