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DORM LIFE - Essentials that are actually essentials
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items We’ve been living the dorm life for a few years with my son Trevor so we’ve got some real experience. We fell for the fads the first year and bought a bunch of things he never used or needed, just took up space in an already tight environment.
Wha...
Sections
6
Optimized Storage & Organization
Helpful tools to make it all work
Don’t Forget these!
Essential perishables - trust me!
MOVE OUT STORAGE
Budget Finds for the fall
Optimized Storage & Organization
We have a very similar model in use at home already, but this one was requested for the new dorm. I’ll keep you posted, but the reviews are EXCELLENT.
Mini Fridge Stand w/ Adjustable Shelf & Outlet
Highly recommended for the odds and ends items and food items!
We hung these with the HD magnets I have listed in the “helpful tools” section.
Think umbrellas, shoes, food items (separate from non-food items), reusable utensils, ties, sports gear...
Navy Blue Over Door Shoe Organizer 2 Pack
Storage & additional seating on lockdown!
Dorm life = new people and shared spaces. Having a place to lock away the iPad and other expensive gadgets is always a good idea.
DocSafe Fireproof Storage Ottoman with Lock
Level set: it does what it says it’s going to do. Is it super helpful, no not really.
I think it’s really up to your kiddo on if it’ll work for them.
BedShelfie Bedside Shelf for Dorm & Bunk Bed
In use as a dresser and mini entertainment stand. The area we have is super small, but we were able to add multipurpose storage with this one.
Furnulem 5 Drawer Rustic Brown Dresser
Helpful tools to make it all work
These came in CLUTCH! We were able to create more space and hanging storage with these magnets. They hold up to 100lbs each and when paired together, you can rest assured that whatever it is you’re putting up, isn’t coming down until you want it to....
Magnetic Hooks 100LB Heavy Duty Neodymium 6Pack
Check the “rules” first, but these were what our residential high school suggested for anything that needed to hang from the wall. They worked out really well for us and only left a tiny hole when removed. You had to seek it out to find it.
Easy to ...
Hommie 50pcs Assorted Iron Nail Hooks Kit
Cord storage and organization.
You cut these to the length you need and use the metal piece as the connector.
16Ft 2in Wide Jumpso Heavy Duty Cable Ties
If you have room for it, GET THIS!
The collapsible nature makes it easy for move-in and move-outs, plus it holds a ton!
Microwave, books, those pictures of all the family they left behind (yeah right! lol), plants, art, and a great catch all whi...
BENOSS Foldable Metal Storage Shelves 5-Tier
Multiport charger. There are so many options for these, but this one has the Apple Watch charger included.
Versatile, used daily at my home and while traveling. Also set up in my car. All 4 we bought are still going strong too. Zero issues so far.
Travel Essentials Dual Type-C 4-in-2 Charger
MUST HAVE! If you work from home or spend a lot of time in front of the screens, do yourself this favor. It’s helped me so much with the weird positions I sit in sometimes.
Sweetcrispy Executive Ergonomic Office Chair
Electric hot pot - not microwaved plastic…
Safer, heated properly, and can be used for a variety of cooking needs.
Dezin 1.5L Electric Hot Pot, Non-Stick Pan
Don’t Forget these!
We completely forgot about a rug our first year. Never even crossed our minds! Too worried about all the other things he needed.
I ended up doubling back after move-in and this was the rug we chose.
It was very comfy and held up really well for ...
Ophanie 5x8 Black Fuzzy Plush Area Rug
Surge protectors with both USB-A and USB-C ports.
Charger blocks will be lost…
2 Pack Power Strip Surge Protector 5 Outlets 3 USB
Easy to store and available as needed. Comes with a case to store each set so they remain protected until needed.
Worked well for us.
Reusable Travel Utensils Set, 4pc Wheat Straw
RAVING reviews from Trevor on this mattress pad. He used it all 3 years at LSMSA and absolutely loved it.
Buying a new one for college this fall.
Lucid 3" Lavender Memory Foam Topper Twin XL
Still going strong! Purchased in 2023 for bathroom essentials and it’s still in full use.
Cool part about this particular bag is the waterproof phone pocket. The bag hanging in the shower with them gives them access to 🎶🎵 and those educational p...
Bukere Portable Shower Caddy Tote Bag, Large Capacity, Quick Dry Mesh
Another version we used for electrical access in the dorm room.
Grounded with USB-C x1, USB-A x3, and 5 outlets.
5 Outlet Extender with 4 USB Ports & Surge Protector
These are mostly recommended from me. My only gripe is that the bottoms are not reinforced with anything, so the bag can get a little wonky depending on what you pack in there.
Perfect for: clothes, bedding, towels, pillows, etc.
VENO 8 Pack Heavy Duty Extra Large Moving Bags
Twin xl mattress cover. It’s a mattress cover that works. Held up 3 years and with zero complaints.
Zip closure.
Twin XL Waterproof Cooling Jersey Mattress Protector
Form the dorms, these are perfect.
Functional, solid colors can still be “cute”, and they get what they need in a variety of sizes. The colors didn’t bleed when washed either. They are headed to LSU in the fall for another year of service :)
GLAMBURG 8-Piece Navy Blue Towel Set
Batteries! They will need them at some point. The kit comes with a variety of sizes and comes in a case to keep them all organized.
Ontel Battery Daddy Organizer Case w/Tester
Definitely double check with the dorm to ensure they are approved first. They tend to be picky about what is allowed.
Command Variety Pack: 10 Picture Strips, 6 Wire & 8 Utility Hooks
Essential perishables - trust me!
Look, I know we all want to believe our angels are headed off and are going to make GREAT decisions the whole time, so I’m just going to leave these here…
Great for the athletes too. :)
Bob's Pickle Pops - Dill Juice Ice Pops 18
For the sports stars, late night adventurers, the “only 1 because I have to studies”, and all the other reasons…
Hydration helpers are a must! All the flavors are here.
Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier - Golden Cherry
Travel mom here - business and pleasure! These actually help keep me on my feet during the most impactful seasons of the year + hydration support.
People = germs that make other people ill.
Liquid I.V. Hydration + Immune Wild Berry 14ct
The variety pack! Both chicken and beef in a box they can be stored almost anywhere in the room.
Nissin Top Ramen Chicken & Beef Soup 48ct
These were clutch after practice at night and the dining hall was closed.
Tons of different flavors available, but this one is our favorite.
As you can see, we buy them by the case.
StarKist Tuna Creations BOLD Jalapeño 12-Pack
We found these and never looked back. They are soooooo good! The chicken is my personal fav, but this one is Trevor’s.
We found them at Walmart at one point. Not sure if you can get them there now or not.
Tapatio Ramen Noodle Soup Big Bowl 105g
MOVE OUT STORAGE
You’d be surprised how much room a mattress topper would steal from your vehicle without one of these to compress it.
Comes with straps to tighten it down for the smallest footprint possible.
Easier to move, transport, and store for the summer.
Storage Logic Foam Mattress Vacuum Bag Twin XL
Budget Finds for the fall
Running $10 off right now. Prime shipping available too. 10 + colors available.
HYMOKEGE Twin XL Seersucker 5-Piece Set