Staying organized does not have to be a household chore and can actually make your life easier. Here are some tips for having a more organized living space.
- Get rid of excess items. A lot of people bring more clothes than what they actually wear at college. This becomes a problem as many of us do not have a large closet nor large drawer space to put our items in. And in turn, this results in overstuffed closets and drawers and eventually to having clothes lying around our dorm rooms. Not only is this displeasing to face on a daily basis, it can also be an annoyance . All of this can be avoided if you only bring what you NEED for college. If you have an overflowing closet, bring clothes you don’t wear home during breaks. Keep note of what you wear and what you don’t wear, so next year (or break) you know what to leave home and/or what to donate.
- Store items more efficiently. Instead of throwing your clothes into your drawer after you finish doing laundry, fold them. Not only does this look pleasing, it can actually create more space. Also, if you have bulkier items that you will not need/use soon, place them in an empty suitcase or backpack that is already taking space in your room.
- Use small plastic/cardboard containers. If you have a lot of small items in your desk, it may be best to use small tupperware containers (or small upcycled cardboard boxes) to organize and hold them.
- Purchase a standing book file. Using a standing book file or large plastic crate can help keep your textbooks and workbooks in one stable place without them always having to be in your backpack or scattered around your desk. You could also keep your textbooks stacked in one area on your desk as a “free” alternative.
- Store loose cords. If you have Ethernet cords, cable cords, etc., tie them with twist ties and place them all into a plastic bag. Place the bag in a drawer, on a shelf, or in your suitcase. Since you are less likely to reach for these cords, you do not need to keep them out in the open.
- Invest in an accordion file. At some point in time, we all we need to keep important files with us. A file folder is essential in making sure your papers are kept protected and at hand. A file folder can also be beneficial in certain classes to store worksheets, papers, and homework.