Let's get organized

Here are two common college living experiences: the dorm room and the house or apartment. Though there are obvious differences between the two, they share something in common: They can easily get messy.

A room can look cluttered because of an unbalanced stuff-to-space ratio. Add a roommate or two and it can be rather difficult to make that room look livable with two or three beds, desks, dressers and other items each roommate attempts to throw in the mix.

Here are some tips to save space along with must-have items found in most department stores.

Push your desks together
This is an excellent idea for dorm rooms. By pushing both desks side-by-side, you create more space for moving about.

Embrace shoe racks
For those with handfuls of shoes, stock up on these great space-savers. Different types of shoe racks are on the market, but all of them serve the same purpose — to keep your shoes neatly organized and away from gathering dust on your closet floor.

Dresser organization
Getting tired of digging for that matching sock? Keep your top-drawer items organized with labeled plastic bins. For jewelry, ties, belts and any other accessories, try plastic accessory trays.

Try a stepladder bed stand
Unlike a typical bed stand, a small stepladder allows for more storage of your favorite items, such as books, as well as your essential alarm clock and lamp.

Invest in some under-bed drawers
Though it’s not the most glamorous place to put things, the space under your bed allows for extra storage that might be hard to find elsewhere in a dorm. Drawers are great for storing summer-wear during the colder months or just extra sheets and blankets.

Textbook storage
Proper textbook storage is especially important for those renting or wanting to sell their books each semester. In a dorm, try placing bookends on your overhead desk compartment. They’ll help keep your textbooks in excellent condition during a semester of wear and tear. In an apartment or house, a bookcase is the way to go.

Get hooked
Over-the-door hooks almost seem necessary, especially in winter months when coats and other cold-weather layers need a grab-and-go spot. Hooks can also be used for handbags, keys and towels. 

Know your laundry options
The first, and perhaps most common, route is the mesh hamper, an excellent choice because of its flexible material. These hampers easily fit into any space and fold down when needed. Another option is the wheeled hamper, ideal for those who hate hauling clothing to and from the laundry room.