As the clock struck midnight on New Years Eve, I couldn’t help but panic. The thought of resolutions and promises of the New Year all but paralyzed my senses. As everyone around me screamed with excitement for the New Year, I was looking back at my faults of 2012. I noted my forgetfulness to leave an umbrella in my backpack, my constant excuses for not going to FitRec, and my lack of organization in my dorm room. Yes, I will be the first to admit that my past New Year’s resolutions have quickly been forgotten as soon as it turns February 1st. However, after returning to my dorm room last week I quickly realized the extent of my disorganization. In utter dismay I surveyed my desk that looked more like a war-zone than a workspace. My desk was stuffed shut with papers from last semester and was covered with receipts from holiday shopping. With the New Year underway I have decided to take matters into my own hands and become an organized genie. Here are a few tricks that have helped in making my desk the most organized space around.
1. An Inspiration and To-do List Chalkboard:
Chalkboards are the new whiteboards. The eclectic and artsy look of a chalkboard is the perfect surface for words of wisdom or a to-do list. For an added touch of sophistication, I suggest taking an old frame and gluing the chalkboard behind it. This chalkboard frame is the perfect decoration and organization piece for any student’s desk!
2. Mason Jar for Receipts:
My grandmother used to collect mason jars to store her jams and preserves. Once empty, these jars slowly began to pile up around her house, and I realized that mason jars are the perfect storage container for receipts, safety pins and even hair ties! For added personalization, I love wrapping the mason jars with ribbons and labeling each with a sticker.
3. Keep or Toss Bins:
In order to keep that bulk of papers from piling up on your desk you need to have a sorting system. I’ve found that by using two boxes or storage containers you can keep papers organized; label one keep and the other unsure. Once an essay or document is handed back to you, place it in the keep box. Then every once in a while, revisit the keep box and transfer papers that are unimportant into the unsure box. When you have time again, re-visit the unsure box and transfer those that are no longer important into the trash. This system will ensure that you do not have a bulk of papers stuffed in a drawer.
4. Ribbon Calendar:
Who says a calendar has to be a boring piece of paper? For a stylish way to display your upcoming events and project deadlines print each of the months onto card stock. Then, using a clothespin, clip each month onto a piece of string or ribbon. Your room will have a stylish ‘clothes-line’ inspired calendar.