Dorm Room Checklist: A Practical Guide for Moving to College Created by parents and students who have navigated move-in weekend first year, our dorm room checklist is a practical guide to make planning, organizing, packing, and unpacking for campus living less chaotic. While the essentials listed may seem like a lot to pack and haul to your college campus, most are compact and easily stored in containers under the bed or in the closet of your freshman dorm room. Keep in mind, you'll be adjusting the list based on your needs, but it's a good starting point that also includes a to do list of often overlooked action items. Let's get started. Steps to better plan and organize your move to campus: Check your school housing policy for what to bring and what not to bring to campus, adjust the list. Make space at home to pack your dorm room essentials. Inventory items you have at home then create a shopping list and budget. Check items off as acquired. Number your boxes. As you pack each item, mark its box number on the checklist to quickly locate essential items when you arrive on campus. Note that box size and weight matter if you must carry it a long distance to your residence hall or up the stairs to your dorm room. Finally, use the checklist as an inventory for your school property insurance, keep your receipts. Dorm Room Bedding (check mattress size with college) 2 Sheet Sets (extra pillowcases) Blanket Duvet & Duvet Cover Set or Comforter Set Mattress Pad Pillows (for sleep and to transform bed into daytime seating) Mattress Cover (bedbug protection) Foam Topper Soft Throw (for lounging and outdoor events) Copyright DormSmart.com, L.L.C. All Rights Reserved. www.dormsmart.com First published 12/23/2009. Last updated 09/16/2018. 1
Dorm Size Cooking/Eating Supplies UL Listed Compact Refrigerator or Microfridge - consult BPA Free Microwave Safe Dishes (2 large plates, 2 small plates, 2 bowls) UL Listed Auto Shutoff Small Coffee Maker (NO Hot Plate) - consult 2 4 Break Resistant Tumblers 2 Reusable Water Bottles Insulated Travel Cup Water Pitcher (must fit dorm size refrigerator) Eating Utensils (2 forks, 2 teaspoons, 2 tablespoons, and 2 butter knives) BPA Free Microwavable Cookware (e.g., Fasta Pasta) Can Opener Measuring Cup (microwavable) Paring Knife (check school policy) or Peeler Salad/Spaghetti Tongs Spatula/Turner Dorm Sink Stopper (if needed) - consult Dish Liquid BPA Free Storage Containers (square saves space) Chip Clips Measuring Spoons Pizza Cutter Small Funnel Colander (collapsible saves space) Dish Scrubber 2 Pot Holders 2 Dish Towels Trash Bin - consult Trash Bags Disposable Plates and Utensils (if preferred) Coffee Supplies Paper Towels Study Snacks/Food/Bulk Snacks (save money) Bulk Drinks (e.g., bottled water to store under your bed) Storage Bags (e.g., store food, toothbrush, and toiletries, change to reduce germs) Copyright DormSmart.com, L.L.C. All Rights Reserved. www.dormsmart.com First published 12/23/2009. Last updated 09/16/2018. 2
Cleaning UL Listed Compact Vacuum Cleaner - consult Cleaning Products (include a few old cleaning rags) Bucket with Lid (safely store cleaning and laundry products) Toilet Brush (if en-suite bathroom) - consult Computing 2 Ethernet Cables 14ft and 25ft (when wireless fails, run 1 cable to the desk and 1 to your bed) Laptop/Tablet Sleeve (protection when running around campus) UL Listed Surge Protectors with Overload Protection (flat plugs save space) Computer - check compatibility requirements with school Computer Bag/Bookbag (must hold school supplies and computer) Compact Printer with Cable (for procrastinators) - consult Printer Ink and Paper - consult Dorm Room Décor Area Rug - consult Lightweight Message Boards) 3M Command Strips for hanging wall decor (save dorm room deposit) Photos from Home (digital photo frames save space) Message Board Accessories (e.g., dry erase markers or chalk and eraser) Wall Decor (e.g., removable and reusable wall decals and break resistant mirror) Copyright DormSmart.com, L.L.C. All Rights Reserved. www.dormsmart.com First published 12/23/2009. Last updated 09/16/2018. 3
Dorm Room Friendly Electronics (UL Listed) Alarm Clock (consider using phone) TV Combo (whatever your needs, just dorm size) - consult Cable Splitter (if you do not want to share) Surge Protector with Overload Protection - check school housing policies UL Listed Air Cleaner - consult Pest Control - check school policy and consult UL Listed Bedside Table Lamp (no halogen) Inexpensive Camera (consider using phone) Portable Music Player (consider using phone) Noise Canceling Headphones (tune out noisy residence halls) Extra Cable (depends upon location of cable tv outlet) UL Listed Fan - consult Removable Tap Lights for Closet (if needed) UL Listed Desk Lamp (no halogen) Electronics Charger(s) Extra Batteries Dorm Room Furniture (Check to see what your school provides for students.) Bed Bedside Table (one that provides additional storage) Desk and Chair Extra Seating (space permitting) Laundry Supplies UL Listed 3-Way Auto Shutoff Iron or Steamer - consult Hangers (hanging clothes saves space) Ironing Board - consult Folding Dry Rack (for drying sweaters or fine washables) Copyright DormSmart.com, L.L.C. All Rights Reserved. www.dormsmart.com First published 12/23/2009. Last updated 09/16/2018. 4
Sweater/Delicates Wash Bag Set Lint Roller Laundry Staples (e.g., detergent, softener, color bleach, and stain remover) Sewing Kit Laundry Hamper (e.g., pop up, folding, or backpack) Safety and Security College First Aid Kit Pain Relief Medicine Hand Sanitizer (use after class or lab, before touching your face or food) Laptop Lock Dorm Room Safe/Lockable Storage Flashlight Compact Tool Kit Umbrella Sun Screen Flu and Cold Season (e.g., meds, cough drops, and thermometer) Multivitamins or Vitamin C Prescriptions Bicycle Lock Defensive Spray or Alarm - check school policies and state and local laws Key Chain Rain Poncho Rain Boots (must have in areas like New Orleans) Sun Hat (ideal for outdoor activities in hotter climates) Shower Supplies Waterproof Shower Bag or Caddy (quick drying) Spa Wrap or Robe 2 Each Bath Towels, Hand Towels, and Washcloths or Scrubbies Slippers Copyright DormSmart.com, L.L.C. All Rights Reserved. www.dormsmart.com First published 12/23/2009. Last updated 09/16/2018. 5
Shower Shoes Bath Mat (if needed) - consult Hair Products (e.g., shampoo, conditioner, styling products) Shaving Cream Toothbrush/Toothbrush Holder Mouthwash Deodorant Q-tips Manicure Kit Extra Toilet Paper Personal Toiletries (e.g., makeup and other personal items) Shower Curtain (if needed) - consult Hair Appliances Razor or Shaver Shower Soap Toothpaste Dental Floss Foot Powder (be kind to your dorm mate) Tweezers Air Neutralizer (kill odors) Disinfectant (kill bacteria) Tissues Storage and Organization Storage Bins (collapsible bins on shelves, under your bed, and in the closet) Under Bed Storage Hanging Storage (check your closet dimensions) Over the Door Storage Hooks (hang book bags, purses, jackets, and wet towels) Lockable Trunk (for secure storage, travel, and extra seating) Bed Risers (check school policy and dimensions of bed posts) Storage Caddies (for school supplies, hair appliances, or makeup...) Space Bags (minimizes bulky clothing or blankets when not in use) Clothing Bag (protection for dress clothes) Copyright DormSmart.com, L.L.C. All Rights Reserved. www.dormsmart.com First published 12/23/2009. Last updated 09/16/2018. 6
Getting Around Campus Bicycle (inexpensive bike to get around on or near campus) Bike Accessories (e.g., helmet, lock, basket, repair kit, pump) School Supplies (Can you utilize electronics in your classrooms?) 6 College Ruled Notebooks 6 Folders 6 Report Covers Stapler Staples Staple Remover 3 Hole Punch Scissors Index Cards Tape Post-it Notes Standard #2 Pencils (testing) Highlighters Calculator Paper Clips Desk Organizers Tape Dispenser Push Pins Pens (red, black, blue) Erasers Ruler Rubber Bands Binder Clips Academic Planner Everything Else (includes to do action items) Proof of Health Insurance Accident/Theft Insurance Evaluate/Adjust Mobile Phone Coverage/Pack Charger Immunization Records Emergency Contact Card Open Bank Account/Get a Bank Card Copyright DormSmart.com, L.L.C. All Rights Reserved. www.dormsmart.com First published 12/23/2009. Last updated 09/16/2018. 7
Establish a Monthly Budget Coins (if no card system) Register Vehicle with School/Obtain Parking Permit Equipment for Activities (e.g., music, sports, cheerleading) Add Money to School Card (e.g., campus purchases, services, and laundry) Register Bicycle Cool Weather Items (e.g., coat and jacket for early fall) Clothing & Accessories (e.g., casual, dress, workout, avoid expensive jewelry) Luggage (for travel over school breaks) Moving Your Essentials to Campus If needed, reserve your moving trailer or transport early! Don't forget a dolly. Moving Supplies (e.g., boxes, packaging materials, tape, sharpie, and toolkit) A few tips for a successful move-in weekend Move-in weekend is busy! There are thousands of boxes arriving on campus with many students trying to locate them. Exactly why you should use your dorm room checklist to prepare for your move to college. Whenever possible, it's best to purchase your dorm room essentials early, pack them in an organized fashion, and accompany them to their final destination, your dorm room. If you must ship your dorm room essentials to campus, remember to: Use your campus shipping address; and Give yourself plenty of time to locate your items (mark them on your list). When you arrive on campus, there's a lot to do to settle-in, all while participating in mandatory activities such as freshmen orientation. It's best to allow your family to help you unpack, organize, and style your dorm room into a home away from home to save time and get the best start for Monday classes. It makes the transition to college life more comfortable for everyone, especially you. Don't forget this move is also a big change for your family so put them at ease by communicating often. Have a successful year at college! Copyright DormSmart.com, L.L.C. All Rights Reserved. www.dormsmart.com First published 12/23/2009. Last updated 09/16/2018. 8