If you are a parent sending your child off to college, it may be difficult to stay focused and be sure that you have packed the necessities. Between school supplies, clothes, room decor, etc. it is easy to become overwhelmed. Here is the ultimate college packing list with tips and tricks included to make the moving in process stress-free!
BATH AND DORM ROOM
- Bedsheets/Comforter
- Mattress Pad
- Pillows
- Throw Blanket
- Towels
- Storage Bins
- Shower Shoes/Flip-Flops
- Shower Caddy
Pro Tip: When packing at home, organize as much as you can into the storage bins that you buy. This way, when you arrive to the dorm, there is less to carry, and you are just about move in ready. All you have to do is place the packed storage bin wherever you would like to keep it in the dorm.
PERSONAL CARE:
- Body Soap/Shampoo and Conditioner
- Deodorant
- Comb/Brush
- Hair styling tools (if necessary)
- Toothbrush/Toothpaste
- Mouthwash/Dental Floss
- Shaving/Makeup Kit
- First Aid Kit
- Prescription Medications
- Laundry Detergent
- Dryer Sheets
Pro Tip: Consolidate all these items into travel bags. As for the shower items, set up the shower caddy before you leave for move-in so that set up is almost done. When packing this category of supplies, it is useful to go through your daily routine and pay attention to each item that you use to ensure you have everything you need.
ROOM DECOR
- Sticky Wall Mounts/Adhesive Hooks
- Area Rug
- Desk Lamp
- Trashcan
- Bedside Table
- Fan
- Curtains
- Bed Risers
- Over-the-door hanger for coats, etc.
- Laundry Basket/Hamper
Pro Tip: Know that you can always add more decor to your room. Take care of the basics first and then shop for the additions. Your basics should be your starting point when decorating, then you can add in the fun things. For example, pick out the curtains before the wall posters.
DOCUMENTS/ID’S
- Drivers License
- Student ID
- Social Security Number
- Debit/Credit Cards
- Banking Info
- Medical/Dental Cards
Pro Tip: It is not entirely important to have physical copies of all these documents. For example, Social Security Number and banking information can just be saved onto your phone as you will rarely need a physical copy. Physical copies are easy to lose during moving in and out of a dorm. To make things easier to find, purchase a fireproof box to keep all your documents in. This means not only will they be safe in case of an emergency, but they will be harder for your student to misplace.