Organize Your Space
How to maximize small spaces for learning + productivity.
Each September brings a fresh start and another opportunity for success. Part of the plan? Preparation. Whether you’re creating a home-study space that improves your focus or settling into a dorm room, organizing your area is key to clearing the clutter and focusing on what matters: School. Here is our checklist of must-haves as you create—and maximize—your space.
Item 1: Hooks
Our smartest advice: stock up on hooks. These clever tools come in handy anywhere, creating extra space just where you need it. Hang a few in your closet for storage of necklaces and chains without worrying about tangles; stick some on the back of your closet door to keep your bathrobe and favorite hoodie sweatshirt handy. Pop one on the side of your desk to hold your headphones when you log off for the day. Keep one by the door for easy access to your keyring and face mask as you head out to class, too. Pro tip: Use hooks with adhesive backs that can be easily removed when you move out.
Adhesive hooks starting at $.99
Item 2: Good Hangers
You never know the importance of a good hanger until you’re trying to hang your favorite chunky sweater on a bad one. Opt for sturdy construction with a textured surface that will grip slippery clothing. For added space, use stacking hangers that connect and maximize real estate by moving downward in your closet. Organize items by color so you always know what’s where! Pro tip: Hang shower rings around a hanger to create an instant space for your baseball caps, belts, ties and scarves hooked through the ring.
Hangers starting at $1.99
Item 3: Storage with Lids
When you’re living in a small space, storage is essential to keeping you organized. Our tip: Choose shallow bins that can be stored under beds (containing food items and out of season clothes). Opt for smaller bins in closets to hold supplies and toiletries. In closets, use larger tubs for bulky sweaters and coats, and label outside-facing sides with an inventory of what’s under the lid.
Storage solutions starting at $.79
Item 4: Hidden Storage
See that coffee table? It’s actually a trunk stuffed with sweaters. How about that ottoman? Oh, it holds your extra bedding. Storage doesn’t have to look like storage, so choose some fun furniture that will help you make the most of your space.
Furniture storage starting at $7.99
Item 5: Organizers
Trust us when we say this: You can truly never have enough organizers. This investment will travel to every apartment and home you ever live in, so go for it! Grab small, clear bins to organize socks, underwear, and face masks in drawers. Create more space on your desk with organizers for pens, papers, files and drawers. Need access to the front and back of a rack? Place it on a “lazy Susan” and spin it to get whatever you need. Try shelf dividers in closets and organizer caddies for the shower. No room for a nightstand? Keep a catch-all basket by your bed to hold your phone, eyeglasses, and smaller items, and slide it out of sight when you don’t need it. And don’t be afraid to be creative! Use organizers outside of their intended purposes, like a silverware organizer that doubles as a great catchall for your makeup brushes.
Organizers starting at $.79
Item 6: Power Cords
College comes with a lot of electronics—and not a ton of outlets. A sturdy surge protecting cord can power up your television, tablet, laptop, phone, and stereo all at once. Before blowing a fuse, they’ll pop the power off and save your devices from potential burnout.
Cords starting at $9.99
Item 7: Hanging Hampers + Organizers
Keep dirty clothes out of sight in a hanging bag that you can keep on a hook in your closet. It will free up space that a traditional hamper takes up, and keep any overflowing items contained. And, you’ll save the step of stuffing dirty clothes from your hamper into a bag when you lug it to the laundry room. Another tip: Over-the-door shoe organizers aren’t just for your sneaker collection—they make a great space for other items, too, like jewelry and accessories.
Laundry accessories starting at $4.99