Our daughter will be going off to college this fall. Her dorm room is not very large and void of any storage areas. Most dorm rooms have no closets and dressers are generally limited to bedside tables. Occasionally a student lucks out with a computer desk with a couple of drawers. Outside of this, the average dorm resident relies on under the bed boxes. These storage boxes have limited use and are not appropriate for some storage needs. Also, under bed space is limited for storage. Creativity is the key to handling storage issues in a dorm room.
1) Knick knacks, such as jewelry, school supplies, and sewing supplies can clutter a small room. There are several methods of storing these items. Dollar stores have hanging organizer that can be placed on the side of the computer table or somewhere on a wall. However, too many of these hanging organizers can also clutter a room. A more concise storage method is to purchase a round spice rack and insert needed supplies in the spice jars. My daughter already has one for her dorm room in her hope chest.
2) Many beside or study lamps come complete with a pull out container drawer or separate slots for miscellaneous study needs, such as erasers, paper clips, and pencils. A student can use these separate spaces to store jewelry.- one slot for ear rings, one for rings, one for necklaces. School supplies can be stored in a backpack if necessary to free up room space.
3) Some dorm rooms allow headboard and others don’t. Our daughters dorm does. Headboards can be purchased for a bed that have included secret storage areas. The sizes of the compartments differ so be sure and check before purchasing. Also remember that a head board will take up a couple of inches of added space to include space away from the wall. Make sure the dorm room is large enough for the headboard.
4) Extra pockets books take up space. If your student insists on having a couple of pocket books, advise them to use it as extra storage area. The storage uses for extra pocket books is endless. The same idea can be used for shoes sitting under the bed. Remind your child to label the shoes or pocket books if they are suing them for storage areas, so they won’t forget what items are in which storage place.
5) Sweaters and coats that are not being used all year can be stored in air tight storage containers. Show your child how to purchase the right bag and how to take the air out of the bag so it will lie flat. Another idea for seasonal clothing is to leave it at home until needed. Parents can send it via a visit or mail when it is needed.
With a bit of creativity and planning, your child’s dorm room can be a clutter free living area. There are many unqieu storage ideas that your student can use to free up space in her room. After all, who wants a room mate who hogs the whole room?
http://www.redbookmag.com/recipes-home/tips-advice/home-organizers
http://www.storagefront.com/storagetips/student-storage/ideas-for-an-enjoyable-dorm-room
