Dorm Room Checklist
Going to college is an exciting and stressful time for students and their families. In most cases it’s the first time a child is going to be away from his or her parents for an extended period of time. Even more stressful for parents it’s the first time you will not have a daily influence on your child’s actions and decisions. If you’re looking to calm your nerves about sending your kid(s) to college then use this move-in checklist as a way to make sure they have everything they need!
Depending on where/how far your kids’ college is it could make sense to purchase some items close to the school (save on shipping costs) or pack seasonally to make travel easier. Also, if you want to ship items to meet you at your residence hall door contact OnDemand Storage. They’ll provide pickup at your home and then affordable and reliable shipping to your son or daughter’s college no matter where it is.
Dorm Room Necessities:
- Bedding (2 sets)
- Drying Rack (for clothing)
- Trash can
- Cork Board (to pin important things)
- Dry Erase Calendar
- Double Sides Tape (Posters)
- Toolbox
- Desk Chair
- Lamp
- TV
- Extension Cord
- Multi- Input Plug
- Mini Fridge
- Microwave
Dorm Room Storage Ideas:
- Storage Bins
- Plastic Drawers
- Bed Risers (creates space under bed)
- Hamper (dirty clothes)
- Jewelry Case
- Shower Caddy
- Coat Rack
- Extra Pole for Closet (create a second level for hangers)
- Backpack
Bedding
- Pillows (and cases)
- 2 Comforters
- 2 Sets of linens
- 5 Towels
- Mattress Pad (you’ll definitely want this!)
Household Items
- Trash Bags
- Sandwich Bags
- Storage bags
- Soap
- Bowls/Plates/Cups (plastic)
- Paper Towels
- Tissues
- Water Bottles
- Plastic Silverware
- Food Storage (plastic container)
Desk Items
- Stapler
- Stick Notes/ Post Cards
- Highlighters
- Pens/Pencils
- Folders
- Binders (three ring)
- Tape
- Scissors
- Flash Drive
- Stamps
- Envelopes
- Bookcase/Hutch
- Printer
Electronics
- Laptop
- Speakers
- Camera
- Nice Headphones
- Surge Protector
Toiletries
- Aspirin
- Vitamins
- Toothbrush/Paste
- Flossers
- Tweezers
- Nail Clippers
- Hair Dryer
- Straightener
- Soap/Shampoo/Conditioner
- Comb
- Shaving Kit
In reality this list could on forever and many campuses have easy access to stores like CVS and Walgreen’s making it easy to get most of the everyday items so don’t stress too much. Many items are often overlooked as they are taken for granted as things we just have around the house. Additionally, there are some other categories to consider like items you may share with roommates. Furthermore, always check with your individual college or university as some items are restricted at different schools (hot plates, coffee pots, etc.). Feeling ready to have the best dorm room on your floor?
One other thing to think about, especially if you go to school further than an hour or two from school is where you are going put everything at the end of the year. One great solution is OnDemand Storage, who provides student storage shipping services nationwide. OnDemand provides free packing boxes, which are distributed via our Box Kit and shipped directly you. On your scheduled pickup day ODS crew members come to your residence hall or off campus apartment and retrieve items you want to put into summer storage. When the new semester begins ODS will deliver your items to your new location even if it’s off campus!
Find your school to see the college student storage prices at your college! If you’re no longer a student and want to learn about moving and storage in Boston (or any other major city) check out this moving checklist.
