Too much stuff, and not enough space?
Whether it’s freshmen or senior year, optimizing residential hall and apartment space is a challenge for many students.
Here are some helpful tips to maximize your space and be better organized from The University of Alabama Director of Housing Administration Alicia Browne:
Saving space
1. Be realistic about your living space.
“I think it’s safe to say that for most students, living in a residence hall is an adjustment,” Browne said. “Their space on campus is almost never as big as their room at home, and they’re sharing space with roommates. The best way to start out is to be realistic about how much space you’ll have and how much you actually need.”
2. Raise your bed to store a dresser and/or desk underneath, opening up extra floor space.
“The key to using space in the most efficient way is to utilize space under the bed. There are all kinds of fun, attractive and/or useful storage containers, from plastic tubs to drawers to cute baskets, and they all add storage. Storage options that aren’t really attractive can be hidden by a bed skirt, but a lot of options are really attractive.”
3. Add tension rods to a closet or wardrobe to hang pants or skirts.
4. Use shoe door hangers to organize other belongings.
“Door hangers are great,” she said. “Although designed for shoes, I’ve seen residents use them for all kinds of things. Because they hang over the door, they’re out of the way, and you can free
up a lot of drawer space by putting underwear, socks, belts, scarves, undershirts and even jewelry in them.”
5. Create more space going up.
“Shelves that fit on desks or dressers can add substantially to storage. Similarly, hutches that fit over a micro fridge can add great space. Some students use them for food or snack items, or for plates and cutlery.”
Organization matters
1. Try drawer dividers.
“I’ve seen students put the plastic containers designed for silverware into their drawers. Those containers are fabulous for items like jewelry or school supplies like pencils, scissors or rulers.”
2. Use caddies.
“Caddies that can fit between the mattress and bed springs can let you keep the things you want close to the bed safe and easy to find.”
3. Communicate with roommates.
“Students should always talk to roommates or suite mates ahead of time, so that they don’t buy multiple items when they only need one of something.”
4. Chill.
“For a lot of students, a large part of feeling organized and in control is to have a calm, organized living space. Students are busy. They don’t want to waste time looking for clothes, or books, or papers, so having their room well laid out, with their clothes and other items organized, will help them use their time, be more efficient and feel in control.”
5. Don’t bring winter gear.
“Unless a student is not going home until the end of fall semester, they don’t need to bring winter clothes and coats. A student who will go home at fall break or Thanksgiving can realistically bring a sweatshirt and a couple of sweaters and then bring back clothes for colder temperatures later in the semester.”