7 Storage Tips for College Students
You never know just how much stuff you have until you try to fit it into a college dorm room. Piles of books, winter coats and summer clothes, mini-fridges and microwaves, school supplies, sports equipment...the list goes on.
Even if you don't consider yourself a packrat (or have successfully Marie Kondo-ed your life), it can be tough to downsize all of your possessions into one small room.
But with some creativity and smart storage solutions, you can make the most of your space and keep your dorm room organized. Here are ideas for storage for college students that will help you maximize the tiny square footage you're working with.
11 Tips for Storage for College Students
- Under-the-Bed Storage: Utilize the space under your bed by adding storage bins or drawers. This is ideal for items you don't use daily.
- Over-the-Door Organizers: Use over-the-door racks or pockets for storing shoes, accessories, or small items. This maximizes vertical space and keeps things off the floor.
- Foldable Furniture: Invest in furniture that can be folded and tucked away when not in use, like foldable chairs or desks.
- Wall Shelves and Hooks: Install shelves or hooks on walls to store books, decorations, or hang clothes. This keeps your floor space clear.
- Stackable Crates or Bins: Stackable storage solutions are great for keeping things organized and can be easily moved or rearranged.
- Digitize Documents: Convert physical papers and notes into digital formats. This not only saves physical space but also makes it easier to find documents when needed.
- Magnetic Strips for Small Metal Items: Use magnetic strips to store small metal items like scissors, bobby pins, or paper clips, keeping them organized and within reach.
- Seasonal Clothing Rotation: Rotate your clothes seasonally, keeping only the current season's clothes in easy reach and others stored away.
- Donate Regularly: Make a habit of donating clothes or items you no longer need at the end of each semester to reduce clutter.
- Multi-purpose Items: Choose items that can serve multiple purposes, such as a storage ottoman that can be used for seating as well as storage.
- Keep a Checklist: Maintain a checklist of items you have in storage to keep track of your belongings and avoid buying duplicates.
Easy Ideas for Keeping Your Dorm Organized
When living in a dorm, your dishes impact everyone else's living space and vice versa. If you've got the storage for college students down but you need some extra help keeping your room organized, here are a few quick tips:
Cleaning Schedule with Roommates: Establish a regular cleaning schedule with your roommates to ensure the dorm stays organized and tidy.
Declutter Regularly: Make a habit of decluttering your space regularly, getting rid of textbooks, supplies, and other items that you no longer need.
Organize Your Study Space: Keep your study area organized with designated spots for your laptop, books, and stationery.
Maximize Closet Space: Use slim hangers, hanging shelves, or shoe organizers to make the most of your closet space.
Use Desk Organizers: Keep your desk neat with organizers for your pens, papers, and other supplies.
Packing Up for the Summer? Storage Tips for School Break
Finals mean summer isn't far away: road trips, beaches, and best of all, no homework! Hopefully, the only thing left on your to-do list is packing up your dorm room.
If your lease is over or you're moving somewhere else for the summer, don't worry about trying to get it all home. You can use these tips to find storage for college students and make your packing a breeze.
1. Sort and Streamline
Before you start packing, it's important to sort through all of your belongings and get rid of anything you don't need. Clothes that don't fit, books that you've already read, decorations that are no longer in style—get rid of it all!
2. Use Space-Saving Bags
When packing all of your stuff, use vacuum-sealed, space-saving bags. These special bags compress your clothes and other items so they take up less room in your suitcase or storage unit.
3. Label Everything
Make sure you clearly label every box or bag before you start packing it away. Include a detailed list of what's in each box or bag so you can easily find what you need later on.
4. Stick to Plastic
Avoid using cardboard boxes when packing your belongings as they can easily get wet and stained if they're stored in a damp area. Instead, opt for plastic containers, which are much more durable and will protect your items.
5. Utilize Furniture
While packing up your dorm room, take advantage of any furniture you have in the room. Once you've moved your dressers and desk, they can double as storage units while you're away. Simply place all of your belongings inside and leave them at your new location!
6. Invest in a Self-Storage Unit
If you're not able to take all of your belongings home, invest in a small self-storage unit. It's the easiest way to access storage for college students and will protect all of those important notebooks (and your baby blanket).
And since you won't be accessing your stuff during the summer, you won't have to worry about organizing it. Just drop it off and pick it up when you're ready to move into your new apartment at the start of the semester.
A storage unit is also perfect for seasonal items: if you've got sports gear, winter clothes, craft supplies, or extra bedding that takes up too much room in your dorm, a storage unit can help.
7. Take Pictures or Make Notes
As you're packing up your dorm, take pictures or make detailed notes of what you packed together, things you'll need easy access to those first few days back, and anything else important.
Simplify Storage for College Students With Midgard Self Storage
Storage for college students is made easy with Midgard Self Storage. Find a size that will work perfectly for your belongings without having to break the bank. Keep your things safe, secure, and organized while you enjoy the summer months. Reserve your unit today!