I still remember my shopping list for my first dorm room. Many years ago we kept it simple: it was necessary to store the main product, this is an old milk box, and that was largely. These milk boxes organized everything from sweaters and jerseys to books. Today, the choice of storage is almost unlimited (although the budget may not be ...), so equipping a dormitory or first apartment can be a bit overwhelming. I asked our summer trainee (college student) to share some of the organizational problems she experienced first-hand. We divided the typical college living space into 5 areas:
- Total area
- Kitchen and bathroom table
- Bedroom or sleeping area
- Always too small and functionally closed cabinet.
- Total area
Question: “Many rooms in the hostel are small and have one common area. What would you advise to help students maintain the organization of their common territory? Also, can you offer some useful products for storing products, films and CDs? ”
Answer: Common areas can be difficult, because now you have entered a zone where your marriages are community property. I would suggest a minimalist approach. If it is for a hostel, keep it simple and portable. There are inexpensive multimedia racks, drawers and even cubes (a “new” milk box!) Available for storing CDs and movies.
Tires can provide extra table surface, store out-of-season blankets and sweaters, and even make a good shelter for your spare wash and bath accessories. If you provide an apartment, make it a group project so that everyone participates in the selection and allocation of expenses.
Many students keep their snacks and manches where they hang out, so just remember to stick them on the label and stay away from the glass. Many discount stores have some really cool and inexpensive dry storage options.
Kitchen and bath
Question: “Can you give advice on how to keep your belongings separate from your roommates in the kitchen and in the bathroom?”
Answer: In the kitchen - a label, a label and a label. People are less likely to help themselves when they are clearly marked. An alternative system is to divide the shelves in the fridge - perhaps for each person and for one general shelf? If your budget allows, buy a set of containers for storing products and clearly mark them with your name and any warning you can include. Unfortunately, there will always be those few who will help themselves in everything and everyone, so do not sign a lease agreement with them next year.
The bathroom is never enough space, so keep it simple and portable. Buy a shower or caddy; proven product that has existed for many years. I recommend that girls go to the biggest one you can wear, while most guys might do with smaller ones. If surface searching is a problem, try a dopp suspension kit that can be easily connected to a towel rack. Do not forget about your towels; consider large hooks for hanging wet towels. Extra towels and toiletries can be stored in a simple four-drawer drawer, also available in many discount stores and other stores.
Desk
Question: “What advice would you give for your table to be neat and school?”
Answer. There are many great things on the market today that make your desktop messy and functional - you are limited only by your budget and your imagination! Consider increasing the surface area of your desk by placing your notes and class documents in the file basket, or create a hanging file window that can neatly fit under or on the desk of your desk. Organize your desk by keeping things together or classifying by topic. Use the calendar bulletin board for important dates and deadlines of the project, so they will not be missed or forgotten.
Bathroom
Question: “Do you have any suggestions for students on how to maximize this space and still keep as much of your personal possession as possible in this small space?”
Answer. You can be as creative with this space as you want. Take advantage of the total area, including under the bed, behind the door, walls and even college furniture. Look for wide steps; they make an ideal secondary storage. Hang the shoe bag outside the door; these pockets can be used more than shoes - socks, extra toiletries, a small camera, film, batteries, water bottles, and even an extra beer case. Hang a few hooks on the wall or, if you want, install a small shelf. If you have a large desk, consider adding a cage; additional shelves are very convenient and available when working on the table.
Cupboard
Question: “How can I make the most of this very small space?”
Answer: A few years ago, my first hostel was about 3 feet wide and 9 feet high. An extremely narrow area in which it was possible to squeeze 9 months on clothes and shoes, and remember that it was a time in my life when I was tormented over every clothes. Today, this limited area will be fast, because my “mother uniform” does not require much space.
Seriously, most of the time in the closet is worth a premium, so you must use every inch. The right type of coat hangers is key - an item like a layered shirt or trouser hanger can save space and dress neatly in small spaces. Consider adding another rod for short items, since most closet cabinets are heavy on short hangers. Another product used to increase space and keep things from falling is shelving for shelving. If you prefer sweaters and sweaters at eye level, use a hanging sweater bag that attaches to the closet. Do not forget about the floor area - short stacking baskets work well in this space.
Today's college student may have much more organization and storage than in previous years, but with a small budget, some preliminary planning, clear lines of communication with roommates and a sense of humor, the organization of their space can be easily achieved and they can concentrate on what's really important in college. I meant training - what do you think I mean?
© 2004 Bridget Messino and Emily Steinker
