The Ultimate Dorm Shopping Spreadsheet: Simplify College Prep with Our Free Template
Getting ready to send your child off to college? Congrats—this is a huge milestone! But I know it also comes with a lot of to-dos, especially when it comes to setting up a dorm room. From bedding and storage to tech and toiletries, the shopping list can feel endless and overwhelming.
That’s why we created a free, easy-to-use Google Sheets template to help you stay organized (and sane!) while preparing your freshman for dorm life…all while making sure you stay in budget.
Welcome to Dorm Life Simplified—your go-to guide for stress-free college prep.
✅ Why Use a Dorm Shopping Spreadsheet?
Let’s be real: dorm shopping isn’t just one big Target haul. It’s multiple trips, online orders, budget planning, and lots of little things that are easy to forget. Our spreadsheet makes it simple to:
- Keep Track of Everything: From the big stuff (like a mini fridge) to the must-haves (like shower shoes), every item has a place.
- Stick to a Budget: Add prices and keep an eye on totals so spending doesn’t get out of control…girl moms I can see you!
- Avoid Duplicates: Coordinate with roommates and avoid doubling up on items like microwaves or standing mirrors.
- Check Things Off: Enjoy that satisfying feeling of marking something as done. Aaahhhh the satisfaction!
🧾 What’s Inside the Template?
Our Dorm Shopping Checklist Spreadsheet is broken down into practical categories like:
- Bedding
- Storage & Organization
- Bathroom & Toiletries
- Electronics
- Cleaning Essentials
- Laundry Supplies
- Miscellaneous (because there’s always something extra!)
You’ll find pre-filled suggestions, but you can easily customize it to fit your student’s needs.
📂 How to Use It
- Click the link to open the spreadsheet: Dorm Shopping Template
- Click on Use Template on the top right hand side of your screen.
- Edit as You Go: Check off purchased items, track costs, and add custom notes or links.
- Share with Your Student: Collaborate in real time and make sure nothing gets missed!
💡 Pro Tip: Start Early, Shop Smart
The best time to start dorm shopping? Early summer. Inventory goes fast, prices fluctuate, and back-to-school season sneaks up quickly. Having a central tracker like this one means you can:
- Plan purchases over time
- Take advantage of sales
- Spread out the spending
- Reduce stress for both you and your student
📥 Grab Your Free Dorm Shopping Template Today!
Click below to start using the spreadsheet that’s already helping families feel confident and organized heading into college move-in day:
👉 Download the Dorm Shopping Spreadsheet
Dorm life doesn’t have to be chaotic. With a solid plan and a smart checklist, you’ll help your student feel at home from day one—without the last-minute scramble.
Need more dorm tips? Join our Facebook group Dorm Life On A Budget for shopping advice, budget deals and discounts, and move-in day hacks!
