College Dorm Tips The Organized Dorm

It's not easy to look at the typically bland, bare-bones dorm room and see the potential. Not only is the space limited, but the standard issue dorm room provides only a few basic essentials – a twin bed, a small dresser, maybe a desk, and a tiny closet. So, it's up to you to turn the space into something organized and functional.

A few general thoughts before we start: Use every inch of available space, including the closet, under the bed, in corners, against the walls, and on the backs of doors. Think vertical. Buy items that are durable enough to withstand four years of moving.

The following series of tips will help you prepare your dorm room for maximum use of its limited space.

Tip #1
Do Your Research

Ask for information from your school about room sizes, existing storage, and recommended items. This may be on the college website or in their orientation materials. If not, call the administration office to ask if they have a list of requirements or suggested items. For example, will you need linens, kitchen equipment or lamps? Try to find out what furnishings your assigned dorm room already has, so you'll know what you need to take.

Next, determine which items are prohibited by your school. Every institution's rules are different. For example, some dorms don't allow candles, halogen lamps, or certain kinds of wall hangings. Find out now so you don't waste time and money.

Consult with your future roommate. Remember, this already tiny room has to be divided. Discuss financial arrangements, room decor, storage needs, and budget. Try to be flexible and share ideas and opinions on the room's overall look and needs. Plan ahead because sharing square footage may have to be negotiated. You both probably have a lot of belongings, but you have to be able to condense those belongings, since both of you will need all of your available space. Combining efforts can prevent duplication and unnecessary spending.

Tip #2
Calculate And Plan

Make a floor plan of your dorm room. Include the dimensions, where the closet, doors, and windows are located, and any other physical characteristics to give you an idea of what and where to place items.

Bring with you only what the room can reasonably handle. Don't take your entire wardrobe if the closet is tiny. And, a bookshelf stereo will probably work better than your entire stereo system. As much as you love the flat screen TV in your room at home, a small TV is better suited to dorm life. Consider several well-placed, comfortable chairs, or a futon, instead of a huge sofa which is awkward to place in small spaces.

Fill in your "need" and "want" lists and prioritize each, so your budget is spent on the basics first. Decide what items you already have that you can take with you, and what items your roommate will bring. Then, build your list from there. Cross off things that are not immediately necessary, you can always add them later.

As you plan, visualize each item's storage spot. If you can't picture it in the room, don't take it. Keep it simple, be creative, and work with what you have when you can.

Tip #3
Basic Necessities

OK, we all know the obvious essentials – toiletries, cooking utensils, bed and bath linens. Now consider these other items that you'll wonder how you did without!

Basic wall calendar: Keep track of meetings, programs, seminars, classes, activities, tests. If you don't have an electronic organizer such as a Palm Pilot, a calendar is a must.

Multi-Purpose Items such as collapsible crates. Bring them out or store them away as needed.

Anything that hangs from a closet rod, hooks over a door, has pockets or cubbies: Items such as double hanging rods for the closet and over the door shoe racks make the most of limited space.

A tote or caddy: for carrying bathroom items from your dorm room to the showers.

A laundry bag and a small trash can: For some rooms, a hanging laundry bag might work better, since it can be hung on a door knob, or a hook, out of the way.

Storage expanders: Freestanding wood shelving units are convenient, portable, and vertical, and they hold everything from your TV, stereo, and books to your favorite family photos. Bed risers placed under bed posts lift them high enough to create additional storage space underneath the bed.

One or more fans: For rooms without air conditioning.

Lamps and extra light bulbs: We recommend one desk lamp, one table lamp and one floor lamp.

Don't forget the small stuff: Sewing kit and first aid kit, basic tools (screwdriver, hammer and pliers), power strip with a surge protector, a book of stamps and some stationery for writing home, an alarm clock, flashlight and extra batteries, an extension cord, trash bags, disposable cameras, duct tape, and earphones for your stereo and TV.

Tip #4
Getting Settled

Now that you're finally getting settled into your dorm room, it's time to take stock of what you have and how to organize it. Now that you can actually see your "stuff" in the room, you may need to make a few minor changes to the original plan. The following suggestions may help with those adjustments.

Turn the tops of dressers and desks into additional storage. Top your dresser with a small bookshelf to hold stacks of books, CDs and videos. On your desk, add a bookshelf or one made with boards and bricks to allow you to stack computer components and still have study room.

When you store away your belongings, put similar items together, such as all your school supplies, personal grooming items, and kitchen-related items. Then put things as close as you can to where you will use them.

Bunk, loft, or elevate beds onto cement blocks or bed risers. Then place or stack storage tubs underneath for sports equipment, off-season clothing, extra bedding and your food stash.

Label everything, especially things that are in hard-to-reach places, or in containers where the contents are not immediately visible.

Stack, stack, stack. Since floor space is at a premium, think vertical. Bins, cubes, baskets, anything stackable will work well.