I don’t know how long it has been since you were in college, but in case you forgot: dorm rooms are tiny! Stealth storage is vital, and your college student will need help making their new space feel like home. Use our favorite storage solutions and product recommendations to help keep your student organized and stress-free this semester.
Pro Tip: College students and parents can often snag a discount at The Container Store during their college-prep events. Be sure to check their site for current coupons before you shop!
How to Maximize Your Dorm Space
1. Create Functional Zones
Separate the dorm room into “zones.” After all, they will be spending most of their time here! They need dedicated space for sleeping, a makeshift kitchen, studying, and relaxing with friends. Zones help to separate the space both physically and emotionally, making a small room feel much larger.
2. Think Vertically
Floor space is hard to come by, so you have to look up. Utilize the back of the door and maximize wall space. We love magnetic strips for holding photos and notes, and back-of-door hook racks are perfect for hats, coats, or robes. If drawer space is limited, hanging shelves can store a surprising amount of clothing. For more over the door storage, we love this mirror and this shoe rack!
3. Optimize the Closet
Using skinny hangers is helpful for saving space in the tiny closets. We love these velvet hangers for narrow storage and making the most of the space. Another option is vertical hangers allowing multiple items to be hung on one hangar. These shirt hangers allow 6 blouses on one hangar, and this pants hanger holds 4 pants or skirts. You can also double your hanging space in a vertical closet with this additional closet rod!
4. Don’t Forget Under-the-Bed Storage
The space under the bed is prime real estate. If the bed isn’t already lofted, use bed risers to create enough height for long plastic bins or even plastic drawers. This is the perfect spot for out-of-season clothing, extra towels, or bulky suitcases.
5. Add Makeshift Shelving
If the room lacks built-in storage, create your own! Use cubbies, a desk hutch, or even crates mounted to the wall (with temporary strips) to create extra surfaces for books or decor.
6. Prioritize Multi-Use Furniture
In a dorm, every piece of furniture should do double duty. We love a rolling cart because it can function as a nightstand, a pantry, or extra desk storage. Look for seats with hidden storage or TV consoles that utilize cube storage for bins.
7. Use Stacking Bins and Boxes
Standard bins are great, but stackable bins are better. Utilizing the vertical height inside a closet or under a desk is much more efficient. Clear boxes are especially helpful so your student can find exactly what they need without digging.
8. Master the “File Fold”
Space is at a premium in those small dresser drawers. File folding clothes (Marie Kondo style) allows you to see every shirt at a glance and saves a significant amount of space. We have a tutorial here on how to master this technique! Use drawer dividers to keep the rows neat and prevent everything from turning into a jumbled mess.
9. Use Shower Rings!
Shower curtain rings are great because they are multi-purpose and save a ton of space! You can use them to hold ties, scarves, hats, belts, all while keeping them untangled and separated. Hang them in the closet on the rack, a temporary hook, or even use them as decor!
10. Temporary Hooks and Mounts
Temporary hooks and mounts such as these Command Hooks are vital in a college dorm room! Typically students are not allowed to use nails or anything permanent on the walls or closet, so temporary hooks and mounts are important to help make the space more personalized and functional.
College dorm rooms may be small, but we love an organizational challenge! We hope these tips help before you move your child into their dorm!
Reimagining the Nest at Home
As you help your student pack up and head off to campus, you might find yourself looking at their empty bedroom at home with a mix of emotions. While it can be bittersweet to see them leave the nest, it also presents a unique opportunity to reset or reimagine your own home.
Is it time to turn that bedroom into the guest suite you’ve always wanted? Or perhaps you’re ready to reclaim that space for a home office, a craft room, or a peaceful yoga retreat?
Maybe you just want to reset your home so it’s more functional for your phase of life right now. Transitioning to an empty nest is the perfect time for a “home reset.”
At Getting it Done Organizing, we specialize in helping families navigate these transitions. Whether you need help organizing your student for move-in day or you’re ready to declutter and repurpose a room that has been “kid-central” for two decades, we are here to help you reimagine your space.
Ready to transform your home for the next chapter of your life? Book a consultation with our team today and let’s get it done!
