Your Ultimate Dorm Essentials Check List
As soon as you receive an acceptance letter, you start thinking about your dorm room ideas and moving in. Getting ready for dorm life can feel a little overwhelming with so many things to pack.
To make move-in day smooth, think of your dorm as a mini-apartment. It’s your home base on campus, and a place you’ll (obviously) be spending a lot of time — so you want to be sure to have certain comforts and conveniences.
We’ve put together a complete Dorm Essentials Checklist with all the basics you’ll need, based on my family’s personal experiences, and the feedback we’ve received from our “Dorm life on a budget” Facebook community. And the best part? You can download and print it out for free!
Why You Need a Dorm Essentials Checklist
It’s easy to overlook a few things when you’re caught up in the excitement of moving to college. This checklist will make sure you’re covered, from must-have items like bedding and storage to those often-forgotten extras like command hooks and cleaning supplies.
What’s Included in the Checklist?
Our checklist covers essentials in categories like:
- Bedding & Comfort: From sheets to mattress toppers, get the cozy dorm bed setup right.
- Organizational Tools: Think bins, drawer organizers, and under-the-bed storage.
- Kitchen Supplies: Essentials for late night and mid day snacking.
- Electronics & Accessories: Including air purifier, a power strip, and your study light.
- Toiletries & Bath Items: Towels, soap, and all the personal care basics.
Download and Print Your Checklist!
Print it, check it off as you go, and enjoy a smooth move-in day with everything you need in one place. Just click the link below to get your free Dorm Essentials Checklist and start packing like a pro!
Keep in mind
Note that some of these items you’ll only need one of in your dorm room, so coordinate with your roommate and decide who is going to bring what.
Likewise, it’s a good idea to find out what will be provided in your dorm. You can usually find this information in your admissions pack or the college moving list on your school’s website.
What not to pack for college
We recommend that you don’t pack anything that is:
- Prohibited by your college, like candles, halogen lamps
- Too heavy and/or takes a lot of space
- Not going to be needed right away
- A shared item your roommate might be already bringing
Most importantly, try not to stress about purchasing everything you might need before you get to campus. Keep in mind that you’ll be able to order whatever you have forgotten once you’re at school. So enjoy these exciting times and we wish you all the best for your future.
