Choose storage options that fit into your dorm room without causing clutter.
The key to properly organizing your dorm room is to purchase coordinating storage that is sufficient to hold your belongings. Check with your roommate prior to purchasing storage so you don't end up with identical containers. Purchase storage with your dorm room in mind. You'll need items that will fit without crowding the space, yet allow you easy access based on your room's design and built-in storage features. Does this Spark an idea?
Organized Study Space
Keep desk areas uncluttered using notebooks for classes and verticle storage.
Keeping in mind the main reason for going to college, you'll want to create an organized work and study space to keep coursework and study materials neatly contained and easily accessible. Purchase notebooks applicable to the size and type of course materials. Label a notebook for each course and file coursework in the appropriate book as soon as you can. Keep the notebooks and textbooks stacked next to each other on the back of your desk or on a bookshelf.
Store necessary computer supplies, physical media files, printer supplies and electronic cords in a rolling computer file or suitable file box that can be locked and placed on the desk or on a book shelf when not in use. Purchase a desk organizer meant to hold small supplies in a narrow, vertical column of individual drawers. Flash drives, paper clips, pens, scissors and similar items can be stored where they are easily accessible without creating small clutter common to most desks.
Store Under and Upright
Fill existing book shelves with bins and baskets to hold your gear.
If you are in a room with individual twin beds, gather as many under-bed storage bins as you can fit side by side under your bed. Some of the bins come with rear wheels making them easy to move if heavy. Store clothes, linens, shoes, handbags and other necessities under your bed by placing like items in individual bins. Organize small items in large bins using container dividers or small individual bins that fit inside the larger one. Separation is essential for keeping socks separated from belts and underwear from workout gear. As soon as laundry is done, place clean items back where they belong.
Narrow vertical areas can be turned into storage space with the right storage containers. Employ pocketed hanging racks to store shoes and other small items like hair supplies, swimwear, jewelry or even contained snacks. Hang them in a closet or on the back of an available door. Place multiple shelved, sturdy narrow storage racks against a wall and store items in small individual bins or trendy open-topped baskets. Leave a shelf open to store towels and a plastic carry-all full of bathroom items that you can grab quickly for a trip to a communal bath.
Unusual Organization
At some point you'll want to grab a snack in your room. Keep the snack area of your room organized and neat. Purchase a mini refrigerator and microwave, if allowed. Put the microwave on top of the refrigerator. Sit a clear plastic shoe container with a lid on top of the microwave. Use the bin to store napkins, small bagged snacks and packages of common condiments. The lid will keep bugs away from your things.
Visit the camping supply section of a sporting goods store to purchase reusable stackable plates, utensils, cups and other necessary gear. Most are highly durable and made to take up minimal amounts of space.
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