Starting college is exciting, but adjusting to dorm life isn’t always easy. Even if you aren’t living in a dorm, the change of living conditions from your home to your college housing is significant. Living away from home in a dorm or an apartment unit means there isn't much space for everything you own. It also means you are likely sharing space with other people your age, and clutter will probably build up. That’s why it is so important to organize your college life and minimize the clutter in your living space. This not only helps you become more organized but can also relieve the stress that comes with an untidy environment. This blog will discuss different ways to declutter your college space, like what items to keep, donate, or store.

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Categorize Your Items

Deciding what to keep, donate or store is not an easy task, but the best way to make sure everything fits and looks good in your dorm room or apartment is to categorize items. Clothes that no longer fit, you haven't worn in a long time, or that are out of style, can be donated. Furniture or electronics, dishes, and other things that have sentimental value and you don't want to part with should be kept. If you live in a location with distinctive seasons, you should find a place in a closet, under a bed, or behind furniture where you can store seasonal clothes and items you don't need all year round. If you're not sure when or where you would use something, you probably don't need it, choose to donate it to someone who may benefit from it. Or, you could give away some clothes to friends so if you ever have the desire to wear the item again, it is still accessible to you.

Assign Spaces

Another essential tip is to make sure everything has its assigned place. Find items that need to be there for functionality, and avoid cluttered spaces by keeping everything within limits. We all know what happens when a drawer collects random items and becomes the inevitable junk drawer… but what if you prevent that from the start? Separate your “junk” into different areas and decide what is truly worth keeping. If you’re low on accessible space, think about the items that you use daily or even on a weekly basis and see how you can make them fit in easily accessible spots. The out-of-season or items with specific uses can be stored further back in a closet, dresser, desk, etc.

Think Ahead

When it comes to books and other academic materials, it's essential to think ahead. Generally, there are two reasons to keep materials - either for sentimental reasons or for referencing in the future. If you don't think you'll use a particular book anytime soon, or if you don't find a particular item sentimental, donate it or sell it. You don't want to carry around books and old notes that you don't find important. These items will only contribute to extra clutter.

Clean Up

A major aspect of decluttering is simply cleaning. If you leave items laying around or allow trash and dirt to pile up, an organized room will never actually look organized. Developing a cleaning strategy can help you stay organized and keep your space clean and tidy. Schedule regular cleaning sessions for your room, and ensure you have ample time to complete the tasks. Take a trip to the store and stock up on cleaning supplies so that you have the materials that you need to elevate your space. Clean items like your bed, study area, and bathroom on a regular schedule. Don't leave things lying around for too long, and always tidy up after yourself.

Storage

Storage space is also crucial when it comes to storing things you can’t get rid of completely. When you go to college, storage becomes an essential part of your move-in/move-out experience. Consider Storage Scholars as a service that will store all of your items over the summer or while you are studying abroad. We provide all packing materials, and even pick up and drop off your items directly to your room. This makes moving in and out of school a whole lot easier, and minimizes the struggle of dealing with storage units and hours of hard work.

Decluttering your college space can be challenging, but essential. Your living area is a reflection of who you are and what you value. Therefore, it's vital to minimize clutter and keep your living space organized. By categorizing items, you can easily decide what to keep, donate or store. Make sure everything has its assigned place, and think ahead about whether or not certain items are relevant to you. Don’t forget to keep your living area clean with a well-organized schedule. Finally, consider reaching out for help from Storage Scholars for your summer storage and study abroad needs. With all of these tips, you will feel more at ease in a living space that is decluttered, organized, and functional.