College Packing Checklist

No college checklist is complete without food and snacks. Small appliances make heating or cooking your favorites quick and easy. Keep yourself refueled and refreshed by creating a cooking area:

• Place a microwave on a cart that doubles as a place to store plates, mugs and kitchen utensil sets.
• Stock a mini fridge with beverages and fresh fruit.
• If permitted, small appliances like a toaster or small coffee maker will make getting up early more convenient.

Safety Tip: Make sure to check your particular school's rules concerning which small appliances are allowed in your dorm.

Besides your laptop, you’ll need tech to make sure your devices stay powered up and connected. Put these on your college packing checking list:

• A power strip with surge protection
• One or two extension cords
• A separate alarm clock in case your phone dies
• Wireless chargers
• Smart speakers

In a dorm room, lighting can be practical and decorative. Start with functional pieces like a desk lamp for studying and a floor lamp for a warm, welcoming glow. Think about adding a bedside lamp. It's ideal for late night reading and won’t bother your roomie. Layer in fun with fairy lights or string lights. Choose colorful ones and install them behind your desk, across the ceiling or over your bed.

Organization is the key to making a small space clutter-free and comfortable. Put plenty of these space-saving storage solutions at the top of your college packing list.

• Over-the-door organizers store a lot without taking up a lot of space.
• Use containers or bins under your bed for extra bedding or bulky items.
• Stackable bins and containers are great for shoes, gaming equipment or bathroom toiletries.
• Store everything from bags to posters on hooks and wall shelves.
• Storage drawers are versatile enough to store small or large items.If you have sports equipment, get a small hall tree or bike rack.

Double up on storage and seating with multifunctional furniture. Compact and hardworking, these space-saving superstars deserve a place on your college essentials list:

• Storage ottomans provide extra seating while keeping books, robes, blankets and more out of sight.
• Daybeds provide a good night’s sleep and the perfect place to hang out.
• Convertible chairs easily transform from a guest seat to a guest bed.
• Futons are a classic way to have your sofa and sleeper too.

Create a study space that passes the test. Start with a comfortable desk chair. Next, get clutter-free and stay that way with these stylish accessories.

• Add memo boards and other wall organizers to stay on top of class schedules and more.
• Use a desk organizer for scissors, pens and other office supplies.
• Try small, stackable boxes or letter trays for paper and notebooks.
• Hang wall shelves for books and oversize supplies.

Dorm rooms can be basic and ordinary. Make yours stand out with a great color scheme and striking decor.

• Bring the energy with removable wallpaper in a bold color or keep things calm with earthy neutrals.
• Texture can give smaller spaces more depth. Blend in woven area rugs or patterned throws.
• Nothing adds life like greenery. Choose real or artificial plants, depending on your available time.
• Wall and door mirrors brighten a room and can make it feel more spacious.

Here’s some communication and organization tips to help you and your roommates create a comfortable living space.

• Get together and talk about how best to divide the space. Take into consideration each other’s personal space preferences. Even in small rooms you should allocate areas for different activities such as entertaining.
• Share storage space for common items such as laundry supplies or cleaners.
• Decide how food, snacks and beverages will be divided up and paid for.
• Make a cleaning schedule. Decide what tasks need to be done daily, weekly or monthly.
• Do check-ins regularly with one another to improve or change house rules.
• Consider getting a personal safe for valuables.