What is the most efficient way to take advantage of small spaces like dorm rooms. Labeling in dorms is useful. Helper shelves and underbed storage help keep organized. For spare bedrooms, in wall beds are great and an armoire desk is a good solution for the computer.
Each fall, hundreds of thousands of young adults make their way through the maze of college campuses to settle themselves for a semester or a school year into the confines of a college dorm room. Some find this exciting. After all, it's the first time living way from home for many. Others find it daunting,let's face it; they most likely have to share this new space with someone they barely know. Some come from homes where they enjoyed the privacy of their own bedroom since the early days of childhood. Others shared accommodations with a sibling or two. Regardless of their origins, almost all dorm room dwellers share the common denominator of a dilemma - how can they possibly fit all of their stuff into such a tiny space? And is it even remotely possible to keep it somewhat organized?
With a bit of insight and simple strategizing it's not only possible, but can be easy and cost-effective, too. It can even be challenging and fun. Lorie Marrero has organized homes and offices professionally since 2000. A lifetime of study and practice prepared her for her career. She insists that one basic element to dorm room efficiency is for all parties to label everything.
"Labeling is really important to keep belongings separate so that you know what is yours and what belongs to your roommate," she says. From electronic label makers to printed computer labels to writing with old-fashioned permanent markers directly on one's own belongings - labeling is imperative.
Since bathrooms are almost never within the four walls of a dorm room - causing students to venture down the hall in search of necessary facilities - it is imperative to the neatness of the dorm room and the sanity of its inhabitants to proficiently organize shower and personal items. Marrero suggests using a plastic caddy to carry items to the bathroom and organize them while in the dorm room. Such caddies made for these purposes are found in discount or department stores. Less expensive options include cleaning buckets, airtight containers, and totes made from towels or fabric scraps.
She also recommends the modular component systems that are typically found in discount stores to further enhance the organization of the dorm room and any available closet space the roommates share.
"There are entire systems of different components that allow you to build your own configuration of cabinets and shelves with closet pieces," she says, noting that many dorm room closets are poorly designed. Adding pieces such as a second clothes hanging rod or a canvas sweater stacker make it easier to divide the space equally and easily.
Marrero also advocates the use of under-bed storage containers. They are inexpensive, easy to find, and make good use of otherwise wasted space underneath dorm room beds. Don't overlook ceilings, where shelving or even something as unconventional as a kitchen pot rack can house items not frequently used.
A little creativity along with the aid of a few inexpensive organizational pieces can enhance and organize almost any dorm room. Two people CAN survive successfully while sharing a common space.
