Best Ways to Organize Meals in a Dorm Room
Of all the things you learn in college, one of the most useful lessons may be how to cook for yourself, even—especially? – when you are tired and have few resources. If you can do something even remotely good and fill a humble dorm kitchen, you can do it anywhere, so rest easy knowing you’re setting yourself up for bigger and better things. In the meantime, grab these tools to organize your groceries in even the smallest spaces.
Recommendations for organizing a small kitchen
As with hostel organization in general , there are a few rules to follow. First, familiarize yourself with the Organization Triangle and its principles (keeping similar items together and dedicating space to everything). Getting into the habit of making sure every item you own has a designated place (and hopefully a container) will prepare you for life in a home of any size, but will also provide immediate benefits no matter where you are.
In a small kitchen, you really need space, so everything in it should be chosen intentionally and should serve the overall purpose of maximizing the space you have. Consider, for example, a cutting board with storage containers built into the bottom on which you can not only prepare food, but also store spices, utensils, or other kitchen utensils without wasting space.
I use a similar cutting board with built-in storage and it helps me keep my countertop organized and gives me more cooking space. This is just one option, but it will get you in the right frame of mind.
How to organize a small kitchen
If you are lucky enough to have a small kitchen space in your home, chances are it will be just that: small. Roommates will also likely need access to it, further reducing your space. Try this to save space:
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mDesign Stackable Drawer Organizers ($19.99) help you turn a single drawer into multi-level storage. The organizers have room for tools of any size, but they stack on top of each other so those tools remain separate and easily accessible.
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Simple Houseware Stackable Baskets ($29.97) fit nicely into limited countertop space, measuring 16.75 by 11 inches. There are other cheaper and smaller options for counter storage baskets, but this one is more functional as it has a flat top that can be used to stack other items.
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Simple Houseware also makes rolling shelves with hooks and a handle for maximum storage and portability. They come in three tiers and are available in a regular version ($18.87) or a slim version ($16.89). If space is limited, get the slim version that’s only 5.5 inches wide but 16.25 inches deep, so there’s still plenty of room.
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Grab the Depaotlux Under Cabinet Cookware Storage Tool (two for $6.99) so you don’t have to cram spatulas and large tools into an already cramped drawer. I use one of these and it makes perfect use of wasted vertical space under the countertop while also keeping utensils visible and easy to reach.
Storage in the dorm refrigerator
Whether you have a regular-sized refrigerator or a mini-fridge, you’ll need to get creative with how you store food to maximize space and keep it separate from your roommates’ food. Try this:
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The Utopia Kitchen Jar Organizer ($15.99 for four) allows you to store jars stacked and laying flat.
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Pomeat Stackable Organizers ($22.99 for 10) are ideal for small refrigerators because they keep food separate but also allow you to easily stack it, taking up vertical space without sacrificing limited horizontal space.
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The Zip n Store Organizer ($27.95) is a fun gadget that attaches to your refrigerator door and allows you to hang plastic sandwich bags vertically so you can pre-pack snacks or store small items. They hang at the top of interior shelves for storing things you don’t use anyway, making the most of every inch of the refrigerator.
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The Lafulling Refrigerator Dust Cover ($29.99) is great for using all the parts of your mini refrigerator to store anything . It has 15 different size pockets that can be stored on both sides of the refrigerator, so you can store condiments, utensils, spices or anything else without taking up space elsewhere.