A Clutter-Free Dorm // Hacks for Small Spaces
As someone who has always been obsessed with organization, moving into my Freshman year dorm felt like this incredible opportunity to test my chops at optimizing a small space. I shared a room with my sister growing up, but having my living/dining/sleeping quarters all combined into one room was definitely a new challenge.
And fast forward 20+ years, OMG have dorm rooms changed. Not the size (unfortunately), but the level of decor and style that goes into them. I am totally in awe at the way students are transforming these spaces (and can’t believe that there will come a day when I have two kids (potentially) heading to college at the same time).
In honor of all of the young adults beginning to prep for their new spaces come Fall, we wanted to share our favorite hacks for optimizing your “tiny home.”
And our words of advice begin with remembering that the best spaces aren’t filled with more, they’re built with purpose. Do I sound like a mom, or what?! :)
Start with Less Than You Think You Need
It would be very easy to overpack for dorm life, but this is the perfect time to think about what you actually use every day. If you are within driving distance, you can probably get away with bringing items that will serve you for the next few months and easily swap bulky items when you visit home for various holidays. If you are a flight away, that is all the more reason to be even more intentional with what you pack.
Focus on:
Everyday Clothing (not “just in case” outfits). Leave anything dry clean only and single use items (think formal dresses and super fancy accessories) at home. Consider renting rather than buying when those events pop up. Nuuly is our favorite service for renting and we think a one-month membership would be the most fun graduation gift for the grad in your life.
Essential Toiletries - We totally get the obsession with skin care, but try to focus on the items that are part of your daily routine and pitch those that don’t make the cut. You may find that having one toiletry bag for makeup and one for skincare is a great system as you travel down the hall to the bathroom (and also as you travel on weekends). We love this option and this one too.
Just a few Meaningful Pieces of Decor - We have become huge fans of the Skylight Calendar in our home, mostly because it is also a beautiful digital calendar. There are several dupes that could serve as a perfect dual-purpose piece of decor + organization for your desk. Bring a few mementos that remind you of your high school friends and family and tuck other special items into a beautiful memento box (or this trunk for the true collector) at your parent’s home.
Edit as You Go
As you begin to pack up your bedroom, take a moment to assess what you want your space in your parent’s home to feel like when you return for breaks.
As with any organizing project, sometimes time needs to pass in order for us to feel okay about letting items go. But there is also some amount of clutter that can usually go. So consider donating what you’re not using (hello, Indianapolis Donation Guide) so that your home away from home (aka, your parent’s house) feels like a retreat away from your college dorm.
Get Creative with Small Space Hacks
I feel like the products on the market for maximizing a small space just get better and better. But there is such a thing as going too far! So consider these tried-and-true classics as a great starting point for your small space:
Under-bed storage bins (bonus if it has wheels)
Over-the-door organizers - The ELFA units are the best on the market and can last you through college and into your post-college home. If you follow our projects, it is clear we are obsessed.
Double your hanging space with this snap in adjustable hanging rod extender. Combine with slim hangers and shoe stackers and you’ve got yourself the perfect combo for a tiny closet.
While we would personally recommend just renting books from the library, this small space floating bookshelf is perfect for the student that loves the comfort of having their collection close by.
We love, love, love the ELFA fridge cart. These three drawers can serve as your pantry, and the optional drawer dividers can help keep things ultra-organized.
Dorms are unique, but these resources are similar to those we use in home organization projects for Indianapolis families. Practical, simple, and sustainable.
Be Intentional as You Shop
And this post wouldn’t be complete without a little small-space wisdom: everything should serve a purpose. That doesn’t mean you can’t show off your style—just be intentional about what you bring.
Instead of packing tons of stuffies, picture frames, books, and extra clothes, consider choosing one or two standout pieces, like a fun peel-and-stick wallpaper, to bring your space to life without overcrowding it.
If this is your first time living on your own, remember: your environment affects how you feel. A cluttered room can quickly become overwhelming, while a space where everything has a purpose and a place can help you feel calm and in control.
Sometimes less really does leave room for more…more growth, more confidence, and more of what matters in this next chapter.
The Baer Minimalist helps busy families create ORGANIZED + STYLIZED spaces throughout Indianapolis.
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