My oldest, Kenya, is off to college this fall. (Insert tons of tears). As a first time college parent, I want to get this right. More than anything, I want him to move into his new space and feel comfortable, at home, and set up to succeed from day one.
Sending your kid off to school is one of those bittersweet milestones, equal parts pride, panic (and an insane amount of Amazon orders and Target runs). Between the emotions of the actual goodbye and strategizing how to fit his entire life into a shared 12x18 room, dorm shopping gets overwhelming. Fast.
So I did what I do: I made a list (maybe at 11pm in a bit of a panic, but I still made a list!).
I have a few mom friends who have been down this road before so I consulted with them, plus a few organization experts, and broke it all down by category so you can shop all in one place without the fear of leaving something important behind.
This is the actual list I’m using to help me stock Kenya’s dorm.
PS: some of the links below are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. I only ever link things I’d genuinely use for myself or my family.
Whether your kid is moving across the country or just down the street, you’ll want durable moving bags that are also easy to store for the trip back home (or into summer storage) at the end of the year.
The extra-long twin is a dorm rite of passage, and good bedding is what makes a tiny room feel like home. The mattress topper is non-negotiable for comfortable sleep, and I’m told they sell out fast, so grab one early.
Extra blanket or throw: breathable cotton or sherpa fleece
Between studying and Zoom calls, the desk gets more use than almost any other spot in the room.
Lock box: book lock box or portable lock box
The stuff that keeps them charged, connected, and entertained.
Portable charger / power bank: shop here
Making a dorm feel personal goes a long way toward easing homesickness.
Posters
Command strips and hooks (a must for damage-free decorating)
Rug
Plants (real or faux)
Candles or a flameless alternative (check dorm rules first!)
Jewelry dish
Framed family photos
Dorm closets are notoriously small, and smart storage is everything.
Shared bathrooms mean everything needs to be portable and quick to grab and go.
A little prep here saves a lot of roommate tension later.
Trash bins (one large, one small for the bathroom or desk)
Trash bags
Dish soap
Laundry bag with backpack-style straps (perfect for the walk to the laundry room)
Laundry detergent
Dryer sheets
Most dorms allow at least a few small appliances, check the school’s list first, then stock up.
Microwave
Ice maker
Cutting board and knife
Beyond the everyday wardrobe, a few category-specific things make freshman year easier:
Slippers
Flip-flops
Game day tops
Game day pants / bottoms
Going-out tops and bottoms
Check the school’s list first. Many colleges restrict certain appliances, candles, or wattages, so always confirm before buying big-ticket items like fridges or microwaves.
Coordinate with the roommate. No one needs two fridges or two microwaves in one tiny room.
Buy slim and stackable. Every bin, hanger, and organizer should be chosen with square footage in mind.
Don’t overpack clothes. Dorm closets are small. A seasonal wardrobe swap over school breaks works better than hauling everything at once.
With this list, I think you’ll be ready to tackle Target or Amazon like a pro, and your freshman will be moved in, organized, and (almost) ready to say goodbye.
Don’t mind me, just gonna have a quick cry into these XL twin sheets!
xo Catherine
Know someone with a kid heading off this fall? Send this their way, it might save them a late-night Google spiral like the one I went down.
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