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Your Guide to Everything Dorm Shopping
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items Everything I purchased for a college freshman dorm move-in! I felt like we were super prepared and honestly move-in day was a breeze!
Have at home and sent to college! This is something a kid may or may not use - you can always wait and see. I do think this is something a dorm room only needs one of - there are lots of things like this so it can be helpful to arrange with your room...
Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam Handheld Garment Steamer
Also good storage for things like blankets, extra bedding, towels, etc. It is lined with a plastic bin so it won't get damaged from wet towels or anything like that. I recommend getting a laundry hamper that isn't TOO big or the laundry will just pil...
Woven Paper Dot Floor Kids' Hamper
I'll admit - not the prettiest but it is totally functional and its great that you can just put it away when you're not using it. Check out the laundry situation - if its the same floor or you can use an elevator something on wheels might be nice but...
Backpack Laundry Bag Textured Gray - Brightroom™
I'm not sure that this is true for every school but most machines do not take liquid so pods are a great solution. I think its also nice just to be able to grab one and take to the laundry vs. having to haul a big thing of liquid or powder.
Tide Oxi Boost Power HE Deep Cleaning Concentrated Laundry Detergent Pods
We went with a duvet cover and insert because its so much easier to take the cover off and wash vs. having to wash an entire comforter. And then we went with down alternative so it would also be easier to wash and not have to worry about dry cleaning...
Classic Down Alternative Comforter
I don't care if you're in one of the dorms that says it has tempurpedic mattresses - you're going to want a mattress topper! Keep in mind you are most likely going to toss at the end of the year because its just way too much of a pain to store over t...
Twin XL 4" Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper with Breathable Cover - Lucid
This will be the first thing you put on the bed. We wiped down the mattress with a clorox wipe and sprayed with lysol, let it dry for a few minutes and then put this puppy on!
Waterproof Zippered and Bed Bug Mattress Protector Encasement
How we made up the bed - mattress protector, mattress topper, mattress pad, sheets. I suggest making up the bed sooner rather than later because it gets so much stuff off the floor and out of the way!
Quilted Hypoallergenic Down Alternative Fiberfill Fitted Mattress Pad - Twin XL, White
The height of this is great for a nightstand - especially if the bed is going to be higher. It is HEAVY so if you're going to be walking up stairs with no help, I would probably pass on this. We took already assembled because car space wasn't an issu...
ALEX Drawer unit with 9 drawers - white 14 1/8x45 5/8 "
Pretty sure every dorm room in American needs these! If you are raising the bed, they are great to put underneath. I think we used 4? I used 2 back to back and zip tied them together. Since they're on wheels, they're easy to pull out and spin around!...
3 Drawer Wide Cart - Brightroom™: Plastic Storage - Target
I know there are a zillion varieties of these but I like this one from Michael's in particular because they make accessories to go with it - think dividers and things of that nature. We ended up with two of these - one for snacks, drinks, etc and ano...
Lexington 3-Tier Rolling Cart by Simply Tidy®
Go vertical with storage wherever you can!! I originally purchased a two tier and then it dawned on me that vertical storage is king in a dorm room!
Entryway 4-Tier Shoe Rack Organizer
Luggage is one thing that can be easily forgotten - but you also may or may not need it. If you need something large, do not get a giant hard-sided suitcase. You will have no where to store it. This folds fairly flat and can be slid under the bed. I ...
Adventure Rolling Duffle Bag, X-Large, 95L
Perfect for a vanity, bathroom counter or desk. Note that not all bathroom's have storage. We ended up using the desk as a combo workspace and vanity space. We don't have a lot of makeup so this was actually perfect for school supplies! You could buy...
Bathroom Plastic 9 Slot Mixed Cosmetic Vanity Organizer - Brightroom™
These are so great on the top shelf of a closet. Towels, extra bedding, heavier sweatshirts all fit perfectly!
Y-Weave XL Curved Decorative Storage Basket White - Brightroom™: Plastic Bin
You'll want a variety of sizes for these! But double check with your school before buying because some require a different brand. Also - these don't work well on bumpy walls so keep that in mind too!
Command Clear Variety Pack: Damage-Free Hanging
Great option for an inexpensive storage ottoman. If your bed is lofted, you'll probably use this as a step up and this one was very sturdy! Comes packed flat so I would either move it like that or pop it open and stuff it with something like blankets...
Poppin Box Seats - Storage Ottoman
We used this mounting putty in combination with the Command Strips! I'm sure its possible but I've never heard of anyone having damage with this stuff and I use it around my house too.
Gorilla Mounting Putty, Tan, 168 Pre-Cut Squares
It is nice to have things that are rechargeable because outlets seem to be at a premium in dorms! The light is adjustable on these and you can choose one of two heights.
2 Pack Gold Rechargeable Cordless Table Lamps