Dorm rooms usually have one thing in common: there's not a lot ofspace. As storage and organization experts, we've been helpingstudents make the most out of the limited space in their dorm roomsfor years. We've learned that to really maximize the space in a dormroom, you've got to break it down into six areas that are in need oforganization. We call these our Dorm Room Basic Six: Closet; wallsand doors; desk; laundry; bath, and storage. Whether you'll be livingin a dorm room or an apartment, The Container Store has everythingyou'll need to make the transition to college living an efficient,organized and fun experience.
CLOSET TIPS
Maximize the storage potential in your closet by dividing thevertical space. If you need more space for storing folded clothes,add a free-standing drawer unit in your closet to take full advantageof the vertical space. Here are some other items to help organizeyour closet:
Large canvas stacking basket
Used individually or together, great-looking baskets stacksecurely and can be rearranged to suit your storage needs.
Clear storage boxes
Stack clear boxes to keep out-of-season clothes organized andprotected in your closet.
Open canvas bins
Keep purses, gloves, scarves and other accessories in bins.Covered in a natural canvas, they're as good-looking as they arefunctional.
Tiered hangers
Make the most out of your hanging space with clever, space-savinghangers. You can hang up to six garments in the space of just one.
Stacking wire shelves
Use shelves to divide the space on the top shelf or the floor ofyour closet. They're great for keeping shoes, handbags or foldedsweaters neat and accessible.
Wide underbed drawer
Create storage space beneath your bed to store out of seasonclothes, purses, linens and more. Oversized drawers slide under thebed and pull out for easy access.
Hanging storage bags
Use your closet rod for more than hanging clothes. With hangingbags, you can organize folded clothes using the vertical space inyour closet.
WALL AND DOOR TIPS
You can't knock down a wall to make more space, so thinkvertically. Look to your walls and doors to store more than justposters. You can store just about anything, from ball caps tobackpacks. Many dorms have commercial doors -- look for hooks thatare designed to fit over those thicker doors. Because you can becharged for damage to your walls, it's good to use 3M CommandAdhesive Hooks, which remove cleanly and easily.
Wipe-off board
Don't miss out when friends come by to visit -- they can leavemessages and reminders on a handy message board.
Stainless steel overdoor hooks
These quick hang-ups provide a place for coats, robes, backpacksor handbags. A removable spacer allows each hook to be used onthicker commercial doors usually found in dorm rooms.
Gripping felt
A fun alternative to a bulletin board, felt strips are tacky onboth sides. Stick photos and notes to the wall without tape or tacks.It won't damage paint or wallpaper, can be cut to any length and canbe reused.
5-hook rack
You'll be amazed at how much can be stored on your door with thehelp of a rack. Use it for book bags, towels and purses. You can alsohang one over the end of a bunk bed for even more storage.
Bulletin board
Dress up your study space with a lively message board that comeswith pushpins. Additional pushpins are sold separately.
Overdoor media shelf
Put your doors to work with modular shelves designed to hold DVDs,CDs or books. Shelf dividers keep different types of media separatedand prevent items from shifting.
DESK TIPS
Standard issue dorm room desks generally don't provide a lot ofstorage space for all the books, notebooks and supplies you'll need.Put the space above and below the desk to work. A free-standingbookshelf can fit on top of your existing desk to provide amplestorage space. An elfa File Cart helps organize the space under yourdesk.
Accessories
Organize your workspace and all your supplies with deskaccessories. Pens, pencils, paper clips and notepads are allorganized and at your fingertips.
Document case
Keep class projects organized and easily identified in a storagecase with plenty of room for small notebooks, papers, folders. It'sperfectly sized to grab and go when it's time for study group.
Bulletin and magnetic board
It's the all-in-one message solution. Use a message board to pinup notes, calendars, messages and lists, or use magnets to securephotos and other items you don't want to pierce with a tack.
Drawers
You're in school to study, right? Don't let your supplies takeover your important study space -- organize your desktop withmultifunctional drawers. They're great for storing pens, notepads orindex cards.
File cabinet
A three-drawer file cabinet with two storage drawers and a letter-size hanging file drawer can help organize schoolwork.
Techno chair
Brighten up your study space with a comfortable desk chair. Apneumatic lift allows you to adjust the chair to a comfortableheight.
LAUNDRY TIPS
Chances are you'll have to haul your laundry up and down severalstaircases over the course of your college career. It's best tochoose a laundry storage solution that is portable. A laundry bagstand holds a mesh bag open in between loads -- and the bag is easilyremoved when it's time to hit the laundry.
Drying rack
When you need to dry sweaters or hand-washables, a collapsiblerack does the job. It folds down flat for easy storage.
Double folding mesh cube
In two bright, fun colors, this container offers a generouscapacity for storing laundry. Nylon handles make it easy to carry.Made from a durable mesh fabric, it folds flat for compact storage.
Pop-open sweater dryer
This dryer is creatively designed to allow air to circulate allaround your garments, helping dry your hand washables more quickly. Aquick-release buckle and strap maintains the arched position --thenit flips down for compact storage.
Bag stand
Keep that pile of dirty clothes from taking over your floor with asturdy stand and interchangeable mesh bags. The bags are available ina rainbow of colors to match your decor. The bag is easily removedfrom the stand for easy transport on laundry day.
Hanging lingerie dryer
Prolong the life of your delicate undergarments with a portabledrying rack. Commercial dryers usually found on campus are not suitedfor delicate items.
Laundry pack
A roomy duffel holds a lot of clothes and detergent. Side zippersmake it easy to access your clothes. When you wear it as a backpack,your hands are free to hold other stuff. Plus, it can double as acarryall for sports gear or weekend trips.
BATH TIPS
Whether you share a bath area with just a few or many students,you don't want to get stuck with a heap of wet towels. Hang them outto dry on an out-of-the-way overdoor rack. You can also hang it froman existing towel rod or over the end of a bunk bed to instantlycreate more space.
Grid totes
These handled totes make the trip to the showers a snap. Each onefeatures drain holes to allow water to escape -- a must for anyshower tote.
Compartment organizer
Store jewelry, cosmetics and hair accessories all in one placewith a multifunctional organizer. Clear drawers help quickly identifythe contents.
Cosmetic organizers
Keep cosmetics neat and organized on a shelf, dresser or in adrawer with cosmetic trays.
STORAGE TIPS
Look for every inch of available space and think creatively abouthow to use it. Look under the bed, over the door, on the walls, onthe floor -- wherever you can find a bit of open space. At less than9 inches wide, a Slim Drawer Tower can squeeze into the skinniest ofplaces but offers deep, ample storage for toiletries, snacks oroffice supplies.
Collapsible crates
When expanded, collapsible crates are perfect for packing andtransporting your stuff. When collapsed, they're compact enough tohide away in a car trunk or under the bed.
Bold boxes
Constructed of durable recycled fiberboard, these colorful boxesfeature heavy-duty handles for secure handling. And you can use oneas a multifunctional bedside table with storage once you get toschool.
Folding tote with wheels
This roomy carrier is perfect for wheeling around your stuff. Itconveniently folds compactly into its own pocket for storage.
Steel trunks
Trunks make great luggage, tables, benches and nightstands. Usethem for out-of-the-way storage for linens, books and sweaters.
Dairy crates
The ultimate college "must have," these are the same strong cratesused by dairies to haul their wares. They'll not only help you getyour things to campus, you can stack and arrange them in a multitudeof ways to accommodate your storage needs. They're tough enough tohold books and sports equipment.
Load master
Hang this bar in the back seat of your vehicle to transport yourhanging clothes. The expanding pole can also be used in the trunk tokeep boxes and luggage in place.
Vinyl storage bags
The flexibility of these storage bags is beyond compare. Made ofthick, 12-gauge vinyl, they can store clothing, sports equipment andother personal items. They can slide under a bed or rest on a shelfin your closet.
Translucent totes
With convenient carrying handles, these totes are perfect whenyou're on the move. Once you get there, use one as an auto emergencykit, a cleaning supplies caddy or arts and crafts supplies tote.
Things to do before you go // Planning and preparation are theanswers to a successful -- and organized -- transition to college.
Things to do
*Let your friends and family know your new address, phone numberand e-mail address. Update your address book with their information.
*If you have a mobile phone, make sure your plan will cover anylong-distance charges you might incur while at school.
*You may need a calling card to make long-distance calls fromcampus -- check with the housing office.
*Get contact information for doctors, dentists, hair stylists andauto repair shops near campus.
*Open a local bank account.
*Back up important computer files and leave an extra copy at home.
*Check with the housing department about guidelines for electronicequipment and appliances.
*Talk to your roommate about who will bring shared items such as amicrowave, refrigerator and television.
*Label CDs and reference books that you are likely to lend toother students. Label your clothes in case of a laundry mix-up.
*Have your car serviced before leaving for campus.
Make a list
By making a list of the things you want to take to school, you'reless likely to forget something important.
It's not necessary to list and pack certain things, like yourwinter sweaters, if you'll be coming home for a visit shortly afterschool begins.
Include not only things like toiletries and linens that you knowyou'll need, but also a few things that will make your new space ahome away from home.
Make sure you include items such as cleaning supplies, a sewingkit, tools, plastic dinnerware and silverware.
Prepare to pack
*Essentials such as a toothbrush, cosmetics or a contact lens caseshould be packed last. Keep them in a special tote or duffel sothey're easy to find.
*Pack everything you can in storage containers that you can useonce you get to school to organize your belongings.
*If you're shipping most of your things, make sure to use theproper packing materials and shipping boxes to protect yourbelongings. Insure the contents and put an extra address label ineach box.
*If you're driving to campus, use collapsible containers to packyour stuff. You can use them to store stuff or fold and store them.
BITE OF WISDOM // Students are taking longer to complete college.State universities facing a giant influx of students are looking toreverse the trend. Students graduating within four years: Universityof Michigan, 65%; Penn State, 54%; UCLA, 42%; University ofWashington, 42%.
BITE OF WISDOM // The drop in African-American applications forfall 2004: Ohio State, -28%; Michigan,-25%; UC Berkeley,-10%.
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