A helpful list of items for your college-bound student to make dorm life comfortable, organized, and feel a little more like home. A variety of options to fit every unique dorm space.
General Tips: - Let your student help with the packing. - Let your student pick out the room decor. - Organize the bags and label them. - Hang clothes, stash them in large trash sacks with the hangers out, then place them in moving bags. - Don't overpack. There will be stores or Amazon wherever they are. - Remember, this is their adventure.
Sections
6
Sweet Dreams
Tiny Room Storage Solutions
Personal Care Essentials
Fluff and Fold
All the Extras
Helping you get it all there
Sweet Dreams
Your student will, of course, need traditional bedding (sheets, pillowcase, comforter). Two sets of sheets are plenty and avoid a light-colored comforter. No need to splurge on bedding (the mattress topper is the exception).
Two sets of sheets and 1 comforter are all they will need.
Twin XL Dorm Bedding
Cute pillows are not only functional, but are a simple way to dress up the bed.
Throw Pillows For Dorm Room
Yes, it's pricey, but there's often a generous coupon available. Dorm beds aren't exactly known for comfort, so it's worth investing in a good mattress topper to help your student sleep well.
Sleepyhead® Gel Memory Foam Topper with CoolTech 2.0 Cover
A mattress protector creates a barrier between your new topper/bedding and the dorm's mattress, keeping everything clean and fresh.
College Dorm Mattress Encasements
It's much easier to wash a pillow protector than a pillow.
Pillow Protectors
A must-have for hot sleepers. Available in many colors and sizes.
Cooling Blanket
1 or 2 cozy pillows will do. Comfort is key, but keep it simple.
Bed Pillows
Tiny Room Storage Solutions
Space saving is crucial in a dorm. Take advantage of every possible space.
Use under-the-bed storage to maximize every inch.
Under Bed Storage
Under bed storage.
4 Cube Stackable Under Dorm Bed Storage Container
This ottoman gives you extra seating and storage (they will probably even use it as a step stool).
Faux Fur Upholstered Round Storage Ottoman
A compact, convenient cart that is perfect for creating a makeshift pantry in the dorm room.
Sywhitta 3-Tier Plastic Rolling Utility Cart
Maximize the space, even the back of doors, with this over-the-door organizer.
Over Door Organizer
Stackable organization.
4 Tier Storage Bins with Lids
A versatile, rolling storage cart for organizing anything from toiletries to socks.
Drawer Tower, 3-Tier Wide Rolling Storage Cart
The perfect bedside solution for keeping phones, books… within reach.
Bedside Storage Caddy
Space saving shelves for jeans, shoes, towels, or anything that doesn't have a designated place.
Hanging Closet Organizer
A simple way to create extra space in tiny closets.
Space Saving Hangers
Hangers might seem obvious, but with limited closet space, slim hangers are a smart choice.
Space-Saving Slim Hangers
An easy solution for more closet space.
Space Saving Hanger Hooks
A great option to optimize closet space.
Legging Organizer
Can always use more closet space.
Multiple Clothes Hangers
Dorm closets often need to hold more than just clothes, so every space saving trick helps.
Top Hanger Space Saving
Over the fridge storage.
Adjustable Shelving
Multiple pocket storage for dorm kitchen supplies.
Fridge Caddy Organizer
Shoe organization.
Expandable Shoe Rack
Personal Care Essentials
Essentials for personal care. Include the obvious necessities, like shampoo, soap, toothpaste,…, of their choice.
A mesh shower caddie is key for quick drainage.
Mesh Shower Caddy Basket
A far better choice than washcloths - hygienic, quick drying, and exfoliation.
Silicone Body Scrubber
Shower shoes are a must even though they are inconvenient, so choose something comfortable and easy to slip on and off.
Quick Drying Shower Shoes
Fill a small medicine bag with their essentials. They don't need a full pharmacy, just enough to get by until they can reach a drug store or clinic.
Medicine Box Organizer
An easy way to help dry hair faster.
Hair Towel Wrap
Fluff and Fold
Hopefully they already know the laundry basics, these tools will actually help them get it done.
These pop up laundry bags stay upright, offer plenty of space, and collapse easily for storage in tight spots.
Collapsible Laundry Basket
Garment steamers are a quick and gentle way to remove wrinkles. They are a safe alternative to irons.
Garment Steamers
An effortless way to erase wrinkles in seconds. The fine mist is gentle and won't soak your clothes. It's a must-have in my travel bag.
Downy Wrinkle Releaser Light Fresh Wrinkle Spray
All the Extras
Everything else they will need to make dorm life easier and more comfortable.
Small trash can only, because big ones can lead to big smells.
Small Trash Can with Lid
A desk light for those all-nighters and last minute cram sessions.
Desk Lamp
A small lock box with a cable and personal combination to store IDs, credit cards, money…
Small Lock Box
Choose a surge-protected power option with plenty of outlets and ports.
10 Ft Power Strip Tower Surge Protector
A more compact, surge protected power option.
Surge Protector Power Strip
Surge-protected, multiple outlet and port options.
Power Strip with Surge Protection
Make sure to include a few LONG phone cords.
Phone Charging Cord
Versatile and practical for storing food, hanging items, and managing everyday items.
Chip Bag Clips
Bring a basic tool kit. Nothing fancy, the RA or front desk will usually have what they need for bigger fixes.
Tool Set
An incredible, powerful, and quiet fan.
WOOZOO Air Circulator Fan
Zip ties always come in handy.
Zip Ties Assorted Sizes
Perfect for keeping cords organized.
6 Inch Reusable Cable Ties
So handy, but understand that some colleges don't allow them.
Command Strips
Just in case they feel the urge to clean (but don't be surprised if they are untouched when you return in the spring to move them back home).
CLOROX Disinfecting Wipes
Help keep their air fresh.
Air Purifier
Perfect for keeping a small room fresh without being overpowering.
Air Freshener
Helping you get it all there
They are packing a full room so have a reliable way to haul it.
These bags are top quality. The reinforced strap wraps completely around the bag, preventing the handles from breaking under heavy loads. I've used them for college move-in, storage, and travel with no issues. Bonus is that they fold down flat for st...
BALEINE 4-Pack Oversized Moving Bags w/ Handles
Compression bags are essential for reducing bulky items.
