| I can still remember my shopping list for my first | | | | Extra towels and toiletries can be stored in a simple |
| dorm room. Years ago we kept it simple -- the must | | | | 4-drawer storage cabinet also available at many |
| have storage staple was the old dairy crate and that | | | | discount stores and other retailers. |
| was pretty much it. Those dairy crates organized | | | | The Desk |
| everything from sweaters and sweatshirts to books. | | | | Question: "What would you suggest for keeping your |
| Today the storage choices are almost unlimited | | | | desk neat and school work organized?" |
| (although the budget may not be...), so outfitting a | | | | Answer: There is a wide range of great things on the |
| dorm room or first apartment can be a bit | | | | market today to keep your desk clutter free and |
| overwhelming. I have asked our summer intern (a | | | | functional - you are only limited by your budget and |
| college student) to share some organizing challenges | | | | your imagination! Consider increasing the surface area |
| she has experienced first hand. We have divided the | | | | of your desk by placing your notes and class papers |
| typical college living space into 5 areas: | | | | in a file cart or create a hanging file box that can fit |
| - Common area | | | | neatly under or on the side of your desk. Organize |
| - Kitchen and bath area Desk | | | | your desk by keeping like things together or |
| - Bedroom or sleeping area | | | | categorize by subject. Utilize a bulletin board with a |
| - The always too small and functionally challenged | | | | calendar for important dates and project deadlines, |
| closet. | | | | so they won't be missed or forgotten. |
| - Common Area | | | | The Bedroom |
| Question: "A lot of dorm rooms are small and have | | | | Question: "Do you have any suggestions for students |
| one common area. What would you suggest to help | | | | on how to maximize this space and still keep as much |
| students keep their common area organized? Also, | | | | of your personal belonging in this small space?" |
| can you suggest some useful products for storing | | | | Answer: You can be as creative with this space as |
| food, movies, and CDs?" | | | | you want to be. Take advantage of the total area, |
| Answer: Common areas can be a tricky, because you | | | | including under the bed, behind the door, the walls, |
| have now entered the zone where your belongings | | | | and even the college issued furniture. Look for wide |
| are community property. I would suggest a minimalist | | | | underbed drawers; they make the perfect secondary |
| approach. If it is for a dorm, keep it simple and | | | | storage unit. Hang a shoe bag behind your door; |
| portable. There are inexpensive multimedia racks, | | | | these pockets can be used for more than shoes -- |
| drawers and even cubes (the "new" dairy crate!) | | | | socks, extra toiletries, small camera, film, batteries, |
| available for storing CDs and movies. | | | | water bottles, and yes even that extra case of beer. |
| Trunks can provide additional table surface, store | | | | Hang a few hooks on the wall or if allowed install a |
| out-of-season blankets and sweaters, and even | | | | small shelf. If you have a large desk, consider adding |
| make a good hiding place for your spare laundry and | | | | a hutch; the additional shelves are very convenient |
| bathroom supplies. If you are furnishing an apartment, | | | | and accessible when working at the desk. |
| make it a group project so that everyone is involved | | | | The Closet |
| with choices and expense sharing. | | | | Question: "How do I make the most of this very |
| Many students store their snacks and munchies | | | | small space?" |
| where they hang out, so just remember to label | | | | Answer: Years ago my first dorm closet was about 3 |
| them and stay clear of glass. Many discount stores | | | | feet wide and 9 feet tall. An extremely narrow area |
| have some really cool and inexpensive dry storage | | | | in which to cram 9 months worth of clothes and |
| options. | | | | shoes and remember this was the time in my life |
| Kitchen and Bath | | | | when I agonized over every clothing detail. Today |
| Question: "Can you give advice on how to keep your | | | | that limited area would be a snap, because my "mom |
| stuff separate from your roommates in both the | | | | uniform" does not require a lot of space. |
| kitchen and the bathroom?" | | | | Seriously, most of the time closet space comes is at |
| Answer: In the kitchen -- label, label and label. People | | | | a premium, so you must utilize every inch. The right |
| are less likely to help themselves to something when | | | | type of hangers is key - an item like a multi-tiered |
| it is clearly marked. An alternate system is to divide | | | | shirt or pants hanger can save space and have |
| the shelves in the refrigerator - maybe one for each | | | | clothes fit neatly in small spaces. Consider adding |
| person and one common shelf? If your budget | | | | another rod for short hang items since most college |
| permits, purchase a set of food storage containers | | | | wardrobes are heavy on short hang pieces. Another |
| and clearly label them with your name and any | | | | product used to increase space and keep things from |
| warning you may want to include. Unfortunately | | | | tumbling down is stacking shelves. If you prefer your |
| there will always be those few who will help | | | | sweaters and sweatshirts at eye level, use a hanging |
| themselves to anything and everything, so don't sign | | | | sweater bag that attaches to the closet rod. Don't |
| a lease with them next year. | | | | forget about the floor space -- short stacking |
| There is never enough room in the bathroom, so | | | | baskets work well in this space. |
| keep it simple and portable. Buy a shower tote or | | | | Today's college student may have a lot more |
| caddy; a proven product that has been around for | | | | organization and storage options than we did in years |
| years. I recommend girls go for the largest one you | | | | past, but with a small budget, some advance planning, |
| can carry while most guys could probably make do | | | | clear lines of communication with roommates and a |
| with the smaller ones. If finding a surface is an issue | | | | sense of humor, organizing their space can be easily |
| consider a hanging dopp kit, which can be easily | | | | accomplished and they can focus on what's really |
| hooked on to a towel rack. Don't forget about your | | | | important about college. I was referring to learning - |
| towels; consider large hooks for hanging wet towels. | | | | what did you think I meant? |