Each semester, college students have to find a way to keep their things orderly. For those “neat freak” students, this is an
absolute must. Organization can give you a sense of control, and help make your life as a stressed student easier to navigate. In small dorm rooms it may seem like an impossible task at times, but with a little help and a few neat tricks, you won’t have to give up.

Clothes Organizers
Coat hangers and hooks for closet doors will do more than clear the clutter. They will help in figuring out what to wear for the week. For more space, add a shoe rack on the floor, or one that hangs in the closet. Closet extenders have the same premise by incorporating all these features in one piece. Dirty clothes need their own station so consider a decorative bin in a variety of textures from wicker to colorful plastic containers. Some even come with side pockets for detergent and fabric softener sheets. With a few labels and bins, you can make your clothing that much easier to take care of.

Bookshelves
Books need their own space, so look for shelving that has at least three levels, with one built-in draw for spare pens and paper. Have fun with the decor by matching the color and texture to other furniture you may have. In addition, go for taller cases to add space to the room, especially if there is a roommate. Wall shelves are also an option, although make sure that adding things to the wall is allowed before any purchases are made.

Space Caddy
Get a see-through plastic file cabinet on wheels that can be moved at will. The see-through feature will allow a quick content view of all your school supplies. Use could be for clothes or class supplies, and can also come with two and three drawers along with a place for a removable label. Retailers such as Wal-Mart Target have a great selection for these as well as online coupons and promo codes from discountrue to help defray the cost.

Multi-Functional Lamps
Lamps that have clocks, adjustable settings, as well as a pen and pencil holder can add more clarity to any desk. Having a clock on the desk is incentive to get out of bed to turn it off before heading to class. Studying late at night without disturbing roommates will benefit from a lamp that can be adjusted, and finding something to write with, paperclips, staples, rulers, and erasers will be one less thing to worry about when an important paper is due.

Although this is a short list, it has the essentials while keeping in mind that dorm rooms are intimate spaces. Each item adds space as it organizes, which is the main idea for any neat freak student. The best part is the small investment involved can last through an undergraduate stint at any college or university.

We welcome your feedback to our work.

Email:  General Information   |   Dr. Daniel de Roulet   |   Prof. David C. Pecoraro

Thank you!

Daniel & David

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Dorm Room Essentials for the “Neat Freak” Student