We've successfully moved THREE daughters in to college over the last 10 years...some were local move-ins and some were long distance. See my list of recommended items for a successful move-in!
These bags are strong & sturdy and are perfect for packing your "soft" things such as clothes or linens. These bags can also be used as checked luggage if your flying your child in.
TICONN 6 Pack XL Moving Bags with Zippers & Handles
These are great for packing all "non-soft" items, will protect from damage and the clear boxes allow you to easily identify what's inside. Our kids also used these for storage under their lofted bed.
IRIS Stack & Pull Box 53.65QT, Clear, Set of 6
Pro-tip: Mark all your child's bins/boxes/bags with their Name, Dorm and room # (if you know it), as well as a description of the contents...makes unpacking easier. We liked using different colors for different categories such as bedding, bath, schoo...
Craftzilla Colored Masking Tape – 6 Roll Multi Pack
You can never have too many Sharpies! Use these to mark bins/boxes/bags
SHARPIE Permanent Markers Variety Pack, 6 Count
When moving your student in, you WILL need a tool kit for something, and this one has all the basics you would need!
DNA MOTORING Blue 39 PCs Portable Tool Kit
My girls have loved these! Make sure to check the size you need...most dorms are Twin XL beds.
Linenspa 2 Inch Gel Swirl Memory Foam Topper, Twin XL
A mattress cover is essential...helps to keep the mattress pad from sliding around in those plastic mattresses! Again, make sure you check for the correct size to order.
Twin XL Waterproof Mattress Protector, White
These are good basic sheets - make sure you order the correct size - most dorm beds are Twin XL. I recommend 2 sets...easier for when they wash their sheets (ha, ha) or if they're sick and have an accident, they've got a clean set available.
Amazon Basics Microfiber Bed Sheet Set, Twin
This is a great basic comforter, you can dress it up with a throw blanket! Be sure to order the correct size...it never hurts to go a little bigger so it hangs down (in place of a bed skirt).
BEDELITE Twin XL Comforter Set 5 Pieces
Cozy throw blanket! Can also be used in a pinch in place of comforter if needed!
Utopia Bedding Fleece Blanket Throw Grey 300GSM
This shower candy is great because it can be thrown in the washing machine to be cleaned if it gets yucky!
EUDELE Mesh Shower Caddy Portable, 8-Pocket
Soft, absorbing towels. Good quality, but doesn't hurt the wallet if you need to throw out at the end of the year because your child "didn't know I had to wash towels!", lol.
MOONQUEEN Ultra Soft Towel Set - Quick Drying
As a family, we're big fans of these electric toothbrushes! This is a reasonably priced model, but there are certainly better models for more money available.
Philips Sonicare 4100 Rechargeable Toothbrush, Black
This is a great mirror for girls that have a community bathroom, easily fits on their desk or dresser in their room.
Makeup Mirror Vanity Mirror with Lights, 2X 3X 10X Magnification, Lighted Makeup Mirror, Touch Control, Trifold Makeup Mirror, Dual Power Supply, Portable LED Makeup Mirror, Women Gift (White+10X)
This is a great makeup organizer that can double as a desk organizer.
STORi Chloe Stackable Makeup Holder & Drawer Set
This kit has most of what you need! I also put a little box together with Cold/Flu meds, Allergy meds, cough drops, tissues, thermometer, Advil, Tylenol, Motrin, etc...whatever your child uses most commonly at home, because THEY WILL GET SICK!
275Pcs Travel First Aid Kit for Car Emergencies
Love the slim design of this laundry bag! My daughter brought hers home after freshman year to keep here and bought a new one for sophomore year!
Caroeas X-Large Slim Laundry Basket 27.5"
These tension rods are great to hand curtains in windows, cover closet openings or use in the shower (if your child has their own). Just be sure to check the size you need before ordering.
Zenna Home Tension Shower Curtain Rod, White
My kids use blackout curtains at home, so they were a MUST at college! Be sure to check the size you need before ordering
LEMOMO Blackout Curtains 52x84 Black Set of 2
With a lack of dresser drawer space, my daughter hangs a lot of clothes, but also has a small closet space, so we've found these to be great to maximize the space!
HOUSE DAY Plastic Space Saving Hangers 12 Pack
Great storage solution for shoes!
Whitmor Hanging Shoe Shelves - 8 Section - Grey
If you need more dresser drawers space.
YOUDENOVA 6-Shelf Hanging Closet Organizer, Black
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These are great for closet shelf organization or under bed storage!
STORAGE MANIAC 11 Inch Collapsible Storage Bins
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Another option for more dresser drawer space. This fits nicely under a listed bed or in a closet, can also be used as a nightstand.
BECENBIN 3 Drawer Plastic Storage Cart, Black
More storage, but doubles as a step stool...perfect for when your bed is lofted!
Cosaving Folding Storage Ottoman Cube, Grey
You'll never know you need these until your student locks themselves out of their room when running to the restroom down the hall, or steps out of their suite for a second and the door closes behind them. Also great for the first few weeks when you w...
3 Pack Rubber Hook Door Stoppers 1 Inch Thick
Most colleges DO NOT want you putting holes in the walls, most walls are concrete, and you WILL get fined at the end of the year for homes or paint that peeled off from using tape or glue. The best solution is using command strips to hand decoration...
Command Variety Pack, Picture Hanging Strips
Keep photo memories alive while away from home!
BRYUBR Photo Clip String Light - 33Ft 100LED
Whether your child's room has carpeted floors or not, this area rug will make it feel cozier!
Andecor Soft Fluffy 4x6 Shaggy Area Rug, Grey
Even if your child's room isn't hot, this fan provides great white noise to drown out loud neighbors.
Lasko 20″ Weather-Shield Performance Box Fan
I'm not a Mac fan, but the kids sure are! This one is a great deal!
Apple 2020 MacBook Air M1, 13", 8GB, 256GB, Gray
My girls love dressing up their Mac Books with with these protective covers.
MOSISO MacBook Air 13 Case 2018-2022, Airy Blue
Ear buds are a must have for watching tv or zoning out and listening to music!
Apple AirPods 3rd Gen with Lightning Case
Recommend getting a couple of these surge protectors, you always need extra outlets!
Addtam Power Strip Surge Protector, 6 Outlets, 3 USB
Great portable speaker! JBL speakers sound great!
JBL GO2 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Love this desk lamp...gives off good light when you are up late studying and don't want to keep your roommate awake.
EASTAR LED Desk Lamp with USB & Wireless Charger
Keep your desk organized!
Mindspace Desk Organizer with 6 Compartments
This whiteboard is great for keeping assignments and priorities available at a glance!
Get two of these if your student also has their own bathroom!
HMQCI Small Trash Can, 1.5 Gallon Capacity
Basic school supplies - this is a great starter pack for the first week of classes before your student really knows what they need!
14 Piece Student Grade School Supplies Kit
This is a great vacuum for a dorm room, just be sure to check with roommate(s) so you don't have doubles!
EUREKA NES100 3-in-1 Handheld Vacuum, Aqua Blue
Not a necessity, but helpful if your child suffers from seasonal allergies or is prone to being sick. Dorms get so dry, especially in the winter months.
Livatro 4L Top Fill Cool Mist Humidifier, White
Not a necessity, but super helpful if your child is attending school where it's prone to mold, allergies or a bunch of roommates...helps to clear the air a bit!
LEVOIT Air Purifiers for Bedroom, HEPA Filter
Coordinate with roommate(s) beforehand, but this is a great size fridge for dorms!
Upstreman 3.2 Cu.Ft Mini Fridge with Freezer
Coordinate with roommate(s), this is a great microwave that easily fit on a countertop or on top of a mini fridge for those late night snacks!
Farberware 700W 0.7 cu ft Microwave, Retro Black
I love this space-saving Keurig, a must have for coffee drinkers!
Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker, Single Serve, Black
Unbreakable! If your child has the ability to cook in their dorm or apartment, this set is great!
Wheat Straw Dinnerware Sets for 4 (Gray, 24pc)
Very cool, decorative alarm clock for those who don't use their phone as an alarm.