4 ways to keep organized for college life

After move-in day at school is complete, that little living space of yours, whether you’re in a dorm room or the bedroom of a small college apartment, can take some getting used to. At home, you probably had your own large bedroom and a closet that could fit more than your bathrobe. Even if it’ll take some adjustment, learning to live small, so to speak, is a practical skill that’ll make college life only more convenient. And when you’re off to class, those new space-saving skills can be taken on the go.

1. You’ll need more stuff — not less — to stay organized
Even if you purchased only essentials while shopping for college, you’ll have acquired a good amount of college supplies. To keep it all organized, you’ll actually need more stuff, not less. For your closet, buy hanging shelves to bring useful surface space for added, convenient storage; include some crates or under-bed storage items to keep extra clothes and supplies neatly organized under your bed or in a corner; add some more dorm furniture, such as a small shelf, to keep all that stuff organized and off the floor. And don’t forget over-the-door organizers! Plenty of shoes? Grab a shoe shelf hanger. Use every inch you have.

2. Be smart about space
Even your wall can provide storage space. Toss up a sticky holder or adhesive wall hook in order to store your cell phone and hang towels and clothes. Sometimes unconventional areas make the best storage spots. With only a bedpost, for example, you can affix a bedpost shelf for some useful added space. Or hang a storage pocket right from your bed, since college dorms lack nightstands. That under-bed area, which is prime storage space, should be maximized by including bed risers to give your bed a lift.

3. Thinking small while on the go
Since you won’t be carting along a wagon with you to class, bring only what’s needed. A traditional backpack always works great, but if you have only your computer and few folders needed for each class, try a laptop messenger bag to lighten your load. When you’re off to class, keep practicality in mind. Instead of tossing everything into the big pocket of backpack, where it’s hard to find, use smaller cases like ID cases and wristlets for smaller college supplies.

4. Remember the cost of not staying organized
Whether you’re in the dorm or off to class, not staying organized means wasting time and energy, two precious resources throughout college. If you have all your papers and syllabi in one big, messy pile, how long will it take you to find the one sheet you’re after? If your “dresser” is really a mountain of clothes and shoes on your closet floor, you’ll find yourself late for class because you couldn’t find your matching shoe. And once you get to class, you’ll discover that needed textbook is still hiding somewhere under your bed. Add convenience, not clutter, to college life.

— By Keith Gillogly, for DormCo.com. Connect with DormCo on their Facebook page, Pinterest and Tumblr.

> Looking for more tips and tricks for your dorm and organization? Check out these great articles:
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• Home sweet dorm
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