Invest in a rolling cart
A rolling cart is a multi-purpose tool that will adapt to your changing needs. You can use these carts as a nightstand, a mini kitchen, a bookshelf, etc. The possibilities are endless.
Don’t forget about your shoes
I have found that shoes are an item that can very quickly get misplaced, and this pile-up can create chaos. To control this, make sure you account for the shoes that you own. If you’re short on floor space, try a hanging shoe organizer (either wall-mounted or closet-hung). Otherwise, you can conceal your shoes in an ottoman or display them on a shoe rack.
Drawers shouldn’t be “catch-alls”
Just because it’s hidden doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be organized. Every drawer should have a purpose, but what’s inside the drawer should be organized too. Consider placing some smaller bins/baskets inside your drawers to separate different objects from each other.
Different sized boxes and bins are always useful
It’s always handy to have a variety of boxes and bins. You end up accumulating a lot of random objects as a college student, so having ready available boxes and bins to account for this accumulation is smart.
Exploit vertical space
Some dorm rooms are exceptionally small. This is why vertical space is key. If you have a closet, consider hanging organizers to contain not just your clothes, but other items (shoes, accessories, etc). On your walls, consider adhesive wall-mounted shelves or hanging pocket organizers.
Under bed space is key
Most beds can be lofted, so my advice is to loft your bed as high as possible. This way, you make room for lots of under-bed storage, which is useful for storing large objects such as luggage, drawers, or refrigerators.
Keep the kitchen essentials together
Having a mini kitchen area for all your food, utensils, and kitchenware is very important. This area can be stacked with shelves on top of a refrigerator, or condensed to a drawer under your bed.
Take control of your walls with adhesives and hooks
You may not be able to drill holes into walls, but that doesn’t mean your walls should be left bare. There are plenty of solutions for this, such as adhesive shelves, removable hooks, and velcro strips to hang moderately weighted objects such as mirrors.
Tabletop storage declutters what can be seen
The solution to the problem of messy surfaces is simple: make sure there is a place for all your items to go! This could be a mini drawer unit, a clear plastic organizer, or a small box.
Don’t forget to tidy your room weekly
Lastly, don’t forget to do a weekly room clean-up. This will help you take advantage of the organization system you’ve established, and avoid clutter build-up.
