Key points
Linens, cleaning supplies and toiletries are a must, while plants, posters and desk lamps personalize your dorm.
Opt for space-saving solutions, such as slim hangers and under-the-bed drawers.
Start packing for college at least a month in advance.
Preparing to move into a college dorm can confound the most organized students and caregivers. From extra-long twin sheets to a mini fridge, school supplies and a desk lamp, your college packing list might seem never-ending.
A typical dorm room has a twin bed, desk and closet. “Knowing what furniture is already provided and the available closet, drawer and shelf space will determine how much you can bring with you,” said Ashley Murphy, co-founder and CEO of Neat Method, a national home organization company. “It will also determine what additional storage solutions you may need.”
Below, experts discuss how to pack for college — from dorm room essentials to organization hacks for quick and efficient unpacking once you arrive on campus.
What should you pack for college?
Once you know where you’ll live that first year, make a category-focused list that spans all the essentials. After packing clothes and shoes, ensure you have the following items that will make your transition into dorm life easier.
Bedding
Bedding should be on the top of your college packing list. Most dorm rooms feature extra-long twin beds, which won’t accommodate traditional twin bedding. Since extra-long bedsheets are a dorm room must-haves, purchase these well before move-in day, especially if you’re ordering them on e-commerce sites such as Amazon, as shipping might be delayed due to an influx of orders. Further, consider purchasing fresh pillows and pillowcases to match the sheet sets.
In addition to extra-long twin sheets and a comforter or blanket, a mattress pad can help smooth out a lumpy bed. “Getting good sleep is so important when in college,” said Lisa Greene Smith, owner of Simplify Studio Professional Organizing, a professional organization team that serves Charlotte and Raleigh, North Carolina. “Adding a twin extra-large mattress topper can make a huge difference in making the dorm room bed more comfortable.”
Personal items and bathroom essentials
In addition to tight sleeping quarters often shared with a roommate, dorm rooms may or may not have an attached bathroom. “Sometimes there will be a bathroom adjoining the dorm room, but it is equally common that there will be a shared bathroom down the hall,” Smith said.
Depending on the bathroom setup, shower caddies to hold shampoo and conditioner, a toothbrush and toothpaste can make the trip to the lavatory smoother. A robe and flip-flops are good additions.
Personal items and bath toiletries to pack
- Body wash
- Deodorant
- Facewash
- First aid kit
- Hairbrush
- Hair dryer
- Lotion
- Razors and shaving cream
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
Storage and space-saving solutions
While some dorm rooms offer moderate storage solutions, it’s best to be prepared for your college move-in day and bring space-saving storage solutions. For example, slim hangers can optimize closet space. “Closet space is limited in a dorm room,” Murphy said. “Don’t be swayed by cheap tubular hangers. Spend a little extra and hang more items per inch using a space-saving slimline version.”
Since floor real estate is limited, look vertically — tuck extra drawer units and storage bins under lofted beds. “Adding portable drawer units will help contain clothing and other items and expand storage,” Smith said. “Add bins that can be placed under the bed and on top of the closet or anywhere else that storage can be maximized for storage of snacks, toiletries and any other loose items.”
Plants
While narrowing down your college packing list is important, tucking away a few personal items that reflect the student’s personality and interests can go a long way in making the dorm room feel like a home. Moving plants into a dorm room is one such solution.
Studies show that injecting a dose of nature can go a long way in maintaining focus and balance. “Having plants in a dorm can decrease stress and anxiety,” said Marissa Hagmeyer, co-founder and COO of Neat Method.
Low-maintenance plants such as cacti, succulents and air plants will do well in a sunny spot. “These will survive being left for holiday and spring breaks,” Smith said. But note that certain plants might require a good amount of upkeep — more than some college students might be willing to provide.
Having plants in a dorm can decrease stress and anxiety.
Marissa Hagmeyer
Before you pack up your favorite pothos, consider your roommate and whether he or she may have an allergy.
Miscellaneous items
You’ll want to pack other conveniences and personal touches, say artwork and window treatments, to add a personal stamp. In addition to a desk lamp, pack a clip light that can be fastened to a bed headboard or desk is especially handy for late-night study sessions while a roommate catches up on sleep, Smith recommended.
Nice-to-have essentials
- Chargers
- Dish set
- Power strip
- Tool kit
- Water bottle and water filter
When should you start packing for college?
Begin packing as early as possible. Ideally, you should start at least four weeks ahead of moving into your college dorm, Smith said. “The earlier, the better,” she continued. “Waiting until the last minute results in key items being forgotten and lack of availability and selection of popular and necessary dorm room items.”
By packing weeks in advance you’ll have time to brainstorm and pare down to the items you truly need. What’s more, a four-week window enables students to strategize with roommates on what shared items they can each contribute such as a microwave, dishes or mini fridge, Smith said. This type of planning will enable students to cut down on unnecessary purchases, while also getting to know their future roommate, an added bonus.
Strategic packing can make the dorm room feel more spacious and function better.
How should you move when going to college?
Deciding on the mode of moving depends on the size and layout of your dorm room. You may only need a car to load up linens and bath toiletries for small moves such as this one. Pack the most important items in the car. If you started packing for college early, you can plan to ship certain boxes (or that mini fridge) to the dorm or student housing.
Look for function in items you’re already planning on packing; double a laundry basket as a container for books or stackable items, Murphy recommended.
On the other hand, if your first residence post-high school is an apartment or studio, a moving container or an apartment moving company can do the job. If you plan to go the moving truck route, “stack boxes high and tight to prevent shifting when in motion,” Murphy advised.
To decide on the best option, create a first apartment checklist. “If moving into a one-bedroom, furnished apartment, a moving truck can be avoided and everything can be hauled in a car,” Green Smith said.
What’s next?
Once you’ve arrived at your dorm, unpack right after you clean up the space. You’ll want to pick up cleaning supplies such as paper towels, multipurpose cleaning solution, trash bags and extension cords.
The first thing to tackle should be the bed. “This allows for bulky items like pillows, blankets and sheets to be put in place and make more room for the next unpacking phase,” Smith said. After a long — and oftentimes hot — day of lifting, folding and organizing, having a comfortable and clean bed provides a wonderful resting place.
Next, the Neat Method founders encouraged students to fully unpack a category, starting with what they use most frequently. For example, clothing such as t-shirts or sweaters should be organized and put away before unpacking books. This will help introduce organized systems to the space. “You can visualize the entire category and more effectively designate a home that will fit everything,” Hagmeyer said.
Now that your dorm room is set up, you can start enjoying your freshman year.
