Dorm Life - It's All About Comfort and Technology

When my generation went off to college in the 70's, there was no technology and little comfort in our dorm rooms. Today it's all about technology and comfort. At SimplyChecklists.com our College Dorm Supplies checklist may have you wondering where you'll put all the stuff, but at least you will feel confident you haven't forgotten anything.

Besides using this great checklist, check with roommates, because some of these items may be shared. For security reasons, have expensive equipment marked in a permanent manner. And be sure to check with the college or university for a list of required and restricted items.

Now, remember to use this checklist, study hard and call your parents often (not always just for money).

Less is More

I look around me at all the stuff I've collected through my many years and seriously wonder how it got this way. I see past hobbies; things I thought I had to have; gadgets to supposedly make my life easier, better, more efficient; things I paid too much for and, therefore, are unable to part with; items that hold memories, sure that if they're gone my memories will go with them.

It's not easy parting ways with my stuff, to live only with those things that I truly use with just a few sentimental items thrown in. But I've started the process and already I feel ten pounds lighter. Here are the questions I ask myself: Do I use the item on a regular basis? Does it make my life better?

Divide and conquer. I take on small projects with a goal to work through my stuff one room, one closet or one drawer at a time. I've been working on this project for a year and can truthfully say I haven't missed any of the stuff I've given away, donated or just disposed of. I'm left with the things that make my life better and things I actually use. I've even found homes for some of the sentimental things and my memories of them are still alive -- they just take up much less space.

You can do this. If you need encouragement along the way just remember, less is sometimes more.

Donate to our Troops

Do you find yourself cleaning out closets this month? Trying to de-clutter the bedroom or the office? It's a popular chore in January, and I bet you uncover lots of stuff that might be a perfect donation to a worthy cause.

If you are looking for that worthy cause, I suggest you consider our troops overseas. There are several organizations that can use your help and here is a short list just to get you started.

Guitars and other musical instruments:

• www.guitargal.com/guitars4troops.html

Cell Phones:

• www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com

New and used DVDs

• www.amvets.org/taskforcedvd

Used printer cartridges:

• Operation Shoebox

You can probably find other sources or you can donate to your local Salvation Army or Goodwill Industries too.

If you need help cleaning out that closet, here's a great checklist to organize yourself : Closet Organization Checklist

Or stop by www.simplychecklists.com and browse our many categories for free checklists to help you everyday. And Happy New Year!