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Looking for dorm room organization ideas? Well, one good starting point is actually to think about what not to do. Why? Because when you avoid making mistakes in organizing your small space, you actually end up saving a lot of space—and that makes the rest of the job easier. So let’s take a look at some common mistakes which freshmen make moving into their first dorm.

1. Packing your plastic bins full without thinking about weight distribution.

Here is one mistake which doesn’t involve space per se—but which can really cause some serious hassles. Basically, you think to yourself, “I bought this large plastic tub, and I can fit a ton of stuff in here. The more I can pack in, the less space I will use up.”

That is all well and good when the bin is stationary under your bed. But when it comes to moving it back and forth (at the beginning and end of the school year), it can give you some major grief—especially if it is a large and unwieldy bin to begin with.

That does not mean you should not use all the available space in your larger bins, but do think about what it will be like to lug them around. With oversized plastic totes, try and fill a lot of the space with relatively lightweight items. Do not load them full of heavy books and such.

2. Forgetting to hoist up your bed as high as it will go.

A lot of dorm beds have a clever design where you can notch the bed up as high or low as you want. Frankly, unless you have a hard time climbing in and out of your bed, I suggest that you raise your bed up to the very top notch. You need all the space you can get, and most of it is probably going to end up being underneath your bed.

3. Failing to realize only half that tiny space belongs to you.

When you first see a photo of the dorms at your college online, you probably will find yourself cringing at the lack of space. “How will all my stuff fit into that tiny place?” you will ask yourself.

But don’t forget—all of your stuff actually has to fit into half that tiny space! So make sure that you are not unintentionally planning on overflowing into your roommate’s space.

4. Not leaving some extra space for new stuff (because you will be tempted).

While you are shopping for plastic storage bins for college and other organizational supplies, try to leave yourself a bit of extra space which is totally empty. Why? Because if you have any expendable funds whatsoever, you will probably buy some stuff. After all, you are out on your own for the first time ever, and will feel the urge to express yourself.

Now you know some important mistakes to avoid when you are moving into your college dorm and getting organized. Read on to Part 2 to learn a few more!