College Bound: The Organized Dorm

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?

©2004 Bridget Messino and Emily Steinecker

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:cflnews-subscribe@topica.email-publisher.com

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.

Students oppose establishment of university at Islamia College
Daily Times, Pakistan - 8 hours ago
PESHAWAR: Students of Islamia College of Peshawar have said that establishment of the Islamia College University in the same building would create problems ...

Wall Street Journal
College Presidents Stand Up for Common Sense? I'll Drink to That
Wall Street Journal - 2 hours ago
... a proposal from 128 university leaders that legislators reconsider the national drinking age. Led by former Middlebury College President John McCardell, ...
Keep the drinking age at 21 San Francisco Chronicle
Posted by: Anne Newman on August 27 BusinessWeek
NCAA chooses money over students’ health Moultrie Observer
UM Maneater - Press & Sun-Bulletinall 103 news articles

Important notice for students planning to attend college ...
Bahama Islands Info, Bahamas - 12 hours ago
It is recommended that students contact their College/University and request they hold their place while their letters of authorization are being processed.

Sikh students demand minority seats at GCU
Daily Times, Pakistan - 8 hours ago
LAHORE: The only two Sikhs students who applied for admission to the Government College University (GCU) have been rejected because of a lack of minority ...

Yakima medical school to create 2 new colleges
Seattle Times, United States - 5 hours ago
The private, nonprofit Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences has 75 students enrolled in the inaugural class of its College of Osteopathic ...
Pacific Northwest University to Open New Colleges KAPP
NEW: New health university to announce two more colleges today Yakima Herald-Republic
Yakima medical school to create 2 new colleges Examiner.com
KIMA CBS 29 - Seattle Timesall 23 news articles

Wall Street Journal
A Saner Approach to College Football
Wall Street Journal - 2 hours ago
As salaries for college-football coaches spiral into the millions of dollars, two Utah schools -- Brigham Young and the University of Utah -- are winning ...

Come to College - But Leave Your Car at Home
MarketWatch - 16 hours ago
... extend beyond their college years." "Our partnership with Zipcar strengthens our commitment to provide the Belmont University community with flexible, ...

Goshen College introduces new teaching and administrative faculty ...
Goshen College News - Aug 27, 2008
He has undergone additional orchestral-conducting study at Bard College, University of Iowa, University of South Carolina, Eastman School of Music and the ...

E Canada Now
College, University Presidents Continue Drinking Age Debate
AHN - Aug 22, 2008
Columbus, OH (AHN) - A group of college and university presidents and chancellors from around the United States would like to see the drinking age lowered ...
Video: Advocating Lower Drinking Age CBS
Editorial: Let's have a sober discussion of campus boozing San Jose Mercury News
A lower drinking age will bring bingeing boom Atlanta Journal Constitution
FOXNews - Houston Chronicleall 1,772 news articles

University partnerships pave way for degrees
New Baltimore Voice Newspapers, MI - Aug 27, 2008
Further details about Macomb Community College University Center programs are available by calling (586) 263-6018 or visit the Web site at ...

IMT College - Full Online

IMT College - full online* Ensure Your Future* Immediate Use of Skills* 8 Week Certificate... Read More

Natural Healing Schools

What are NATURAL HEALING SCHOOLS? Natural Healing Schools teach natural medicine that are holistic approaches... Read More

How to Choose the Right School For You

Now that the admission committees have handed you their decisions, it is time for you... Read More

Reducing the Administrative Burden for Further Education Colleges

The introduction of the Government's Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) in September 2004 meant that more... Read More

Choose the Delivery Mode for your e-Learning Course

There are so many ways to deliver instruction online that the topic warrants its own... Read More

Facing Your Fears as an Adult Returning to School

In case you hadn't noticed, career colleges aren't just for learning a vocational trade anymore.... Read More

Looking For a Rewards Program That Offers Free Money for College Students?

With the rising cost of books, tuition and housing, it's no wonder that college students... Read More

Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

There are over 50 Acupuncture Schools in the United States. Acupuncture laws differ from state... Read More

Principalship: Leading Change in Schools

The L.E.A.D.E.R. WayINTRODUCTIONIn June 1997,the Prime Minister of Singapore unveiled the Government's vision of 'Thinking... Read More

Life-Long Students Make More Money

You may not miss eating Ramen noodles everyday, but you are doing yourself a huge... Read More