Is your child heading off to college this fall? Packing for college can be stressful for both kids and parents. Whether your son or daughter will be living in a dorm or an apartment, be sure to share this checklist (for both guys and girls!), so they have all the supplies they need for the big move and a smooth transition!
Bedding
- Sheets and pillowcases (2 sets)
- Pillows (2)
- Mattress pad
- Blankets (2)
- Comforter/bedspread
Bonus Extras:
- Backrest
- Mattress topper
- Bed lifts (if permitted)
Room Décor
- Wall art
- Desk lamp
- Area rug/throw rug
- Picture hangers (wall safe adhesive)
- Small trash can
Bonus Extras:
- Fan
- Clip lamp
- Lounge chair
- Decorative pillows
- String lights
- Over-the-door mirror
- Vanity mirror
- Toiletry organizer/caddy/shelf
Office/Desk Supplies
- Stapler and staples
- Printer paper (if you decide to bring a printer)
- Pens, pencils, and sharpener
- Notebooks
- Sticky notes
- Paper clips and binder clips
- Tape and scissors
- Highlighter pens (multiple colors)
- Electronic storage media (memory cards and USB flash drives)
Bonus Extras:
- Lap desk
- Bulletin board and pushpins
- Dry-erase wall calendar/board
- Stackable desk trays and other desk organizers
Electronics
- Cell phone
- Laptop
- Surge protector
- Extension cords
- Headphones
- HDMI cord, Ethernet cord for the computer (check if your room has wireless)
Bonus Extras:
- Portable speakers (for laptop or MP3 player)
- Television
- Alarm clock (typically used as a backup alarm – cell phone alarms are often used nowadays)
- Printer (campuses usually have computer labs where students can print)
Bath
- Shower caddy
- Shower shoes (flip-flops)
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Bath and face soap
- Travel soap container
- Towel sets (2-3)
Bonus Extras:
- Robe/shower wrap
Toiletries
- Aspirin or other pain relievers
- Vitamins
- Adhesive bandages, antibiotic ointment
- Hairstyling products
- Deodorant
- Cotton swabs
- Toothpaste and toothbrush
- Dental floss
- Comb/brush
- Tweezers
- Nail clippers
- Hair dryer/straightener/curling iron
- Razors and shaving cream
- Lotion and facial moisturizer
Clothing
- Underwear
- Socks
- Pants/jeans
- Shirts/blouses
- Sweats
- Workout clothes
- Pajamas
- Slippers and/or flip-flops
- Sweaters
- Light/heavy jackets
- Raincoat
- Gloves/scarf/hat
- Boots
- Sneakers
- Swimsuit
Laundry
- Laundry hamper/basket
- Laundry detergent and stain remover
- Dryer sheets
- Iron/ironing board
Bonus Extras:
- Lint roller
- Drying rack for laundry
Kitchen/Dining Items
- Small refrigerator (if one isn’t provided)
- Food-storage containers
- Dish soap
- Sponge
- Bowl, plate, and cup
- Coffee mug
- Water bottle
- Travel mug
- Silverware
- Can/bottle opener
Bonus Extras:
- Coffeemaker/hot pot/microwave (if permitted)
Household/Cleaning Items
- Paper towels
- Tissues
- Trash bags
- Lightbulbs
- All-purpose cleaner
- Cleaning cloth
- Broom/dustpan
Bonus Extras:
- Small vacuum
Storage/Organization
- Clothing hangers
- Shoe rack
- Storage bins
- Under-the-bed storage trays
Miscellaneous
- Backpack
- Fitness gear
- Sports equipment
Just in Case
- Safe
- Umbrella
- Mini toolkit (including a screwdriver, hammer, wrench)
