Dorm Room Prep: What To Bring And What To Leave At Home
Prepping to move a college student into a dorm room can be daunting, here is what to bring, and what to leave at home.
Prepping to move a first-time college student into a college dorm room can be a daunting task. The average room in these tiny living spaces is generally 230 square feet or less, so it’s important to make sure you are bringing in what’s really needed, and leaving the extra unnecessary odds and ends at home. In this article, we will look at the best ways to prep a dorm room, to maximize comfort and functionality for the ultimate college experience.
Before making any decisions, the first step in planning out what to bring is checking with the school to see what they allow inside the dorm room. For example, items like candles, hot plates, and even incandescent string lights tend to be forbidden because of their chance of catching fire. Likewise, some items you may think you should bring, such as toilet paper products, are already supplied by the school.
As for lighting and outlets, it tends to serve well to consider bringing a power strip and purchasing an additional light source. Dorm rooms are often shoddily lit. Therefore, when it comes time to do homework, read, or even put on makeup, extra lighting comes in hand. For the power strip, look for convenient charging strips that will charge multiple electronics at once.
When it comes to storage, keep in mind that space is limited. If a closet is an option for your dorm room, vertical hanger extenders are ideal for maximizing space so you can hang more clothing and even footwear. Under-bed storage items are also a great tool for storage. And storable cubes can be used for both packing away items and seating space.
For bedding, pay close attention to what the dorm room allows, as some schools have strict rules on what type of mattresses and pads can be used. A few sets of extra long twin sheets work well, and a mattress pad can make the well-used bed feel more comfortable. But when it comes to pillows, try only to bring what will be needed at night, as to avoid having to throw a bunch of pillows on the likely- dirty ground at bedtime.
As for laundry needs, check how far the laundry room is from your dorm room before investing in a hamper. If it’s a far trek, it might be wise to look for something that will be easier to haul, such as ones with rollers, or even a laundry backpack. Another helpful solution is to buy a handheld portable steamer.
Other odds and ends for cleaning and keeping the dorm room tidy are important to consider. A handheld vacuum is a must. Likewise, don’t forget a wastebasket. As for messes, disinfectant wipes are the perfect quick-cleaning solution. While not a necessity, air purifiers can be a lifesaver for foul-smelling spaces from all those other students.
Last but not least, make sure to bring your unique style to the room, in some way or another. College students spend a lot of time in their dorm rooms, so making it feel like home can be a huge mood-bosting bonus. This could mean bringing an artistic poster from your home or even just picking out little odds and ends that bring a pop of bright color to the living space. Overall, moving into this college space shouldn’t break the bank, but should still keep new students feeling a sense of comfort and safety away from college classes.
