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Laundry Basics 🧺
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Marina Davenport profile picture
Marina Davenport
My little sister graduated last spring and had NO idea how to do laundry or keep an apartment running. I put together a care package and she literally called me crying happy tears. Here's what I'd send any new grad.
Sections
6
 
New Section
 
Kitchen Survival
 
Bathroom Essentials 🛁
 
Cleaning Supplies
 
Bedroom Comfort 😴
 
Little Extras 🎁

New Section

Nobody teaches you how to do laundry in college. These are the essentials so they don't turn everything pink on day one.

 
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the GOAT of detergents. my family has used this for decades and nothing else compares.
Tide Laundry Detergent | Pods, Liquid & Powder
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toss a cap in and clothes smell fresh for days 🙌
Downy Unstopables | Scent Booster Beads | Various Sizes
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keeps static away. also good for freshening up drawers between washes.
Bounce Dryer Sheets & Fabric Softener
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saved a white shirt from a coffee disaster. just spray and wait.
Shout Stain Remover Spray & Liquid Refill | 22 fl oz
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for delicates and socks that always disappear
Whitmor Mesh Laundry Bag White: 36" x 24" Multipurpose
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Kitchen Survival

First apartment kitchens are rough. I literally ate cereal for a month before someone gifted me actual cooking stuff.

 
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microwavable, dishwasher safe, and they don't stain like plastic
Pyrex 18-Piece Glass Storage Set with Lids
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simple and cheap. perfect until they figure out their style.
Room Essentials Polypropylene Dinnerware Sets Gray 20pc
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non-slip bottom is key when you're learning to cook 🔪
OXO Good Grips Cutting Board | Reversible Options & Sizes
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way cheaper than a Keurig and does the job just fine
Coffee & Espresso Makers
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bought these once and never went back to the cheap ones
Scotch Brite Sponges: Zero-Scratch & Heavy Duty Cleaning
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Bathroom Essentials 🛁

My first apartment bathroom had a single towel and a bar of soap. Don't let your grad live like that.

 
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thick, soft, and they hold up wash after wash. get two sets.
Performance Plus Bath Towel - Threshold
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looks way nicer than the clear plastic one everyone starts with
72"x72" Linen Shower Curtain Natural - Casaluna
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nobody wants to clean a toilet but this makes it bearable
Clorox ToiletWand Disposable Toilet Cleaning System
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dries fast and doesn't get that weird mildew smell
Waffle Bath Mat | Absorbent & Non-Slip
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small enough for a bathroom but actually keeps odors in
simplehuman 1.5L Mini Swing Top Trash Can White Steel
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Cleaning Supplies

I had to Google how to clean a stovetop at 22. These products make it pretty foolproof even if you've never cleaned before.

 
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smells like basil and actually works. win win.
Mrs. Meyer's Cleaners | All-Purpose & Multi- ...
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so much easier than a mop and bucket situation 🧹
Swiffer WetJet Floor Mop Starter Kit (1 Spray ...
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keep a tub on the counter. quick wipe after cooking saves so much time.
Clorox Disinfecting Wipes Variety Pack
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the pink grapefruit one smells incredible
Method Cleaning Spray - All Scents, 28 fl oz
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for when they're ready to graduate from the Swiffer lol
O-Cedar EasyWring Spin Mop and Bucket System
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Bedroom Comfort 😴

Sleep quality tanks after graduation because of stress. A good bed setup helps more than people think.

 
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breathable and gets softer every single wash
Casaluna Heavyweight Linen Blend Comforter Sets & Quilts
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these feel way more expensive than they are. seriously.
400 Thread Count Performance Sheet Set - Threshold
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I sleep on my side and this one keeps its shape all night
Machine Washable Medium Down Alternative Pillow - Casaluna
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helped my anxiety during my first year out of school for real
55"x80" 15lbs Micro Plush Weighted Blanket with ...
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essential if they're working weird hours or sleeping in on weekends
Threshold Blackout Curtains: White Aruba Collection
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Little Extras 🎁

These are the things nobody thinks to buy but you end up needing within the first week. Trust me on these.

 
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no holes in the wall. landlords love you.
Command Strips Adhesive for Picture Hanging
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junk drawers happen fast. these prevent the chaos early on
Brightroom Drawer Organizers & Storage Solutions
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good lighting makes a tiny apartment feel so much bigger
Room Essentials Desk Lamps: LED, USB, & Modern Design
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throw blankets, shoes, random stuff. hides clutter instantly.
13.5" x 14.5" Woven Decorative Basket - Threshold
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boring gift but they'll thank you when the remote dies at midnight 😂
20pk Alkaline Battery
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