Your Top 5 College Dorm Check List
It’s finally here. The years of planning, saving and prepping have actually arrived. It’s exciting and whether it’s your only child, first, second, third or last born it is a whirlwind of planning and emotions. Here are our top 5 “they’re moving out of a the house and into a shoe box” checklist to take the angst out of preparation so you can focus more on the joy and excitement of their next great adventure and new chapter!
1 - If possible… reach and meet your dorm-mate! Nothing like feeling welcome and comfortable with a future room-mate that takes the sting out of being ‘dropped off’. It is the ‘Numero Uno’ must do, so please DO NOT skip this step.
2 - Prior to move in - hunt down exact measurements of your dorm room and understand what is already provided and dimensions of EVERYTHING in the room. NOTE: beds are often times Twin Long! Some dorm rooms provide a refridgerator and/or microwave, others do not. Each space is unique.
3 - Understand the logistics of move in day. Map of the campus and location of your dorm. Where you’ll be parking. Be proactive and on the ball. Allow lots of extra time so you aren’t stressing and running around trying to fight for one of those limited roll-y bins for your dorm goods. The families’ nerves are already going to be a hot mess so take the confusion out of the mix for optimal bliss :)
4 - GO SHOPPING! First stop - Cozy neutral bedding and pillows, including a luxurious mattress pad! Remember, dorms are small - too much color and you’ll be overwhelmed. Solid comforters or duvet colors allow that XO College Blanket to pop! Shower caddy and PREFERABLY a monogrammed/ personalized towel so as not to encounter theivery! Do you require a mini-fridge or microwave? Keurig? (this saves students lots of money and time so highly recommend!). Utensils and dishwater (even if you are on that full time meal plan - you’ll most definitely need breaks!) Perhaps divide and conquering purchasing with you new best friend/ dorm mate?! Thank goodness you know what you can fit because you may need to hit the likes of Ikea - masterminds of all things living small or FB marketplace for those who have more patience - for multi-functional storage solutions: under-bed storage containers (Ikea media consoles worked great for us!), over-the-door hooks, collapsible bins (we like the extra extra large ziplock bags that are indestructible and super malleable). Other notable items: cleaning and laundry supplies, all things power supply and medicine/first aid kits.
5 - Finally all the fun stuff and personal touches! Posters, photos, wall decals, indoor plants for that organic element - or faux ones if you prefer as well as fairy lights (we’ve even installed temporary hanging basket light pendants from Ikea! So cute!). Then finally all the necessary installing tools (scissors, packing tape): especially Command Strips which come in every weight, hook size, sticky size imaginable. Overbuy on these wonderful modern marvels. You won’t regret it!
The net net - these are next level exciting upcoming days and months ahead for you and your student. The more you can simplify the process the less stress for all involved on move in day and week. Congrats to all over your grads and entering collegiate.
Live the good life. You might as well… xo, dessira