Discuss the problem with your roommates. Before you de-clutter a dorm room it is necessary to speak about the need for cleaning with all of the people who share the room. Use the discussion as an opportunity to identify how the room became cluttered and to establish ground rules for keeping the room clean instead of finger-pointing or accusing a roommate of being sloppy. Pick a date and time when everyone is available to clean and organize the room as well as to get rid of unnecessary items.
Put away items. Clothing, papers, books and other items lying around tend to make a room look cluttered. Often items are lying around because proper organizational tools are missing. Take stock of the room's and personal storage space before de-cluttering and if necessary, purchase storage tools such as a bookcase, expandable file folder or multimedia rack. Start de-cluttering by folding clothes and placing them in drawers or hanging them in the closet. Use a shoe rack to organize shoes. Multi-tiered racks also allow multiple pairs of jeans, shirts or skirts to be hung on one hanger. Papers should be filed or stored in folders. Books can be neatly stacked on shelves or a desk.
Donate or sell unused items. Dorm rooms can become cluttered with items that are rarely used. On de-cluttering day have boxes available to get rid of items. Donate clothing that has not been worn in a year and remove any furniture that is rarely used. Dorm rooms are small and unnecessary furniture may make a dorm room appear more cluttered even if the room is relatively clean. By removing furniture infrequently used you will create space in the room -- but remember, don't get rid of any of the furniture that doesn't belong to you. Donated items should be brought immediately to the donation center and any sale should take place within a few days of cleaning. Do not allow the boxes or furniture to stay in the room indefinitely -- have a plan for their removal.