Just saying…back to school means smart storage strategies…

I’ve decided to start a new series of posts entitled “Just saying…” I wanted to address some questions that clients and readers have asked me.  If you want a question answered on anything organizing email me at info@downshifting.ca.  


I am going away for school.  What solutions do you have for a very small space that I have to share?

You are dealing with the same dilemma that thousands of students deal with every fall.  You are not alone and with the organizing industry growing exponentially in the last 10 years, you will see new products that help you solve that problem.

If it is available to you my first suggestion is to get bed-risers so that you can elevate your bed safely and provide extra storage under the bed.  By raising your bed a few inches, you get a huge amount of space to store items without taking up valuable space.  When in doubt – go up.

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Using staggared shelves also helps use your wall space but be sure to adhere to the dorm rules.  Some do not let you screw shelving into the wall.

There are various versions of under the bed storage containers that you can take advantage of.  The hard cover version (see pic. to left) is your best bet because they have a hinge in the middle so you only have to roll them out half way.  With limited space comes limited maneuverability.

Another good option is are fabric’ under the bed’ storage containers because you can squish them into tighter spaces and get more in. Always, review what you want to place in there, perhaps shoes or little used clothing (i.e. lighter wear in the middle of winter); text books that you won’t need in the second semester.  Avoid placing food unless it is non-perishable foods or utensils.  You don’t want to attract bugs or rodents or foul smells.

Other great storage solution is a bathroom caddy to place all your toiletries in a caddy.  I recently saw a very cool orange version at Homesense last week!

My last suggestion is the bedside organizer that I bought at Marshall’s in Chicago a couple of weeks ago.  This lets you store books, tissue paper, your glasses without taking prescious desk or night table space.  Think of every nook and cranny as a possible storage space….I’m just saying…