This post is sponsored by Target, but all text, images, and opinions are all my own! Thank you for supporting the brands that keep Thou Swell running.
The key to staying organized is having somewhere for everything to go. It sounds simple, but knowing where to stow your stuff from the start keeps things from piling up. If you get in the habit of putting away your laundry, throwing away your trash, and filing your papers and books on the desk, it becomes routine, and when you’re busiest, the organization comes easily. I’ve rounded up some of my favorite furniture from Target that makes this process smooth and stylish so you can get an organized start this school year! Don’t know your own style yet? Just take the quick quiz here to find your dorm style and even get personalized shopping recommendations!
The desk can easily overflow with writing utensils and notes, so keep a calendar and chalkboard close at hand for easily seeing your schedule and jotting down any reminders. Bookends are key for keeping your books organized, and you’ll definitely want a desk with drawers for extra storage.
I’m in love with this fantastic multipurpose pen holder, complete with a dock for your phone, calculator/wallet/gum, and keys. Isn’t it genius? And don’t forget some headphones to block out noise and help you focus.
Next up is the ultimate storage station. These cubes can be filled with anything, and you can find a variety of baskets and bins to stow away those less-stackable items. It’s also the perfect plant dock – layer them up all three levels for a lush look!
One trick for a multi-purpose piece is taking a round tray and fitting it into the top of your laundry hamper. You get the benefit of hidden laundry while keeping all your laundry supplies (detergent, stain remover, dryer sheets) all on top. Plus, you can use the tray for entertaining or in other parts of the room. The laundry pods can also be stowed in a cute container like this ceramic bulldog jar, so it can be refilled anytime!
This last piece is super practical – these ottomans are the perfect storage space and extra seat. Friends can use them as seats and you can store those extra blankets or supplies inside. They’re basically comfortable boxes and so it’s easy to toss anything inside and keep it out of sight. They come in lots of fun colors and would look great in a pair at the end of the bed!
Do you have any tricks or hacks for keeping your space organized? Let me know in the comments!
Check out Target’s College Styler at MadeForU.Target.com to find you and your roommate’s ultimate college style.
I need to take a cue from your book and tidy up my desk, even though I’m not in a dorm – still practical to home office life.
Josh | The Kentucky Gent
https://thekentuckygent.com
Exactly! Always good to stay organized, I’m still mastering it myself 🙂
I’m heading to college this fall and I loved this post! Definitely bookmarked. 🙂
I’m so glad! There’s more to come so stay tuned!!
I’m no longer a dorm dweller (I do remember how much fun it was to decorate and design) but I feel like these tips can definitely transcend to normal living. For me a tidy desk is like a tidy mind. It always helps me get more work done. 🙂
Exactly! I’m so glad the tips are helpful 🙂
Fortunately I was (somehow) able to keep my desk this tidy and these are great tips to do so! Staying organized is the number one challenge among us college students, ha!
DJ- http://www.tailormade-style.com
It sure is a top priority! Kudos for mastering it so quickly!
I’ve never seen a desk tidy quite like this before, you’re phone is on it! I love Target, we spend ages in there when we’re over. Shame we don’t have them in the UK.
Buckets & Spades
Right, they should totally expand into the UK! I’m constantly impressed with their new designs, it’s definitely a great store to have nearby!