It’s that time of year again: new school supplies, new clothes, and a new dorm. Everything is nice, fresh, and clean. That is, of course, until it all ends up on the floor. Pretty soon, you have no clue where anything is and there’s a fresh layer of grime on everything. But never fear! This year is going to be different. This year you are going to be organized, tidy, and clean. If you feel that this is easier said than done, here are a few tips to keep your dorm pristine and Pinterest-worthy.
1. Don’t over pack.
The first factor of a messy room is a surplus of items. Therefore, make sure you only pack what you need. You will not need seven pajama shirts or those old jean shorts that you only fit into in the seventh grade. If you have not worn something in years, you will not wear it this year either. If you live close enough to your college, there will be a time for you to switch out your clothes between seasons. If you live far away, pack wisely or invest in a storage unit. Justify each article of clothing by determining where you would wear it: to class, out on weekends, in your dorm, or for special occasions. If you cannot think of an occasion, do not bring it. Also, keep in mind the climate. If you are up North, you will not need a bathing suit. If you are in the South, a parka is probably not necessary. The fewer items you have in your room, the smaller the chance of a mess.
2. Make sure everything has its place.
“Floating” items lead to disarray. If something does not have a specific location, it cannot be put away. Everything that has a place can be easily returned to that place. Assign all of your items locations as soon as you move in. That way, putting objects in their individual places becomes habit. Before you know it, picking up your room will be second nature.
3. Organize. Then, organize again.
Divide your clothing into categories. Then, give each category a specific location. Put underwear in the top drawer, shirts in the next, and so on. Afterwards, organize your categories. Divide your shirts by type and your shorts by color. Organize, categorize, and organize again. This goes for your closet as well. Keep your dresses away from your jackets and categorize each section. Personally, I organize by type of clothing and then color-code each type. Go with whatever organization system works best for your needs.
4. Bins, Boxes, and Bags.
Keep them under your bed, on your shelf, and on the floor. Label them and organize. Although your college probably provides a closet with a shelf, a desk, and a dresser, bringing additional storage will maximize your organizational opportunities. I highly suggest a hanging organizer for your closet, bins for under your bed to hold seasonal clothing, and boxes for your shelf. Additionally, bring any organizers you need to arrange your desk the way you wish. My desk was used more as a vanity for makeup than for school supplies.
5. Hang up and fold everything.
This can be difficult. You are trying on 17 different outfits and you don’t have time to fold every piece of clothing. But try. As soon as you throw a crumpled shirt into your drawer, it is so much easier to crumple up the next shirt and the next and the next. Pretty soon, your precisely organized system is in disarray and you cannot find the one shirt you want. The five seconds it takes to fold a piece of clothing or hang one up is definitely worth it in the long run.
6. Make your bed every day.
You are probably groaning behind your computer screen. But a made bed transforms a messy room. Even if it is the only thing that you have time to fix in your room, do it. Making your bed will motivate you to start the day and make it harder for you to crawl into bed immediately after class, leading you to be more productive. Making your bed may seem redundant because you will sleep in it later, but a made bed is much more appealing than crumpled sheets and a duvet on your floor.
7. Keep a vacuum, dust pan, and Clorox wipes in your room at all times.
Even if everything is organized to a T, nothing can stop the existence of dust and dirt in your room. However, you can stop the grime from staying too long. I highly suggest investing in a vacuum, especially if you have a rug. Otherwise, find a friend who has one that you can borrow every so often. Wipe all of your surfaces often and even wipe your floor (or use a Swiffer which is much less labor intensive). Keeping your room clean is just as important as keeping it organized.
Most importantly, thank your mom, dad, or whoever cleaned up for you for the past 18 years. If you think that it’s hard to keep your own room clean and organized, imagine the effort they put into keeping your apartment or house organized your whole life.
