What do you actually need to pack for move-in day?
When you’re preparing for the big move – from your high school bedroom to your first college dorm – there are thousands of lists claiming to include “must haves” and “don’t leave home without them” items. Don’t get us wrong… we love a little luxury now and then. In fact, we have made some of those luxury dorm room lists as well.
But here’s the best DORM ROOM PACKING TIP you can ever get:
Space saving is KEY as you prepare to enter dorm life.
Go easy on the packing when you first move in. You can always (and you WILL ALWAYS) pick up other things you come to need once the semester gets underway.
So, what do you actually need to pack to be ready for moving day?
Here’s the most straightforward list of dorm room packing ESSENTIALS you will find.
You won’t find any of the “would be nice” or “I’d love to have” items on this list. Just dorm room packing essentials to get your planning for the big move underway!
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Dorm Room Essentials
Bedding
Comforter
Pillow(s)
Extra blanket for cold nights
Closet/Laundry
Laundry basket/hamper - this one is an awesome choice.
Clothes hangers
Laundry Essentials: detergent, fabric softener sheets.
Room Essentials
Trash can
Dishes – plates, bowls, cups, basic silverware (limit to just a few of each)
Reusable water bottle
Dish soap, sponge
Clothing
Umbrella
Outerwear (depending on where you go to school, you will need a coat or jacket and maybe rain or snow boots)
Running sneakers or versatile shoes for exploring or off-campus activities
"Going out" outfits
"Staying in" outfits
Undergarments
Everyday clothes to wear to class
1 formal outfit or interview-appropriate outfit
Pajamas you're comfortable wearing in front of lots of other people
Bathrobe or cover-up for trips to and from the shower (you likely share a bathroom now!) -- this one is a favorite!
Slippers
Backpack
Toiletries
Towels
Shower caddy - this is a good one to consider.
Shower shoes
Shampoo and conditioner
Hair products
Brush/comb
Deodorant
Razor
Cosmetics
Toothpaste
Toothbrush
Dental floss
Painkillers (Advil, Tylenol, Ibuprofen, etc.)
Q-tips
Paper towels
Toilet paper
Nail clippers
First-aid kit - BandAids, Neosporin
Groceries, Snacks, and Drinks
You don't want to be starving as soon as you get comfortable in your dorm, but most of your full meals will be eaten in the dining hall. Like all things dorm-room-packing related, practicing moderation is key.
Plan to bring some of the most convenient, grab-and-go snacks, foods, and drinks to your dorm room.
Instant noodles and/or oatmeal
Snack like pretzels, Cheez-Its. Granola bars, popcorn
Some of your favorite drinks or water flavor packets
School Supplies
Sigh. Gone are the days of a 64-pack of brand new crayons with the sharpener in the back to start the school year off right. Your college school supply list is decidedly less exciting but essential nonetheless.
Notebooks
Planner
Various writing tools. Can you really ever have enough?
Pens, pencils, highlighters, Sharpies
Post-its, notecards
Calculator (probably wise to confirm if you need one and if a specific model is required before purchasing)
PRO PACKING TIP: If you didn't use it in high school, you probably won't use it in college. That color-coded binder looks awesome and professional, but unless you're serious about revamping your organizational skills in college, it'll probably just take up space.
Essential Electronics
These days, it's pretty much impossible to get through college without electronics. Here's what to add to your college packing list before you head to your dorm for the first time:
Laptop
Noise-canceling headphones
HDMI cable
Chargers, chargers… and maybe one more charger while you’re at it
AA and AAA batteries
Power strips
PRO TIP: Consider bringing a couple chargers for you phone, laptop, etc that are various lengths. You never know how far the plug will be from your nightstand once you get your dorm room all set up.
Important Documents
An extra copy of your high school transcript
Photo ID, driver’s license
Bank cards
Health insurance
Passport
Birth certificate
Social security card – you’ll need this is you get a job.
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