It feels like we are still in the thick of summer, but it’s already time to think about back to school. Many of my friends are sending their kids off to college for the first time, and others of us are sending one of our kids back for another year. Whether moving into a dorm or sorority/fraternity house, there are so many things needed to make their rooms comfortable spaces for a successful year.
I have done this several times now and have compiled a list that I think is very helpful. Whether you are moving a girl or a boy into school makes a huge difference of course, and in my case, always determined the interest level in their involvement with picking things out.
Many of my friends have asked me for this list in the past and after tweaking it a bit, so here it is!
- Zippered mattress cover (a must to prevent bed bugs)
- Twin foam mattress cover
- Twin comforter or duvet with insert
- 2 sets twin or twin XL (depending on school) sets of sheets
- 2-3 pillowcases
- 2 pillows
- Extra blanket
- 2 sets of towels
- Robe/towel wrap
- Shower caddy
- Shower shoes
- 3 extension cords
- 2 power strips
- Clock
- TV (bring an extra long cable cord incase you need it)
- Keurig drink dispenser and pods
- Dorm size fridge
- Refrigerator cart (PB teen and container store have great ones)
- Small microwave (many schools specify the wattage allowed)
- Britta water pitcher and filters
- Rug (many schools offer an option to buy on campus)
- Back of door mirror
- Desk organizer
- Paperclips, tape, stapler, pens, pencils, printer paper, post- its
- Clear small storage bins with lids containing extra toiletries and one with medicine containing Advil or Tylenol, cold medicine, Pepto Bismal, Bandaids, Neosporen, Benedryl, a decongestant, allergy med
- Dust Buster or broom
- Desk lamp
- Clip on lamp for bunk bed
- Door stop (encourage them to keep their door open to meet people)
- Iron or steamer
- Lock box with a combination and a bike lock to secure it to something in the room
- Laundry bag and detergent (also a roll of quarters if needed for laundry)
- Umbrella
- Rain jacket
- Computer/printer
- Flashlight/batteries
- Condoms (have them prepared!)
- See-through storage drawers
- Slim hangers
- Belt hanger
- Command strip hooks in several sizes
- Under-bed storage bins
- Tool kit (hammer, screwdriver, wrench)
- Bed chair pillow
- Box fan or adjustable oscillation fan
- Case of water
- Things to decorate room such as battery-operated lights, photos
- Toiletries (deodorant, soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, makeup wipes, lotion face products, Q-tips)
- Paper towels
- Paper plates, solo cups and plastic utensils
- Microwavable bowl and plate
- Toilet paper
- Kleenex
- Clorox wipes and Windex wipes
- Futon for their room
- Blow-up mattress for when friends visit
- Book bag or backpack
- Snacks including things they can throw in their bag to have readily available: easy mac and microwavable popcorn
The most important thing to remember to bring is your patience, sense of humor and a smile. Emotions will be at an all time high and everyone will be a bit anxious. Happy shopping and I hope everyone’s kids have a super school year!
