I did something this week that I have been wanting to do for an incredibly long time: I organized my room, and it feels so good. It has been a small (for lack of a better word) “craving” of mine since the beginning of the year, but I got so busy with college and work that I hadn’t gotten the chance to do it until now. My room finally feels like home; and I think every girl should have or share a room that makes her feel at peace (and this goes for the gents, too).
Because I am delighted – and quite prideful – of what I’ve done with my own space, I have prepared a list of the essentials you need to make your dorm or wherever you sleep your “home-sweet room”. Get it? Get it? Ok, enough with the corny jokes. I’ll skip ahead. These are all things that I have in my room that I would suggest to anyone who loves organization . . . and advice . . . and, well, organizational advice:
1. Something that makes you smile as soon as you walk through the door.
This could be a “Welcome” sign like I have (Valkomen means “welcome” in Swedish), a painting, or a poster – anything! Another thing that makes me smile is my calendar. It’s filled with a monthly verse to meditate on. It also has tons of pretty pictures, and I sure do like pretty pictures. Another great idea would be to find a wall or desk calendar that speaks to you. Not only will it make you smile, but it will also help you keep your life in order. A little order never hurt anyone, right?
2. A large dresser to store your clothes and display your beloved knick-knacks.
You can keep your dresser in your closet if it’s smaller (the perks of a small dresser), or you can display a big ole’ wooden one in your room. If you use the space wisely you may have an extra drawer that you can store books or school supplies in. I use the bottom drawer in mine to store gift wrapping items and craft supplies. I keep some jewelry and two candy bowls on my dresser, too. Sadly, I only have cough drops in the bowls at the moment (correction: I have cough drops and a few sticks of gum). This brings me to another point. Definitely place a candy bowl in your room. I have a sign that reminds me to only treat myself when I’ve done something productive. Do I always obey that sign? No. But it keeps me in line . . . most of the time.
3. Shelves, shelves, and – oh, did I mention shelves?
I just put together my bookshelf and hung up the wall shelving in my room this week, and it makes a world of a difference. Not only does wall shelving make the wall look less boring, but it provides more space for your belongings – for example, I have a corner shelf by my vanity that is dedicated to perfume. Shelves are also great for displaying your collections. I have a shelf that I just refer to as “The Africa Shelf,” since it holds a hand-painted canvas, some souvenirs and some rocks I got from when I went on a missions trip to Africa earlier this year.
4. Lights (Camera, Action)!
Without light, your room will be very dark. Natural light – sunlight – is the best light to let seep into your room, but make sure you have some artificial lighting in your room as well; and not just a ceiling light. My ceiling light is dim, so I have three other lights that I use at night to brighten up my room while I’m studying (or procrastinating on studying). My personal advice: get a little cutie lamp that you pet to make it light up.
5. A cozy place to study.
Speaking of studying, every college student should have at least one peaceful place to study. If at all possible, why not study in your room? Put a desk in your room if you have the space – it doesn’t have to be anything fancy – or invest in a little fold-out chair like I have and create a little nook for reading and relaxing. I often find myself “studying” as I lay in bed, but that usually results in me falling asleep. With that in mind, create a space in your room that’s cozy – but not too cozy.
6. Plenty of storage solutions, because an organized you is a happy you!
While bookshelves and wall shelving provide space for storage, perhaps you might invest in some under-the-bed storage. I also found an ottoman at Walmart that can store stuff like magazines, books, pillows – anything, really. The lid can even flip over and turn into a side table.
Apart from that I have a vanity where I store hair accessories and earrings, a basket that carries my cosmetic items and a rolling storage unit that I use to store even more cosmetic items (I have a stash, no joke).
My bookshelf is a great storage unit that I use to store my fictional books, textbooks, scrapbooking supplies and craft supplies. If you’re an organizational freak like me, you may end up alphabetizing all your books. It’s surprisingly relaxing.
One last thing that is great for hanging up purses, hats, necklaces and keys on are hooks. If you live in a dorm and cannot put holes in the walls, consider Command Strips products. I use them, and they hold up well.
7. Personalization is key.
There is no one quite like you in this world. You are unique, so you should make your space unique by filling it with things that have meaning to you. Maybe you like art, or bright colors, or superheroes. Maybe you just really love your family and friends; you could dedicate a space to them (perhaps on a corkboard?). Just be sure to make your space a place that represents you.
I have some artwork in my room, a few posters, a drawing of Tokepi that my little brother drew for me, cork boards I painted stripes on (I have a thing for corkboards… can you tell?), colorful hanging lanterns, and lots of warm colors in my room (oranges, pinks, yellow, earthy tones and plain old white). You’ll find hand-made origami, cats, bunnies and other random cutesy characters in my room as well. Anyone who knows me well would be able to match me to my room.
7. Remember that your room needs you.
Okay, your room doesn’t really need you – it’s more like you need it. Your room is not really your room unless you spend time in it. Don’t feel like you always have to be around people. Start a new hobby that’s just for you. Spend some quality time alone with just you, yourself, and a good book to read. Create memories in that special place of yours. Your room is a place to unwind, relax, and prepare yourself for the outside world. Whatever you decide to do with it is your choice – but by all means, make it yours.
Photo Credits: https://www.pexels.com/photo/personal-organizer-and-pink-flowers-on-desk-6374/
All other photos in article are the property of Jaclyn Cordero.