Making the Most of Your Space

Not only are dorms small, you are also sharing the space. Here are some tips to keep you from getting overcrowded:

1. Think about what you will really need. If you cannot see an immediate (and logical) need for an item, leave it at home.



2. Remember, you can ask your parents to ship anything you find yourself needing.



3. Shelves will be your best friend.



4. Discuss with your roommate what things only one of you could bring. You do not need two refridgerators, two T.V.s AND two telephones. (On the telephone front, it might be best to substitute your cellphone as your regular phone.)



5. Make use of the space under your bed. You can also buy posts that will give you an extra nine inches or so of storage.



6. Make sure you have a clear path to your door. I was once actually told that my room was so messy, it was a fire hazard. It really was, because I stubbed my toe several times during the night.



7. Talk to your roommate about who's space is who's. I know this sounds territorial, but you will have an easier time making compromises, especially if you are on opposite ends of the organizational spectrum.



8. Know where everything is.



9. Clean up regularly. I hate cleaning as much as the next person, but this will make finding stuff and packing easier, and the cleaner and more organized a room is, the more space it seems to have. Also, I've always preferred to hang out in clean rooms as opposed to messy rooms, so it has a social benefit as well.