Summer is ending and with it, many students are beginning to make their way back to campus. Seen as what is an important university tradition, students are beginning to move all of their possessions into the dorms and student housing at their school. Schools will often coordinate move in dates with students beforehand to make sure that they have plenty of time to move everything in, and will even allow more time for first years, as they transition in.
Often the difficulties that students face while moving into student housing isn’t the move, but rather trying to find a place for all of their possessions. This is often realized once you see your dorm room for the first time. Most students don’t have the opportunity to view them beforehand, which can result in bringing along too many items. Most dorm rooms only have a bed, a dresser, and a small closet, which is usually shared with a roommate.
If you bring too much, you can be left trying to get rid of your possessions. Fortunately, we have some tips to help make sure that your space is sorted out so that you can organize your dorm to the fullest extent.
- Bed Storage
Most modern beds and futons now allow for the option to have items placed underneath them, which depending on how high they’re off the ground, can allow for a multitude of storage options. Take a look at the items that you use on a regular and an infrequent basis. Chances are you may be able to utilize some of the space under your bed for both.A great way to utilize this space for quick access is by buying storage boxes that you know will fit underneath the bed. - Bathroom storage
Depending on the university that you’re staying in, you may have the option to have a bathroom, but more often than not, you will be using communal washrooms with other students. If you’re privileged to have a washroom, there are often many types of bathroom organizers that you can fit into your shower that will hold all of your toiletries.If you don’t have a washroom in your dorm, you will need to utilize smaller storage systems. An ever popular University item is the shower caddy, which will usually hold items like toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, and soaps; but you can always stick with the standard grooming bag. - Closet Storage
Increase the amount of space that is available to you by getting closet organizers for your items. There are many variations, but some of the more common ones include closet rods that can be attached to the top bar and hang down. Most people will utilize this for their shoes, or for a lot of items that they need, but don’t necessarily wear every single day, like suits.If you want to get more technical, a great option is purchasing a two-level closet option, which will effectively allow you to have a storage option, on top of the main bar in the closet. - Night table or small stand storage
Night tables or small stands are usually very inexpensive and are good to have for spaces that are extremely tight. Grabbing one of these may allow for some easy access options for books, or other valuables. - Chairs/tables storage
Try to look for options that are inexpensive and if possible, can store more items. If you can find something like an ottoman or a chair that has the option to include items within them, it will allow you extra places for storage.If you cannot, try to find items that can be foldable or can be deconstructed, allowing you to maximize space at a moments notice. - Drawer storage
Buy dividers that will help you space all of the items in your drawer. Having these will allow you to categorize where your items are and at the same time be more efficient. - Storage boxes
Having storage boxes in your place can be a great last resort option to utilize all of the space that is available to you. You can find boxes for every empty section, that you will still be able to access. An easy DIY option would be to use shoe boxes.
If you think of this list of ideas before you make your move to your new place, you will undoubtedly have a much easier time for organizing and putting away all of your items.
If you need a helping hand, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is available for all of your moving and storage needs. We also offer professional packing services and boxes and supplies, to help take the stress out of moving.