Setting up a new "home away from home" can be very exciting for college students. In fact, so exciting that often bringing every last belonging to their new college dorm room or apartment might seem logical . . . but, that's not necessarily the case.
Jenneen Ameres, Professional Organizer and Owner of Conquer Your Clutter, reminds students and parents alike that an average college dorm is only 230 square feet of space, so rethinking what to actually bring to college and how to organize it is vital to feeling comfortable and happy in this new space. Here are four suggestions Jenneen has when families are preparing for the BIG move-in day.
1. Only Pack The Items You Need
The #1 challenge with staying organized in a college dorm room is that the limited space can quickly feel out of control. Packing only the items that a student needs and uses on a regular basis is the best way to avoid this. Remember, students will be going home for long weekends or college breaks and can replenish items at that time.

2. Keep Your Desk Tidy
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Store important paperwork in a binder or folder system.
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Decorative items should be kept to a minimum so the desk remains a functional space to pop open a laptop on.
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Have an organizational system on the desktop for pens, paper clips and other accessories to be stored.

4. Keep Like Items Accessible in Bins, Baskets or Caddies
Having items that college students use on a daily basis should not only be kept within an arms reach, but also in an organized fashion. Modular Stackable drawers offer privacy for a student's personal belongings and are stable with a great sleek look. The height and width of these modular drawers can often be customized for the perfect fit.
There are many benefits to decluttering in college, but here are Jenneen's top three:
3 - Body, Mind and Spirit. Organization can have positive affects on your sleep, diet and productivity.

More about our Professional Organizer:
With a "less is more approach", Jenneen Ameres started Conquer Your Clutter. Her mission . . . to declutter and organize a client's space so they feel less overwhelmed both physically and mentally. Jenneen loves to roll up her sleeves and get to work knowing the process will bring joy and make clients feel good about their space again. Check out Jenneen's Instagram for more clever organizational ideas.
