Dorm Room Organizing Must-Haves
Living in a dorm is a big change, but it doesn't have to be a stressful one. Set yourself up for success with our editors' tips and tricks.
Nothing ruins your first day on campus faster than a disorganized dorm room, especially when that space will act as your study, bedroom, kitchen, closet, living room, and who knows what else—all with a roommate! To keep your move simple and your days on campus running smoothly, here's a few of our must-have organizational tools to keep everything in line.
Study Area
Creating a little corner to hold all your papers, books, and homework—whether it's your desk, a side table, or just a shelf—is a foolproof way to know you'll find what you need. Having a separate space dedicated for work helps you focus when you need to buckle down and study.
1) Color coordinating your binders with your books allows you to grab them on the go without having to double check that they're for the right class.
2) With so many courses, it's inevitable that paper messes will accumulate. A desktop file organizer will keep papers from each class in their own section and make it easy to grab what you need on the way out the door.
3) Make your study space a place you actually want to spend time in. Create a comfortable spot with pillows and throws, and keep it organized so you can focus on the assignment at hand. Consider using lavender sachets or other memory-boosting scents.
Tip! Keep charging cords from getting tangled and lost by taping a few twist ties to the edge of the desk and securing them around the cord. To remove, just untwist and go!
Closet
Design: Fitzsimmons Architects
Whether you're sharing a closet with roommates or working with a tiny armoire, storage space is always at a premium—so get creative. Getting organized means the difference between making a space work for you, and constantly trying to make a space work at all.
1) Consider organizing your clothes by type, color, or season before packing up to move. This will help you determine the best kind of storage. If you find yourself with many clothes that need to be hung, a hanging rack will double your available space. If, on the other hand, you find that many of your clothes are folded, storage boxes or hanging shelves will help to organize your items, and make them easier to access.
2) The back of the door is your new best friend. From mirrors and shelves to scarfs, jewelry, and makeup organizers, taking advantage of all available space will make your closet ration feel larger.
3) Buy matching slim hangers so that you can squeeze every inch out of your closet space. Also consider a hanger with an anti-slip finish so that you aren’t fighting to keep your clothes hanging.
Tip! Don't forget to purchase a hamper! Investing in a sturdy rolling hamper makes trips to the laundry room a lot easier—and you'll actually go because you won’t have to lug it. Keep your detergent and dryer sheets at the bottom of the basket they're always on hand when you're ready to do a load.
Bed
In a petite room, the bed tends to eat up most of the floorspace—and takes on an all-purpose attitude. Plus, it'd be a shame to let all that out-of-sight space underneath go unused.
1) Since most dorm rooms don't have space for an extra chair or sofa, chances are your bed will act as entertaining space when friends come over. Add layers of pillows—or one knock-out body pillow—to create a daybed affect and keep friends comfortable.
2) Use under bed storage boxes for extra linens, spare toiletries, and out of season clothing. Push less frequently used items further back towards the wall and keep frequently used things towards the front so they are accessible.
3) Vacuum-seal bags will not only simplify your move, but they're also ideal long-term storage solutions since they are water resistant and will keep the dust at bay. Also use them to pack your clothes more easily when going home to visit mom and dad.
Tip! Not all dorms come equipped with a nightstand so have you heard of a bed butler? This product slides under the mattress and has a pocket that hangs down—and can hold a kindle, phone, study materials, a pair of glasses—or anything else you want close at hand.
Bathroom
Though you may have to share a bathroom with many more people than you'd care to, there's no need to change your normal bathroom regiment. For those wading the waters of a communal floor bathroom, the key is coming prepared. If you're lucky enough to be one of the few that shares with only a few people, in-bathroom storage will keep your products accessible and at the ready.
1) If you've got very expensive makeup, lotions, or perfumes, consider keeping them in your room to ensure you're the only one who is using them. Keep your makeup organized in an aesthetically pleasing acrylic organizer. A clutter-free area to get ready for class is an essential to starting your morning off right.
2) If you have a private or semi-private bath, then use a shelf with suction cups in the shower and on the mirror by the sink to hold various items. This keeps your things off the counter and out of other people’s way.
3) Create a dedicated spot in your room for all of your bathroom things including your shower caddy, shower shoes, and towel or robe. Place a boot tray or absorbent mat down to catch any drips and keep the rest of your space dry.
Tip! Whether you're sharing with two or 20 people, find out when peak times are—then avoid them. It's inevitable that the bathroom will be occupied right before you need to head to class in the morning, so try to plan accordingly.
Communal Kitchen
Sure, your meal plan will cover most of your food, but for a late-night snack or mid-class Ramen fix, the communal dorm kitchen will facilitate your pick-me-ups. For your room, a mini-fridge, microwave, and coffee maker are must-haves!
1) Think about your favorite foods, and what you'll need to make them. Are you a smoothie person? Get a single serving blender. Love grilled cheese? Yes, in a pinch an iron works, but a toaster oven (if allowed on campus) is so much easier.
2) Consider writing your initials discreetly on your items you leave in a shared fridge to discourage others from eating your food.
3) Keep a milk crate with all your kitchen supplies next to your desk. Stashing it all in one place makes it easy to find what you need, and you can carry the whole crate to the communal kitchen when you decide to try your hand at making dinner.
Tip! Since you'll most likely be eating meals at your desk during cram sessions, leave salt and pepper shakers and utensils in an organizer that's easy to reach, but out of the way while you're working.
