It can be hard to keep track of everything you need for a smooth move-in day experience, but luckily, we’ve narrowed down the top ten essentials you’ll want to prepare. From storage bins to shower caddies, skim through our list to make sure you’re ready for campus life!
1. Mattress Topper – To add extra comfort and support, add a mattress topper to your bed. They serve a variety of purposes, from temperature regulation to firmness adjustment, and are available at many different price points to fit the budgets of students.
2. First Aid Kit – When you’re feeling injured and sick, the last thing you want to do is leave home to get the care you need. For minor problems, a first aid kit can help you alleviate discomfort.
3. Laundry Bag – It can be hard for students to find time to do their laundry while balancing classes and extra-curricular activities, which can lead to a pileup. A laundry bag makes it easy to load and lug clothing to the nearest washer and dryer while taking up a little space in the closet.
4. Storage Bins – Without an organization system, a dorm room can get cluttered quickly. That’s why storage bins are so essential; they save physical space by allowing you to keep track of your most-used items while keeping the stress of a jumbled room at bay.
5. Damage-Free Hangers – Decorating your new space is an exciting time, but what isn’t as exciting is taking down those decorations, hoping they don’t damage the walls. Pick up a set of damage-free hanging strips or hooks to prevent paint removal while providing strong hold to all your favorite pieces.
6. Earbuds – Studying and sleeping in a new place with new floormates can be challenging, especially if the environment is livelier than you’re used to. A pair of noise-cancelling earbuds can provide the quiet space you need to ease into dorm life.
7. Appliances – Although ready-to-eat snacks are great for busy days, sometimes a hot meal is just what you need. A fridge, freezer, and microwave set, like Bedloft’s Combination Unit, makes it easy to store, cool, and heat your favorite foods in a flash.
8. Shower Caddy – Many dorms provide communal bathrooms for residents, which means that toiletries, towels, brushes, and more must be transported each time. A shower caddy can effectively store all your necessities, and many have waterproof designs for easy reach in the shower.
9. Toolkit – Minor repairs are inevitable with the natural wear and tear of your dorm furnishings, so it's important to prepare ahead of time for when a fix is needed. A basic toolkit can tackle these repairs or provide temporary solutions until a maintenance professional arrives.
10. Cleaning Supplies – In cramped spaces like dorm rooms, it can be easy to miss dirt, dust, and debris that accumulates over time. Pack a cleaning arsenal with supplies like a miniature vacuum, antibacterial spray, and reusable cloths, to stop messes before they start.
