Store smart, not hard

Let’s face it, student rooms aren’t always the biggest, so finding clever ways to store all your belongings is essential for keeping things tidy and organised. Here are some smart storage tips to help you maximise every inch of your new home.

Make use of over-the-door storage

Don’t let the back of your door go to waste! Over-the-door storage solutions are a brilliant way to keep items off the floor and out of the way. Add hooks to the back of your door for all your hanging bags, coats and hats. If you have an ensuite, hanging pocket organisers are perfect for toiletries, spare towels, and other bathroom essentials.

Maximise under-bed space

The space under your bed is prime real estate for storage so make the most of it. Opt for flat storage boxes or rolling bins that slide easily under your bed. They’re ideal for stashing out-of-season clothes, extra bedding, or even textbooks you don’t need daily. If you’re unsure about how much space you have, vacuum storage bags are a great option. Just suck the air out, and you’ll find you have much more room for bulky items like winter coats or duvets.

Get creative with your wardrobe space

Wardrobes might not be massive, but you can make them work for you with a few clever tricks:

• Hanging organisers: Use hanging organisers to maximise vertical space in your wardrobe. These can be used for shoes, clothes, or accessories, keeping everything tidy and easy to access.
• Tiered hangers: Consider investing in tiered hangers, which allow you to hang multiple items in one space. They’re especially useful if your wardrobe is small or you have lots of clothes.
• Storage boxes: Use lidded boxes at the bottom of your wardrobe to store shoes, extra blankets, and bags.
• Over-door organisers: Hang an organiser on the inside of your wardrobe door to store smaller items like socks, underwear, and T-shirts.
• Top of the wardrobe: If there’s a gap between the top of your wardrobe and the ceiling, use it to store items like suitcases filled with out-of-season clothes or large storage boxes. Just remember to keep things up there that you don’t need every day – it’ll save you a lot of effort getting them down.

Keep your desk clutter-free

A tidy desk means a tidy mind, and keeping your study area organised is key to staying focused. Invest in desk organisers for pens, paper, and other study essentials. These will keep your workspace tidy and help you find what you need quickly. You can also buy a shelf organiser to double up on your desk space. You can store larger items underneath and keep your stationery and books on top.

Handle laundry the smart way

Don’t let your dirty laundry take over your room! Invest in a simple laundry basket to keep your laundry all in one place and out of the way. Or you could use your over-the-door hooks and hang a laundry basket on them. This keeps your laundry off the floor and frees up valuable space.

Tame the tangle of cables

Nothing ruins a tidy room like messy cables everywhere. Use small hair clips or bulldog clips to keep power cords together and attach them to the edge of your desk to stop them from falling to the floor. This simple trick can save you loads of frustration and trip hazards.

Store your essentials in plain sight

Make sure you always know where your day-to-day essentials are. Use a small plastic box or a decorative tray to store your keys, library cards, sunglasses, or any other items you use regularly. Place it somewhere you can easily see, so you’re never left searching.

Budget-friendly storage solutions

You don’t need to spend a fortune on storage solutions. Here are some cheap and cheerful ideas:

• Jam jars: Perfect for desk storage, jam jars are great for holding pens, stationery, or even toiletries like cotton wool balls.
• Silicone muffin cups and egg boxes: These are ideal for organising small items like pencils, paper clips, and keys.
• Upcycle cardboard boxes: Keep small cardboard boxes for organising drawers, and use larger boxes for storage on top of your wardrobe. You can cover them in wrapping paper to match your room’s style.
• Old clipboards: Pin clipboards to your noticeboard to keep important documents together. You can decorate them to make your space look even smarter.

Remember, you don’t need to have it all figured out in the first week – your storage solutions might evolve as you settle in. With a little creativity and these practical tips, you’ll have your room organised and feeling like home in no time 🏠