Storage

I’m going to be honest. Whatever space you think you’ll have, half or third it. Lower your expectations. There’s a reason there’s a college outfit – sweatshirt, sweats, and athletic shoes. You’ll be walking a lot, attending a lot of classes in uncomfortable chairs/desks, and partying a lot. Don’t bring what you don’t need, and maybe a little less than that. Doing your laundry weekly is going to be key.

– Hangers – Your wardrobe likely won’t come with them. I like to get hangers that have slim in the title. You’ll need to maximize your space. No wooden or bulky hangers. You can try to the space saving hangers but I don’t think they work well, you’re unlikely to actually use them to their full potential, and your wardrobe is going to be short so all the shirts will be in a pile while on the hanger. I prefer to get some non-slip velvet hangers for most items.

– Storage – Underneath any hung shirts (shorter), you can put a small long basket which is where you can store any school cheer gear you get, 1 belt, or hats, max 3. Try not to bring any, or more than 2, scarves.

– Top of the wardrobe storage – Don’t. Don’t try. Let it get filled with other things, memorabilia, or just have it as extra space. Don’t arrive at your dorm and immediately store something on your wardrobe. Put a basket up there by all means, but don’t put anything in it. It will be full by the end of the year so withhold it during move-in, save space to grow a little and accumulate a couple of things throughout the year.

– Shoes – Shoes are difficult. Almost anything used to store shoes will be used by everyone in the room. Over the door shoe storage is a classic for a reason, it works, it’s out of the way, and if you make sure to get both deep and non-clear pockets, they’ll both fit and hide most any shoe. I had a canvas over the shoe organizer that lasted for years, was pretty, and could be thrown in the wash, unlike a plastic one. Unfortunately, I can’t tell you which one it was as I thrifted it, but, here’s one that is similar. I would avoid over the door hangers that have large pockets as you likely won’t be bringing your big boots or hiking shoes, and they’re too short. If there’s space, I have been using these collapsible and stackable shoe racks that fit 3 across (above and below) because I can customize it’s height. I have about 5 and when space is tight I only use 3 (12 shoes) and when I have more I use 5 (15 shoes). I would avoid getting something that’s bulky or especially large until you’ve laid out your space. I do like the idea of a top area for phones, keys, and mail on a shoe rack, however, just get a mail key holder and focus on the shoes.

– Under bed storage – There likely won’t be any. If there is, it will be filled with a small drawer. Any space behind the set of drawers will be too hard to access easily. Pack less.

– Drawer organizers – I would be very cautious. They likely won’t fit the space and will end up being a waste of money. I say this as someone who has been using these adjustable bamboo dividers in my undergarment drawer for years to keep my socks, underwear, and bras separate. However, more than that, I wouldn’t. Don’t try to organize your shirts or pants, and especially don’t give each sock a specific home. It’s too much effort. You’re going to be attending classes, activities, hanging out, studying, writing papers, researching, doing laundry, cleaning, and socializing. When push comes to shove you likely won’t want to bother with finnicky organizers. They have their place but don’t overdo them.

That’s really all the space you’ll likely have a small wardrobe, a small set of drawers, and any shoe storage you bring. Try to start packing early and minimize what you’ll bring. Then minimize some more. You don’t want to start the year with a room already full to the seams, you want to have some space to grow. So maybe you don’t bring everything, but that’s okay, you’ll be doing a lot of changing the next couple of years.