Organizing Tiny Spaces: Dorm Room Edition

Organizing and maintaining a tiny space can be just as - or even more - challenging as a large space. You need to get creative, prioritize, and be a real problem solver as you try to Tetris all of the things into a limited area. Dorm living is a great example of this challenge!! Admittedly, it has been over 20 years since I graduated from college, however I can close my eyes and take myself right back to that tiny cinder block walled room I moved into during the fall of 1996. Two beds, two dressers, and two desks. The rest was up to me and my roommate (who I communicated with beforehand by snail mail and actual phone calls - can you even believe it?!).

Whether it be a dorm room or a tiny closet, we all have tiny spaces that we need to keep tidy. Let’s review some ways that we can maximize these spaces and overcome the challenges that come with less elbow room.

Don’t Overpack

This is one of the most obvious ways to simplify a student’s new life away from home. While it may be exciting for them to bring all the things to school, the reality of it is they likely won’t need most of it. It’s like buying for a newborn. So exciting to get all the contraptions and tiny clothes and toys but in reality the child only needs some onesies, diapers and a carseat. Ok, maybe a little more than that - but you get the idea. Use this minimal mindset when you are filling your cart in Home Goods.

Consider the necessities first - clothes for example, and then add in the “extras” once you determine how much space you have remaining. All those framed photos of friends are great, but when it comes to horizontal space, having room for your bowls & instant oatmeal and your Keurig might take priority.

Preplan with your Foommate(s)

Roommates should coordinate with each other in order to avoid duplicates. Who is bringing the refrigerator and who is bringing the plates and silverware? It doesn’t make sense to have place settings for 8 when there are 2 in the room.

Keep it Small

While Costco-sized shampoo might be your jam at home, when it comes to dorm life, regular-sized bottles will be ideal. While larger sometimes seems better and more cost-effective, a small microwave will be sufficient for that cup o’ noodles and anything larger is taking up valuable real estate.

Categorize and Contain

Shower caddies keep all toiletries together for those walks to the communal bathroom. I understand some universities now have more private facilities, but even so, keeping each individual’s items contained prevents accidentally using up the rest of their roommates’ favorite body wash. The same is true for things like office supplies, cords and chargers, and other personal items.

Use Vertical Space

Command hooks are your friend. As I write this I realize there are probably not many dorms left with actual keys - are there? But keeping whatever it may be that allows you access to things like your room and your meal plan can be hung in a space near the door to prevent any misplacing upon return from the bar…I mean library.

Bookcases allow you to stack necessities vertically instead of taking up floor space. A shelf for food supplies, a shelf for water bottles and dishes, and a shelf for cleaning supplies for example.

Cork boards and dry erase boards allow for reminders, notes, tickets, and more to be visible and off the desktop.

Don’t forget spaces under the bed and high on a shelf - these harder to reach spots should be used for less-needed items.

Keep Cords Under Control

Use zip ties, rubber bands, twist ties, or these cable ties that I like to keep cords under control. Use a labelmaker if needed - those iPhone cords can go missing when someone accidentally assumes it’s theirs.

Use Multi-functional Items

Items like a storage bin or ottoman can be used as a “coffee table” when covered with a tablecloth or tapestry. An over the door shoe organizer can be used for not only shoes, but also belts, makeup, food, etc. Use your imagination and don’t keep the item’s advertised use in stone. You do what works for you.

Pack seasonally

Dorm closets don’t have a lot of space so avoid bringing your whole winter wardrobe in September if you can - bring the tank tops home & bulky sweaters to school during Thanksgiving break or prepack a bin to be exchanged over parents weekend.

Less is More

When it comes to dorm life or living in any small space, less is more. Living in a new place with thousands of people can be overwhelming, so using these ideas can help minimize the overwhelm and keep a student’s mind calm and ready for learning.

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