It’s the start of a new school year (or for some of us a new semester). So it’s that time again when we put our belongings together and ship off to school. I don’t know about you, but I’ve never been fond of packing and moving and all the housekeeping that comes with it. What even makes matters worse is that most hostel rooms are German cells sorry always so tiny and there’s never enough space for anything (I know you agree with me on this one).
Experience has taught me a few things, and one of them is how to organise my living space as a student; I think it’s only fair that I share this golden knowledge with you. So pick up your pen and start taking notes:
1. Don’t pack too many things, because you’re really not going to need all that stuff; and quite frankly you’ll most likely be leaving school with more than you brought in. If you can get it at one of the shops on campus, except maybe personal effects, don’t pack it. Stock up on supplies when you get to school. This way you probably have just one suitcase and a carry-on bag.
2. Organise your clothes efficiently, according to use. So you followed step 1, but your closet is still bursting open. It’s time for you to sift through those clothes. If you only wear it to church, to the club, or during the cold/rainy season; put it back in your box, and stow it under your bed or atop your closet. If there still isn’t space, here’s a neat trick: use the tab on a soda can to attach two hangers in your closet creating space for twice the amount of clothing. Thank me later.
3. Maximise storage space. Any available space should be used for storage, and I mean storage of useful things. If you don’t need it, throw it out; you absolutely cannot afford any clutter. You can get risers for your bed (or just regular wood blocks) to lift it off the floor and create space for storage bins and boxes. Can’t afford those fancy bins or baskets? Stop at the grocery store and pick up empty cardboard boxes to use. Use tension rods in your shoe space and even in your closet to create levels for stashing your stuff.
4. Don’t be scared to put up nails and hooks. On the back of doors, inside your closet, high on the wall; nails are useful in placing things around your room. Hang your laundry hamper on a nail at the back of your bathroom door. Place your keys on a nail on the front door, it’s easy for you to grab them as you go and place them back when you come in. No space for your shoes? Place an over the door shoe organizer in your closet door. Otherwise, that organizer can also serve as a storage space for unopened snacks.
5. Create a study space. Studying on your bed is a bad idea; take my word on this one. Get a desk and chair if you don’t already have one. If there’s no space, turn your dresser into a work surface. Get rid of all those old books you no longer need (I usually give mine away, but whatever works for you). If you think you’ll need them, stash them in a cardboard box under your desk. Put your stationery in holders (or one of those red cups you bought last weekend). You can even label your desk and arrange your books according to the days of the week you’ll need them.
6. Finally, no hoarding! I can’t over-emphasise this fact. If you do not need it, toss it; be they shoes, clothes, books, appliances or that shirt your crush gave you but no longer fits. Once you don’t see yourself getting it fixed or using it anymore throw it away. All it’s doing is gathering dust and cluttering your space. You’ll have lots of time (and space) to hoard when you get your own place.
Follow these tips and you’ll have no problem getting your room ready for the school year. Do your friends a favour and share this post with them. Do you have any additional tips? Let me know through your comments. Have a nice day folks.