It’s easy to overpack in August when you’re not exactly sure how all your belongings will be organized or stored away, or you have simply accumulated a lot since move-in. But, as we have just finished up midterms and are quickly hurtling towards finals, one thing you may want to think about before Thanksgiving weekend and winter break is what you should bring back home. Or, before your month away, it would be a good idea to deep clean your space and make it something you’ll feel relaxed and excited coming back to. So, I’d like to give you a few tips on decluttering your dorm.
1. Have you used it yet?
First things first, I want you to look around your dorm or apartment and look for anything you haven’t used in the first semester. Are you ever going to put up those fairy lights? Is the camera you thought you’d use more collecting dust? Have you worn only half of the t-shirts in your drawer? After evaluating what you have in your space and what you’re actually using, now you can decide what you can live without for the next semester. Obviously there are some exceptions to this, like the winter boots you haven’t worn yet (because you will soon!) or an item you may eventually need on short notice, like bandaids, cold medicine, or a formal outfit. But, ultimately, you’ll find that you don’t need most of your stuff that’s just taking up space.
2. Is it weather appropriate for the months ahead?
With clothes in mind, you may also want to look at your closet and if you can make room for a new season. If you tend to be fairly minimalistic with your clothes, you can keep pieces out all year long. But, if your collection of shorts is making it difficult to store your jeans, you may want to consider bringing some of your out-of-season clothes home. Do keep in mind that things do warm up again at the end of the spring semester, but if you plan on going home before then (like for spring break) you can do without all of your warm-weather items for a few months.
3. Is there room for it?
While reorganizing your space, this is also a good time to redecide if you need certain items that may be taking up too much space. These can be larger items that take up floor space, like bean bag chairs or storage containers, and while they may have seemed like a good idea before moving in, they now may be nuisances or tripping hazards. Think to yourself how often you or your roommate(s) use these items, if there could be a better place to store them, and how intrusive they are. From there, either move it or put it aside to donate or bring home with you.
Also, consider smaller items. Knick Knacks, stuffed animals, stationary, or accessories can easily pile up, until you realize you’re cleaning off your desk everyday to do work or you don’t have any space to put down a cup. Personally, I am a big fan of decorating and making my space feel cozy and personal, but keeping your furniture functional is more important!
4. Could it be replaced by something else?
Finally, if you are unsure about getting rid of an item, think whether you may be replacing it soon. If your winter coat isn’t fitting anymore and you plan on getting a new one, hold onto it until you can replace it, but don’t keep it forever and let it collect dust. Similarly, if you have books in your room you don’t plan on re-reading, bring them home and make more room on your shelf. You can even bring back unread books from home to replace them. Also, if you are bringing back any gifts from the holidays, consider making room ahead of time. Ultimately, as long as there is space for an item, and reasoning for having it around, keeping your space tidy is a piece of cake.
