Whether it is our first year of college or our third, college packing is the worst. The trips to Bed Bath & Beyond, T.J.Maxx and Target are all too familiar when we have to run back about eight times to pick up stuff we THOUGHT we needed.

As it turns out, we do not use half of the things we may think we need. Dorm rooms are extremely small and yet we still try to pack our entire lives into such a tiny living area. So what can we do to stay organized and still manage to make our rooms feel like home?

1. DON'T OVERPACK.

We are all guilty of it, being unable to part with our so-called favorite shoes! But do you really need 25 pairs of shoes?! When it comes down to it, we only wear the shirts that are in the front of our dressers and the yoga pants that you can't go a day without. You only have so much room to put things and if you overpack, your room becomes a clustered mess! As hard as it may be, leave some clothes and shoes at home, and you'll have a much cleaner room.

2. Bring reminders of home.

It is hard saying goodbye to your family and friends, you created so many memories with them that you will never forget. So it's normal to become homesick and miss everyone. But thank god for cell phones! Everyone is only a phone call away! Although, it is nice to have reminders of familiar faces. So, bring pictures! Bring lots and lots of pictures of your family and friends and post them all around your room! It's also easy to make a collage.

3. Storage boxes and containers from Bed Bath and Beyond will be your best friends.

It's inevitable we will over pack. So where are we going to put all of our excess stuff? Have no fear, the key to staying organized is having the right tools and accessories. Whatever you don't use or need at the moment, you can throw in bins and shove them into the bottom of your closet or next to your bed! I mean where else are you going to stock all your holiday decorations that you bought for your room?

4. Decorate your room in a way that resembles you.

College is a time for new beginnings and fresh starts. The walls of your room are going to be completely blank. So decorate your room with your favorite color and get a comforter that matches your vibrant personality. Hang up Christmas lights on the walls or mount Dylan O'Brien on the ceiling above your bed. Make your room as comfortable as possible!

5. Try to keep your room clean.

At times you're going to feel overwhelmed and want to nap your life away because of the stress. But if you keep your room clean, you'll be able to find everything you need, you'll be able to get to a task done right away, oh, and your mom will be proud that you made your bed.