College Dorm Room Essentials for a Better College Experience
/
With a little creativity, you can learn how to maximize the space in your dorm room so you can live in an uncluttered and organized room. Knowing where your items are, entering a room that’s put together, and enjoying your college dorm room will all lead to increased productivity. And you won’t be embarrassed when your friends stop by unexpectedly.
Here’s a quick list of items you may want to consider adding to your dorm room. Be sure to chat with your new roommate to see what she may want to bring and how you can work together to make a lovely space for the two of you to live in for the coming year.
Add desk organizers to corral school supplies. Keep pens and pencils in one small bin; charging cords in another. Find organizers that either fit in the desk drawers or sit comfortably on top of your desk.
Use a rolling cart as a nightstand. Be sure it has a few shelves for added flexibility.
Take advantage of vertical space. Use over-the-door hanging organizers, shoe racks or baskets.
Use a shower caddy. Help make your trips to the shower easier by keeping all your products together.
Make the most of your closet. Add tension rods, Command hooks, bins and shoe racks to make the most out of your closet space.
Maximize under bed storage. Use covered bins to hold out-of-season clothing items. Add an extra-long bed skirt to hide what is being stored.
Use multi-purpose furniture. Ottomans with built in storage are a great option for extra seating and extra storage.
Add hooks to your room. Using Command hooks can give you much needed extra hanging space. Be sure that you’re permitted to affix items to the wall.
Be prepared for mild illnesses. Have over-the-counter medicines and a first aid kit in your dorm room.
Have a small tool kit. A few key tools (duct tape, screwdriver, scissors, and Allen wrench) can be very handy when you have to assemble furniture or fix a door hinge.
Have a necessities box. Keep extra batteries, a sewing kit, safety pins, staples, rubber bands and paper clips.
Set up a kitchen zone. Along with your mini fridge, put shelving under or over the fridge and keep your food, extra coffee mugs and eating utensils all together.
Having these items in your dorm room, although not necessities, will certainly make your college experience more enjoyable. If you want to go the extra mile, consider adding the following items to your summer shopping list:
Mattress pad
Hamper
Bathrobe
Shower caddy
Hand sanitizer
Stacking drawers
Under bed storage
Power strip
Trash can
Full length mirror
Cube storage
Bedside organizer
Tack board
And don’t forget to make your bed. Every. Single. Day. Really and truly. My daughter and her roommate made an agreement on the day that they moved in for their freshman year at college to make their beds each morning. And it really makes a difference in a small space as it sets the tone for the entire room.
More Organizing Ideas
Need even more ideas on how to organize your home? Living. Simplified. is ready to help. Take a look at these blog posts or send us an email at lauren@livingsimplified.net and we can work together to reach your organizing and decluttering goals:
The 6 Best Laundry Room Organizers