The Ultimate Dorm Packing List

If your child is heading to college this fall, you’ll want to be prepared for the move, even if you’re not emotionally ready as parents. Before you buy or pack anything, be sure to check with the school about what items are and are not allowed, as well as what items are already provided. While it is easy to get overwhelmed, remember there are plenty of resources to help you get started. To help with the process, we compiled the ultimate dorm packing list which includes everything you need to send your child off to college right.

Room Needs/Storage
Bedside or desk lamp
Alarm clock/clock radio
Mini trash can
Storage bins
Under-the-bed storage trays
Desk lamp
Fan
Bulletin board and pushpins
Dry-erase wall calendar/board
Mini toolkit (including screwdriver, hammer, wrench)
Self-adhesive wall hooks
Over-the-door wall hooks
Laundry basket

Office/Desk Supplies
Electronic storage media such as memory cards and USB flash drives
Stapler and staples
Printer paper
Pens and pencils
Pencil holder and sharpener
Notebooks
Folder with pockets
Planner or calendar
Journal
Labels of various sizes
3 × 5 index cards
Sticky notes
Paper clips and binder clips
Rubber bands
Tape
Scissors
Highlighters
Ruler
Stackable desk trays
Stamps and envelopes
Laptop
Portable speakers
HDMI cord, Ethernet cord (check if your room has wireless)
Surge protector
Extension cords
2 prong adapters
Headphones
Camera
Cell phone

Linens/Laundry Supplies

Sheets and pillowcases
Towels (3 each of bath, hand, and face)
Pillows (2)
Mattress pad
Blankets (2)
Comforter/bedspread
Clothes hangers
Laundry bag/basket
Laundry detergent, fabric softener, and stain remover
Iron
Lint brush
Mini sewing kit

Shared Items with Roommates
Audio equipment
TV, DVD player, or streaming stick
Small refrigerator
Area rug
Posters/art
Small couch or seating

Clothing and Accessories
Underwear
Socks
Pants/jeans
Shirts/blouses
Sweats
Pajamas
Slippers and/or flip-flops
Sweaters
Light/heavy jackets
Gloves/scarf/hat
1 pair of boots
2 pairs of sneakers or comfortable/walking shoes
1 set of business-casual clothes
1 pair of dress shoes
Swimsuit
Bath robe
Jewelry
Sunglasses
Handbags/wallet
Belt

Toiletries
Antacid
Aspirin or other pain relievers
Vitamins
Antidiarrheal medicine
Band-Aids
Antiseptic ointment
Thermometer
Adhesive bandages, antibiotic ointment
Cough drops
Shower caddy
Shower shoes (flip-flops)
Shampoo and conditioner
Hairstyling products
Bath and face soap
Travel soap container(s)
Toothpaste and toothbrush
Dental floss
Comb/brush
Tweezers
Nail clippers
Hair dryer/straightener/curling iron
Razor and shaving cream
Lotion and/or facial moisturizer
Cotton swabs

Household and Kitchen Items
Paper towels
Trash bags
Lightbulbs
All-purpose cleaner
Plastic storage bags
Food-storage containers
Dish soap
Wet wipes or disinfecting wipes
Tissues
Bowl, plate, and cup
Coffee mug
Water bottle
Silverware
Can/bottle opener
Handheld vacuum or broom

Miscellaneous
Umbrella
Backpack
Sports equipment
Flashlight
Clip-on bed light
Stepstool
Light bulbs