Storage: Making the Most of Your Space

The basic dorm room is roughly 15 X 12 X 7.5 and this area is shared with two people. If you do the math, how can this small of a space possibly hold all of one’s belongings to survive freshmen year? Well here is how. Under your bed is a great place to store everything and anything. To increase the space under your bed contact housing when you move in and have them raise the bed as high as it will go. (Do so before making your bed!!) If this still isn’t enough space use bed risers, which can be purchased at Walmart for less than ten dollars. This will allow you to store plastic bins under your bed each designated for specific items. I kept food in one, sheets and towels in another, I also used one to hold extra shampoo, body wash, etc., and the other sweatshirts and fall clothes anticipating the frigid western Pennsylvania weather. 

 Along with the plastic bins, investing in smaller baskets or an organizer similar to a nightstand will give you quick access to items used daily. Another bonus about the nightstand style is it gives you a place to put your phone while it charges overnight and keeps it at arm’s length for a morning alarm. Also for people with glasses it fulfills the same purpose. 

Organizers for shoes especially a hanging organizer to minimize the space in your closet is helpful. One major tip to save closet space is to switch out your wardrobe. If you are close to home you can interchange pieces in your closet every few months as the weather changes. If you are unable to do so keep winter clothes and shoes under your bed until the weather changes. These are the major tips I can give you. Check out stores like Walmart, TJ Max, Target and other similar stores to find helpful items you may find useful. For me I found a holder for my blow dryer and straighter that hung on my towel bar that saved me space and time.

By: Alex Kuma (Mentor Team F)