Organizing Your Dorm Room: A Comprehensive Guide
Organizing Your Dorm Room
With back to school time just around the corner , thoughts of school supplies, books, backpacks and afterschool activities are top of mind for a lot of parents. For parents with college age kids going away to school, the dorm room is another challenge to tackle, particularly how to organize such a small room and manage the space in a way that will be comfortable for your college kid.
Benefits of a Well Organized Dorm Room
Of all the things that increase in size in our society with time, college dorms are an exception, as most have remained small on most campuses. Managing this limited space efficiently is challenging, but can prove important in your child's academic success. Let's talk about how to manage the space appropriately, and maximize the efficiency of the different areas of the dorm room.
Generally speaking, the smaller space, the more important it is to keep it organized to maximize efficiency and livability. Not only will an organized space increase productivity, it can greatly reduce stress and create a living environment that is welcoming for both your child and the friends that are so important to them in this stage of their lives.
This guide will provide actionable tips that any parent or college student can follow to help get their dorm room in excellent shape, using proven planning techniques and space management.
Planning the Space
Whenever you are planning the different use areas for a small space, always start out by measuring its dimensions so that you fully understand the space that you have to work with. If the space is irregular, as opposed to a perfect square or rectangle, break down the different areas into square and rectangular spaces. This will greatly help with planning for furniture and visualizing the usable space that will be left over.
As you measure out the spaces, draw them out on graph paper, or using an interior design app to create the full layout. Once you've completed this step, begin deciding on zones for your study area area, sleep area, relaxation, area, etc.
Decluttering Prior to Move In
Any move presents an excellent opportunity to declutter and purge items that you haven't used in a long time. Start by categorizing items in terms of essential versus nonessential. Set up a trash can for both donations and trash to reduce items to a minimum. Remember that there are going to be a list of things that you will need to go out and purchase, so the fewer items you pack to move, the better.
Most dorm rooms, excluding furniture, can be filled with a small SUV or pickup. This is a good barometer of whether or not you've packed too much. You can compress soft items like clothing and vacuum bags, and hard items should go in cardboard boxes or plastic bins for transport.
Storage focused furniture
There are so many excellent furniture options available today, it's easy to find furniture that helps maximize your space by providing extra storage integrated into its design. You will have better luck choosing furniture that suits your needs If you make a list of everything that is going to be kept in the dorm room. This can serve as a guide to make sure that there's space for everything to put where you want it. For example, there are plenty of beds in every size that include storage cabinets and drawers in the bottom to double his dresser or store other personal items.
Don't forget about the added utility of tall furniture like dressers and bookcases that can increase your storage flexibility by providing storage that extends all the way to the ceiling. Hanging organizers in the closet are another excellent space- saving option to hold shoes, hats, and belts.
Choose a desk with integrated features like built-in lighting, USB ports, keyboard trays, and file cabinets. Cable management solutions are also an excellent feature to have integrated in the design. Foldable desks can be another excellent option, if most study will be done in a library or other location. Storage Ottomans and futons also serve as excellent double duty furniture choices.
Daily Organization
There is a common saying in the world of organizing that goes something like "have a home for every item." I can't think of any space where this is more important than in a dorm room. Small spaces get cluttered even faster than large spaces. As soon as room starts to run short, items just to get tossed anywhere.
Having a daily and weekly cleaning routine will help you create simple habits to maintain order. A weekly clean checklist can also help you keep things looking great long-term. This doesn't have to be as much of a chore as it seems. It creates an opportunity to personalize your space with stylish bins, baskets, and containers. Incorporating natural touches like plants can help smaller spaces feel more breathable.
Dorm rooms also stay better organized when the wardrobe is rotated to fit the season. Take advantage of holiday breaks to rotate out clothes that won't be needed for the new school season. Because perception can always differ slightly with reality, stay open minded and be prepared to reassess the space as you require new items and make small adjustments as time goes by.
Leaving for College is exciting time that all of us should look forward to both parents and children. Organize space can help make the transition smoother for everyone and make your dorm room the space everyone wants to hang out in. Have your own ideas for organizing a dorm room or other small space. We'd love to hear your ideas!
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