Are you one of the many, many students on campus who struggles with tidying up? Is your deportment dropping down each day due to the clutter? Are you unsure of where to even start? It might seem impossible to clean up and organize, but we promise the benefits outweigh the difficulties.
A study conducted by Stanford University shows that having an uncluttered and organized space can make you less irritable, more productive, and able to process information better. It also reduces stress and increases your ability to relax after a long day. Keeping a clean dorm isn’t just about avoiding punishment; it’s about creating a relaxing and calm environment that helps your mental health and academic endeavors.
If you are struggling keeping your dorm neat, you’re in luck! Mom Lonni, our Dorm Coordinator and the master of dorm organization, shared her best tips and tricks in order to keep your dorm as clean and tidy as possible.
- Make Use of Under-Bed Storage
Your bed is more than a place to sleep; it’s the goldmine for storage. Here are a few things you can do to optimize the space under your bed:
- Use risers to elevate your bed and create space underneath.
- Store items you don’t use often toward the back and keep everyday essentials toward the front.
- Invest in plastic drawers, fabric drawers, or bins for a clutter-free area under your bed.
- If you have luggage, store it under the bed, or ask your house mom to keep it in your dorm’s attic or storage area.
- Maximize Your Vertical Space
Think up, not out. Mom Lonni shares that storing things vertically is a trick most people miss:
- Add a second shower rod in your closet for two levels of hanging space.
- Use over-the-door organizers for shoes, toiletries, or small items like accessories.
- Use a flat shoe rack or a multi-tiered cart to create more storage for books, beauty products, or school supplies.
- Smart Storage Solutions
Keeping small things organized is key for an overall clean and neat look:
- Attach Command Hooks to your walls for jewelry or bags.
- Use magazine holders to store hair tools, notebooks, or beauty products.
- Bedside caddies are perfect for keeping your phone, water bottle, or AirPods within reach. Think of it as a makeshift nightstand.
- Declutter and Rotate Your Wardrobe
Less is more! Mom Lonni advises everyone to bring only what they need for the current season, then switch them out whenever you go home. For international students who don’t go home as often, plan to pack light and maximize your space.
- Create Daily Habits
The #1 tip Mom Lonni shared with us is simple but effective: create a habit of tidying up every day.
- When you finish using something, put it back immediately.
- Take five minutes each night to tidy up.
- Use a chore chart or a to-do list to stay consistent.
Why a Clean Space Matters
A messy room doesn’t just affect your surroundings; it impacts your mood, focus, and mental health. Studies have shown that clutter increases your levels of cortisol, the hormone associated with stress. On the contrary, a clean space promotes a sense of control and calm, making it easier to concentrate on homework or relax after a long day.
If all of this managed to go in one ear and out the other, just remember Mom Lonni’s ultimate piece of advice: “Everything should have a home, and as soon as you’re done using it, put it away.” Just like you should have your own clean space, so should your belongings.
