News Taffy

I will admit… I’m probably the least organized person on the planet. However, since I’ve been to college (and even years before) I’ve had to find ways to organize my belongings into very small spaces. You could go out and buy lots of fancy storage thing-a-ma-jigs that all the stores are telling you that you need, or you could find different items and repurpose them for creative storage. That “creativity” word seems to show up a lot, doesn’t it?

If you are looking for ways to utilize what little space you have, here are a few things that might make a great impact on your organization. Things like clothespin bags, media boxes and suction cup hooks all make great storage items, as well as many other things that are quite cheap:

• Clothespin bags are great for storage in small bathrooms. Usually in a bathroom, certain areas are “prime real estate,” as my friend Anna likes to call it. She is a firm believer in the clothespin bag when space is limited. Generally, the ideal place for shampoos and body washes would be the edge of the tub, however in your dorm bathroom, you will probably only have a stand-in shower. A clothespin bag will hang on the curtain rod and can hold all of your shower-time essentials. Not to mention you can get them in super cute designs!

• Votive candle holders take up very little space, cost less than a dollar and are great for holding Q-tips. They’re also great for storing rings or earrings. You can find them at any craft supply store.

• Media boxes are great for shelving storage. They have lids and labels and they come in every color and pattern you can think of. Use them for make-up, toiletries, school supplies or even as a first aid kit. They fit quite nicely on shelves, desks and in cabinets. Label each one with what it houses. Use them for anything and everything. They are pretty cheap and hold up very well and can also be found in a craft store.

Creativity is not just for what you use to store, but where you store your belongings. Consider a few of these alternatives.

• Think of the window space. What could you possibly store here and how? Try using suction cup hooks to hang your jewelry and scarves (nothing too valuable—you want to keep that stuff safe). Not only will it keep your necklaces from getting tangled up with one another in a jewelry box, but if it’s beaded jewelry, think of the pretty stained glass effect it will have on your room! And on the windowsill, consider storing your smaller books and notebooks. Instant bookshelf—happy, de-cluttered desk. It’s a win/win.

• Closet space is a big deal in your first dorm because you more than likely will share said closet with your roommate. Some closets are pretty good sizes, but others can be filled very fast. Try using a few hanging organizer bags as actual clothes hangers. Their hangers are just the same and their shape is perfect for keeping wrinkles out of your favorite clothes. Use these to store anything really.

• Under your bed seems like wasted space, but have you considered bed risers? Yes, your bed will probably rise up quite a bit, but some beds don’t or they just don’t raise enough to fit much under them. Bed risers will fix this and once you’ve raised your bed up, you can try fitting your chest of drawers under it. A lot of times, dorms only offer small, three drawer dressers and those will easily fit under a tall bed along with say, your mini fridge or even a small shelving unit. But, if you are teeny tiny like me, you might bring along a step stool because, sometimes you don’t always make it up there, even with a running start (speaking from experience).

Being frugal doesn’t always have to be about money. I think being frugal with space and getting the most out of what little you have is what it is all about. Be creative. Challenge yourself to find the most effective ways to use your new space. And most importantly, have fun with it. You are only here for a few years.

See ya around campus!
- Beth