Dorm Detox

Photo taken by Megan Silva.

The college student’s guide to a clean and organized living space.

With this cold and rainy weather many of us are forced to stay cooped up inside of our rooms. The gloomy days can often make people feel less inclined to keep up with their tidiness and organization. However, there is great importance in maintaining a clean living space. A clean space leads to a clear mind. Our surroundings have a significant correlation to our mental wellbeing and overall physical health. 

It can be difficult when living in a dorm to maintain an organized space because of common struggles such as a lack of storage, overpacking, not having a good routine, etc. Addressing each struggle individually is the first step in creating your perfect living space. 

Step 1: Declutter – Out with the Old

A cluttered space can make even the most spacious rooms feel claustrophobic. Before you can truly organize, you need to clear out unnecessary clutter. In order to do this quickly and effectively follow the 10-Second Rule, “If you do not use it, lose it.” Simply pick up an item and ask yourself these questions and give yourself 10 seconds to decide on them, “Have I used this in the past month? Will I need it within the next month?” If the answer is no, it is time to let it go. You can apply this to clothes, old school supplies, extra kitchenware, random miscellaneous items, etc. Are you really going to use that one shirt you bought last semester that you have never worn? Do you really need five water bottles?  

Another method you can use is to separate your possessions into three categories: keep, donate, trash. Start in sections to not get overwhelmed and slowly work your way around the room. Keep in mind what you need for the season. Store away out-of-season clothes, decorations, or extra items you only use in summer. Paper clutter also builds up very quickly in college so keep only what is absolutely necessary. You do not need all of those random assignments from two semesters ago! 

Finally, when bringing anything new into your dorm ask yourself if you really need it. Take 24 hours to decide before making those impulsive purchases. 

Step 2: Maximizing Storage

Once you have decluttered your space, the next thing to do is maximize your space efficiently. Dorms are often small, so every square inch counts. The space under your bed is going to be your prime real estate for storing seasonal clothing, extra bedding, shoes, and bulk items. If your bed is low, use bed risers to create even more space to fit organizing bins. 

Floor space can be very limited, so use vertical space and maximize your drawer layout. Adhesive wall shelves are perfect for lightweight items. Dorm drawers can easily become a mess of tangled cords, clothes, and random items. Using dividers is a great way to separate articles of clothing and keep them nice and folded. 

Step 3: Creating a Low Maintenance Routine

Maintaining a clean space does not need to be time-consuming. Creating a routine that works for you is key to staying consistent. Create small daily and weekly habits. Your daily habits may consist of making your bed, putting clothes away, wiping down surfaces, picking up any trash, and washing dishes immediately after use. Give yourself a quick five minutes before bed to tidy up to make mornings less stressful. 

Once a week (choose a day that you can commit to) dedicate 20-30 minutes to deep clean your living space. Sweep or vacuum the floor, as dirt accumulates fast in small areas. Do your laundry. Disinfect high-touch surfaces such as laptop keyboards, door knobs, etc. Clean out your fridge and microwave, old food collects bacteria and can affect physical health. 

Step 4: Keeping it Fresh and Cozy

Cleaning and organizing your space is a great accomplishment, but creating a fresh and inviting space can make it better. Keep the air fresh and clean as small spaces can get stuffy and have limited ventilation. Let the air circulate by opening the window and your door. Use a small air purifier to dispose of dust, allergens, and odors. A great hack is to place dryer sheets in your closet and drawers to absorb odors. 

All of these are great ways to detox your dorm or room and reap the benefits of maintaining a clean and organized area. A fresh space leads to a fresh mind!