One of the most important things to remember when you live in a small space or even a cubical at work is to build vertically.  Utilize your space from floor to ceiling.  If your college student is not tall enough to reach everything, invest in a step stool that collapses, so that they may utilize all of their space.

I love to use rolling carts (use with or without wheels)  to organize dorm rooms.  I have used several to stack on top of each other to make  a dresser, a make shift kitchen area to store silver ware, paper plates, pantry items and dishes.

One of the most practical, but least utilized, spaces in the bedroom is under the bed. By using under-bed storage bags or bins, you can easily store out-of-season clothing if your child is out of state or has an abundance of clothing they insist on brining.  Remind them they only wear 20% of their clothing most of the time!  Another great space is closets.  Most closets are poorly planned, so install extra rods or here is that great space for the rolling cart dresser.  Don’t forget to use the over the door shoe hanger for extra space to store jewelry, cd’s, HBA items and so much more.  Use every closet that has space to add a over the door shelf or shoe hanger for extra storage.

Obviously they will want to bring their stereo and if they are really lucky a flat screen TV.  Instead of buying an entertainment center for their dorm room build shelving for equipment, books and cd’s.  Buy ottomans with storage inside, instead of chairs for extra seating and this will give them even more storage space!

Bottom line, use every available space…wish them well, kiss them goodbye and start to think what you want to do with their old room at home!!!

Also read Getting Organized to Send Child to College

Author Michelle Lehman of Organizing Solutions “Clear the Clutter” Michelle is a Professional Organizer in the Tulsa area. Her articles have been featured in the Tulsa World, The Oklahoman, Chicago Sun-Times and The Chicago Post-Tribune.  Michelle appears on TheNewsOn 6 KOTV and Fox23 News This Morning giving organizing tips and recommendations.

Photo Credit © Gringos4 | Dreamstime.com

Tags: college student, dorm, organizing, space