Having trouble finding your backpack amidst all the books and papers covering the floor and engulfing your bed? Maybe it's time to get dorm-room organized.

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Clear the Dorm Room Clutter

By Lynda Kessler
March 2002

The CollegeBound Network NewsClick -- Think there's such a thing as an 'organized mess?' Not! In order to succeed in college, you need to be academically organized and dorm room-neat. Yes, my organic chem' professor said her best students have the messiest rooms, but she meant their floors are covered with scrap paper. Too bad -- I thought I'd definitely get an 'A' when she said that on our first day of class. Then again, the typical college slob that I am, I didn't even have room for the piles of scrap paper she said we'd use to practice drawing our molecules.

Here's what you'll wanna' do to avoid similar dorm room drama:

Make a total mess of your room. No, we're not joking. Dump everything you have into the middle of the floor. Then, get a big garbage bag and throw out whatever you don't need -- yes, that does include that copy of the TV Guide with O Town on the cover, that your mom spilled coffee on.

From there, divide your stuff into piles, including things you always need; things you need often; and things you need, but not right away. Next, take the stuff you always need, like your current textbooks, loose-leaf paper, and course syllabi, and invest in a Deep Drawer with Organizer Top, $12.09 from Staples. It can be used for books, and the organizer top can hold items, including pens, pencils, scissors, and calculators. Things you need often can be stored in any box, especially those flat under-the-bed ones.

Finally, things you need, but not right away, can be stored in a bigger box and placed in a closet, a corner of the room, or under the other above-mentioned boxes. We suggest using something like Rubbermaid's 60-quart Latch Top Storage Box, $7.99 from Home Depot. It's big enough for clothes, books, boots, and bags, yet it won't be mistaken for a toy chest. Also, the latch top lets you protect your stuff and access it when it's finally time to use it.

Next thing you know, you'll be a clutter-free, happy college-camper who'll actually be able to see your feet touching the floor. Oh... what a dynamic dorm day that would be!