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College Level Organization: Part 2

8/24/2022

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Welcome Back to Part 2 of College Level Organization! 

Here you will be able to find even more products and tips this pro recommends for those heading off to dorm life! 

Storage Drawers: 

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A great use for these is to add storage under the bed  or at the bottom of a closet. These drawers can create extra space to store clothes, food, and other items, they are easy to move-in/move-out, you can store items in when the semester is over, and they're available in many different sizes, can accommodate any size dorm. The only downsides is that they are usually made of plastic, can break over time, especially if you store heavy items, and they cannot be overpacked. The benefits to me far outweigh the negative and they are an affordable way to gain even more storage. 

Command Hooks/ Strips: 

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For obvious reasons, colleges do not allow you to put holes in the wall, with the invention of Command hook/strips you can put up hooks, posters, pictures, and even small shelves with these removable strips. They are also easy to use, have a wide variety of weights they can hold, and come in a variety of options. The key when removing them is to be careful and slow, so that they do not rip paint off. In addition, with most dorms being constructed with cinder-block walls, sometimes they do not always stay for long periods of time, depending on the weight you are adding to the hook itself. It still is the easiest and most effective way to add some hooks, pictures, posters, etc, to your dorm room walls! 

Drawer Organizers: 

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Drawer Organizers are great because you can effectively use all the space in your drawers and also create zones for clothing items, office supplies, or even organize food items & electronics. They do require some commitment to maintain the order but defining spaces within your dorm will allow you to know how many items you can have. Plus it makes putting things a way a breeze!  

Rolling Laundry Basket: 

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I honestly went too long before I discovered this one. The benefit this creates is it doubles as a hamper and makes getting your laundry to the laundry room much easier. The only downside is you can't roll it down the stairs but you can just pick it up. As another tip, I always found the best times to actually do laundry are early in the morning (before everyone wakes up) or super late at night. 

Bed Risers: 

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Dorm beds come in a few options, some you can loft so high it is like having a bunk bed, while others only go as high as to stuff some things underneath. Bed risers allow you to get a few more inches of space, so that you can store more underneath your bed. In one dorm, I was able to store my college provided dresser, my trunk, another 3 drawer storage unit, and my shoe rack. The other benefit is that you can find risers with outlets, so that if your bed is blocking any you can still use them! 

Additional Helpful Products: 

  • Bins- I cannot say enough about bins, they are useful for storing items in your dorm, moving in & out, and storing items long term between semesters. They are more durable than moving boxes and will hold up for a longer period of time. 
  • Surge Protectors- Surge protectors are a MUST! They create extra outlets but also make sure that whatever your plugging in will be safe. My sophomore year I plugged my computer into a regular outlet in my dorm and it created a power surge that fried my computer.....I never made that mistake again. 
  • Over-the-door Organizer- If you have closet doors or you and your roommate can agree to using the main door, you can create additional storage by hanging an organizer over it. 
  • Extra Shelving- If space allows getting a small utility rack in your dorm, can give you extra storage. In one dorm, I lived in I was able to create a TV stand high enough to see it from my bed and have storage for a gaming console, movies, and additional tech items.
  • First Aid Kit- This may seem obvious but I can't tell you how many friends would show up at my door because they needed a band-aid. 
  • Small Safe- I honestly think that getting a safe is a must for everyone, but when your living in a dorm there are more spaces that are communal than in an apartment or house. Having a safe can give you the piece of mind to keep important documents and items out of other peoples hands. 
  • Mattress Topper- Ok let's get real honest here, dorm mattresses are absolutely awful! They are thin, plastic, and uncomfortable. Getting a mattress topper will allow you to get a good nights sleep on any dorm mattress. 
  • Fans- Unlike at home dorm temperature settings are controlled by the college. This usually means that the heat turns on too soon and shuts off too late. Having a fan or even multiple fans will help keep the temp a little better, when it's still warm and they have turned on the heat to 70. 

Tips to Excel at Dorm Life: 

As I have said throughout this series, I am a former dorm dweller, though it has been a while since I have lived in a dorm there are a few things to this day I still feel are the best decisions I made. 
  • Store-Pick Up- When I was going to college only one store had store pick-up in any location which was Bed, Bath, & Beyond. Since then almost every store has it. To reduce the amount of items you have to haul from your house, order items you need at a store near your college, then pick them up when you are done moving in all your stuff. Saves time and effort! 
  • Dorm Insurance- This one is a lifesaver! When I plugged my computer into a dorm outlet and fried it, having dorm insurance allowed me to get a brand new computer with very little out-of-pocket insurance. The cost is pretty low and it protects everything you have from theft, damage, and sometimes even loss. College will usually put the provider they work with in your welcome package. 
  • Customization- Being away from home, some for the first time, can be hard. Customizing your side of the dorm with photos, posters, artwork, can help you feel like you have a space of your own. This is important when you are feeling homesick or pulling an all-nighter and need some comfort. 
  • Bring your own Fridge- Many colleges offer fridge rentals and though they may seem convenient you are going to end up paying way more in the long run than just getting your own fridge. Plus, you don't have to worry about the long list of conditions the fridge needs to be returned in. 
I hope you enjoyed all these tips and tricks from a former dorm dweller turned organizing pro! 

Follow me for more Tips & Tricks! Happy Organizing! 

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College Level Organization: Part One

8/17/2022

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​As a former dorm dweller, I can attest the worst part is moving in and out of a dorm. By the time I had reached the end of my sophomore year I was done with the arduous process of move-in/ move-out weekend. I do have to say one weapon I had in my arsenal was being organized. Now that I organize professionally, I have complied a list with my favorite products and a few tips that will hopefully help your move-in weekend go off without a hitch! 
The market for dorm specific products is rapidly growing, some of those products are great and others are not. After doing all the market research (my own college experience), I have complied 2 lists of products and tips that will hopefully help you move-in weekend go off without a hitch! 

Trunks:

I don’t think there is a product I love for college more than trunks.
Benefits:
  • Stores a lot of stuff, easy to put items in for move-in/move-out
  • Can be used during the year for items that are not needed that frequently or backstock items of food, cleaning supplies, etc.
  • If durable enough, can be used as a step up to a lofted bed
  • If you can attach a lock to it, can be used as a secure place to store items when leaving for weekends or breaks
Cons:
  • They are large- require some space to keep it stored
  • Heavy, unless it has wheels, moving this big item can be difficult 
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Shower Caddy:

 A good shower caddy can be a life changer!! This will allow you to easily transport all your shower items to the shower. I would recommend one that allows water to pass through so that it doesn’t collect water at the bottom. 
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Velvet Slim Hangers:

​COLLEGE CLOSETS ARE NOT BIG! If you hang a lot of clothing (like I did) these can help save space
Benefits:
  • Clothing does not fall off hangers easily
  • Space saving design
Cons:
  • Cost to replace all hangers 
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Cascading Hangers:

To reiterate, COLLEGE CLOSETS ARE NOT BIG! These allow you to hang multiple items on individual hangers on one which will create more space in your closet
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Utility Carts: 

​These were not around when I was in college, but owning a few in my home makes me wish they were.
Benefits:
  • Easily movable
  • Provides extra storage
  • Can be outfitted with a desktop to create a nightstand or rolling beverage/food cart
  • Available in many sizes from slim design to X-large
Cons:
  • Must have space to store
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Bedside Caddy/Table:

Honestly this is the best thing you can get, especially if your bed is lofted. Great for remotes, phones, books, etc. Many come with charging ports to have a place to charge electronics. Keeps you from constantly getting up to grab things you use in bed 
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Over-the-Door Hook/Rack: 

Always make sure to check with your roommate to make sure they are ok with having this.
Benefits:
  • Place to hang towels while they are drying if big enough share with your roommate
  • Place to hang wet coats or items
  • Place to keep your bathrobe or maybe favorite college hoodie for easy access
Cons:
  • If the only door you have in your dorm is the entrance, then check with your roommate first
  • Make sure you can still safely close your door with the hook on. I personally never had an issue with this in dorms but not all dorms are created equal. 
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Shoe Rack:

Placing a shoe rack at the bottom of your closet will honestly be the best thing you can do in there.
Benefits:
  • Cuts down on shoes being lost under your bed
  • Keeps your entryway clear of shoes
  • Shows to you how many shoes you can have at college
  • If you can keep in an entryway, share with your roommate
Cons:
  • Takes up space in closet or entryway 
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Cascading Wall Document Organizer:

Cascading Wall Document Organizer- Little amount of space, LOTS OF PAPERWORK!! This system will allow you to keep track of important documents for your classes and activities. It is easy to transport for breaks or weekends away. Clears space on your desk. Also it does not have to be hung on a wall, can be kept in desk folded up. 
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Stay tuned for Part 2! 

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"With Organization Comes Empowerment"- Lynda Peterson


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