<p>As a freshman heading off to college this fall I would like to know what you all found to be most useful to have in the dorms… Such as for storage and organization and stuff like that. Thank you!</p>
<p>Both of our kids found that less was more, as dorms and apartments tended to be smaller than the space they had at home, where they had their own bedroom. I’d suggest bringing less and then you can always purchase as needed from Target or other stores. A few folks liked the plastic drawers or the underbed storage, but both our kids found adequate storage in the dorm and apartments they lived in without buying more.</p>
<p>D’s bed had room underneath for one of those big plastic tubs, which was useful for holding a bunch. I’d wait until you see the actual room setup before getting anything like that, however – it could easily not fit or might not be necessary.</p>
<p>D’s double room and closet were tiny! They had a rod that hung from the closet rod that made the closet hanging space double, or they would never have fit their clothes in. The way her room was shaped, it was necessary to raise the beds on the frame so that the 3-drawer dressers fit underneath the bed, so she had room for a couple of tubs to store clothes under the bed also. (Also came in handy for sports equipment.) I agree that it will depend on the room your child gets.</p>
<p>Closet Organization</p>
<p>Closet organizer - Extra large
I’m able to fit all of my work out tees, foldable everyday shirts, night and lounge wear, leggings, tank tops, and clothing accessories in my 6 slot closet organizer. I hang only what needs to be hung: cardigans, delicate shirts, skirts, and dresses. </p>
<p>Crates
I have about six crates, but after a year of organizing I only need four.
For my closet, I put two crates on their sides and fold all of my jackets and sweatshirts in them. My workout shorts, pants, and gear go in the other. </p>
<p>Room Organization</p>
<p>Plastic Drawers
While bulky, they come in a variety of sizes and some are rollable. I have two of these, although next year I might only need one. I am able to put my items that do not fit in the provided three drawer dresser. Much needed as my personals, towels, and shorts and pants took up all the provided space!</p>
<p>If the door allows it…those over the door plastic/fabric shoe holders. They hold a ton of stuff. Buy one at Target b4 you go and if it doesn’t work, return it. A 3/4 circle belt hanger.</p>
<p>DS had a top bunk in a triple room. Every square inch in that small room was used! He thought his bedside caddy was especially useful (something like this - <a href=“http://www.amazon.com/Gearbox-Bedside-Caddy-Color-Flax/dp/B0019S5KBQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1405974114&sr=8-1&keywords=Bedside+organizer”>http://www.amazon.com/Gearbox-Bedside-Caddy-Color-Flax/dp/B0019S5KBQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1405974114&sr=8-1&keywords=Bedside+organizer</a>).</p>
<p>Freshman year ('08-'09) I bought 3 of the blue Rubbermaid bins. They’re nice because they stack inside each other when you’re not using them, hold a lot of stuff, and can be stored wherever.</p>
<p>I still have them and they still look brand new. One of the best purchases I ever made. (However, I was very fortunate to live in large spaces which allowed for that type of storage. YMMV.)</p>
<p>If you’re willing to splurge on the cost, I highly recommend the newer slim hangers; you can fit a lot more in a small closet with those hangers. The added benefit is that things don’t slip off, like they would a normal wire hanger. </p>
<p>Has anyone seen the hangers where they have multiple hangers hanging down in a line? Are they useful?</p>
<p>Yes, we’ve used those, too, and are very helpful.</p>
<p>I have two sets of those hangers. They are very helpful for me. I’m able to put multiple skirts on “one” hanger and they take up virtually no space. </p>
<p>Less is more. Our kids both had under bed storage boxes. They found those very useful. DS had Sterlite ones with wheels. We packed them at home, and just transported them fully packed in our van. DD had canvas ones that zipped close and folded flat. They transported very easily in the bottom of a suitcase.</p>
<p>DD also had two over the door shoe holders. She hung them on her closet door…one on the front, one on the back. She put shoes and pocket books in one, and things like her hair dryer, flat iron, make up, and toiletries in the other.</p>
<p>The little things you put under the bed posts to raise the bed- i think they come in plastic or wood at Bed Bath and Beyond</p>
<p>Bed risers?</p>
<p>(Check in with your school to make sure they’re allowed.)</p>
<p>hmmm, did not think about that- the ones I was thinking are for twin beds on the floor. they are like 4 inches.</p>
<p>Aren’t those bed risers?</p>
<p>yes- just looked them up. D loved them under her bed.</p>
<p>FYI - bed risers come with 2 different sized “recesses” for the bed posts.</p>
<p>Both kids had a cedar lined storage trunk.
Good for sweaters & you can lock it and use it for seating.</p>