College Packing Checklist

The number one thing on anyone’s college checklist is a comfortable bed. Make sure you get one that’s perfect for both rest and lounging around. Remember to add the following to your dorm packing list:

• The right twin XL bedding set will make it easy to add style and color to your dorm room.
• Indulge yourself with the best pillows and bath towels you can.
• Add some much-needed support with cushiony twin mattress toppers
• Get a small nightstand to hold dorm essentials like ear plugs, an alarm clock or your favorite midnight snacks.

Tip: Eating in bed is a given in a dorm room. Cover your mattress with a stain-resistant protector.

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 storage.
• Stock a mini fridge with beverages and fresh fruit.
• If permitted, get small appliances like a toaster or small coffee maker.

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.
• Add a floor lamp for a warm, welcoming glow.
• Get a bedside lamp for late night reading.
• Layer in fun with fairy lights or string lights.

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.

• Closet organizers and over-the-door organizers store a lot without taking up a lot of space.
• Use underbed storage bags or containers.
• Use storage baskets for gaming equipment or bathroom accessories.
• Store everything from bags to posters on hooks and wall shelves.
• Storage drawers are a must for small items.

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

• A small ottoman with storage can provide extra seating while keeping books and more out of sight.
• Daybeds supplies 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 desk and comfortable desk chair.
Next, get clutter-free with these stylish accessories.

• Add memo boards and other wall organizers to stay on top of class schedules and more.
• Use a desk organizer.
• Hang wall shelves for books and oversized supplies.

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

• Bring the energy with peel-and-stick wallpaper in a bold color.
• Blend in woven area rugs or patterned throws.
• Choose real or artificial plants, depending on your available time.
• Wall and door mirrors 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 everything from who's bringing the vacuum to how best to divide the room. 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 and paid for.
• Make a cleaning schedule for which tasks need to be done daily, weekly or monthly.
• Consider getting a personal safe for valuables.