The Ultimate College Move In Checklist You’ll Wish You Had Sooner
Not sure exactly what you need to bring to college? Here is the college move in checklist that will make sure you are the most prepared college student on campus.
There’s a lot to keep track of when going off to college, especially all of the items you need to bring for your dorm. The last thing you want to do is forget something important that you can’t live without.
Which isn’t that hard to do when there’s a million things to think about. Not to worry, I’ve got you covered! As someone who does her best to stay organized (and is trying to help you do the same), I created a college move in checklist so you know EXACTLY what to pack.
This post is going to give you the 411 on everything a college freshman needs for their dorm, so you don’t have to stress about packing the right things.
You’re going to find out about the best college move in checklist, college move in checklist dorm room, college move in checklist packing list, college move in checklist for guys, and more.
Here is the college move in checklist that will help you keep track of what’s worth bringing to your college dorm and what you’ll actually use – so you don’t waste any space!
Want to be able to print out this checklist? Grab the free printable version below created for the girl’s!
If you’re a guy, the items you need to bring to your college dorm are going to look a little bit different, so here is a separate college move in checklist for guys!
Top 5 College Dorm Recommendations:
These are the five 100% worth it dorm items that every college student should have! These items are actually worth it and will make your college life a lot more comfortable.
Mattress Protector – If there is one item that you buy for your dorm, let it be this one! This is the mattress protector I bought for my dorm, and I swear it made my dorm bed comfier than my bed at home (which is saying something!).
This single-handedly made my dorm bed feel soooo plush and irresistible. I seriously didn’t know you could sleep so well in a dorm bed!
Command Hooks/Strips – These are a staple for dorms and apartments! You have to be SUPER careful not to damage the walls in the dorms, so for hanging up decor and adding extra storage for bags, hats, and coats, command strips and hooks will be your best bet!
Just be careful taking them off at the end of the year. You definitely don’t want to rip them off, or paint will come off of the walls. Just remember – slow and steady!
Desk Fan – This fan is pretty small, but don’t underestimate its power! It does such a good job at cooling down and circulating the air in your room so it doesn’t feel stuffy. And if you don’t have AC, this is going to be a life saver!
It also makes for great white noise when you’re trying to fall asleep.
Over the Door Mirror – If you want a full-length mirror in your dorm, without sacrificing valuable floor space, an over-the-door mirror will be your best bet!
They won’t take up any additional space in your dorm, but you still get the luxury of a good mirror in your room to get ready in and check your outfits (you don’t want to have to go to the communal bathrooms all of the time just to use the mirror).
Space-Saving Hangers – The closets in dorms are super small, so space-saving hangers will help you fit A TON more clothes into that tiny closet. Storage space is very limited in the dorms, so you have to be smart and use things that help maximize the space in your dorm!
This post is all about the best move in checklist that will make sure you don’t forget anything.
Best College Move In Checklist:
Bedding & Sleep Essentials
1. Twin XL sheets (2 sets)
2. Mattress protector (bedbugs and spills!)
3. Mattress topper (memory foam are the best)
4. Comforter or duvet
5. Pillows (2–3)
6. Pillowcases (2–3)
7. Throw blanket
Bathroom & Toiletries
8. Shower caddy (mesh dries faster)
9. Shower shoes
10. Towels (2 bath, 2 washcloths if you’ll use them)
11. Toothbrush + toothpaste
12. Shampoo + conditioner + body wash
13. Body care products
14. Razor + shaving cream
15. Skincare products
16. Hairbrush/comb
17. Hair tools
18. Hair products
19. Nail clippers + tweezers
20. First-aid kit (band-aids, pain relievers, cold meds)
Clothing & Accessories
21. Everyday t-shirts (x3-4)
22. Tank tops (x3)
23. Going out tops (x3)
34. Pajamas (x2)
35. Jeans (x3)
36. Business pants (x2)
37. Leather pants (x1)
38. Shorts (x3)
39. Sweatpants (x3)
40. Skirts (x2)
41. Bras (x4)
42. Underwear (x14)
43. Socks (x14)
44. Dresses (x2)
45. Raincoat (x1)
46. Winter jacket (x2)
47. Sweatshirts (x3)
48. Light jacket (x1)
49. Blazer (x1)
50. Workout tops (x3)
51. Workout shorts (x3)
52. Leggings (x3)
54. Sports bras (x3)
55. Shower shoes (x1)
56. Everyday sneakers (x1)
57. White sneakers (x1)
58. Running shoes (x1)
59. Winter boots (x1)
60. Going out boots (x1)
61. High heels (x1)
62. Sandals (x1)
63. Frat shoes that you are okay with getting dirty (x1)`
Laundry & Cleaning Supplies
64. Laundry basket or hamper (one that’s easy to carry)
65. Detergent pods or sheets (easier than liquid)
66. Stain remover stick (Tide-to-Go pens also work)
67. Dryer sheets or wool balls (optional)
68. Mini vacuum or handheld vacuum
69. Disinfecting wipes (Clorox)
70. All-purpose cleaner
71. Paper towels
72. Dish soap + sponge
73. Broom & dustpan or Swiffer
School & Desk Supplies
74. Laptop + charger
75. Extension cord/power strip (surge-protected)
76. Notebooks (at least one to have on hand)
77. Pens, pencils, highlighters
78. Sticky notes + index cards
79. Backpack or tote
80. Desk lamp (LED with USB port is ideal)
81. Command hooks/strips (for organization and hanging up decor)
82. Calculator (especially for STEM majors)
Kitchen & Food Supplies
83. Mini fridge (if not provided)
84. Microwave (if not provided)
85. Reusable water bottle
86. Travel coffee mug
87. Utensils (fork, spoon, knife)
88. Microwave-safe bowl + plate
89. Ziplock bags
90. Snacks (granola bars, trail mix, ramen, etc.)
Important Documents
91. Student ID or acceptance letter
92. Driver’s license/state ID
93. Health insurance card + prescription card
94. Immunization records (some colleges require proof)
95. Financial aid documents
96. Bank/debit card
97. Class schedule + dorm assignment info
98. Copies of prescriptions
Room Essentials & Decor
99. Command hooks and strips
100. Storage bins/drawers
101. Under-bed storage
102. Desk fan
103. Full-length mirror
104. Rug (adds comfort + style)
105. Wall decor, photos, posters
106. Alarm clock (or phone stand)
107. Trash can + liners (check to see if your dorm includes a trash can in the room)
108. Bed risers (optional, for more space)
Tech & Electronics
109. Phone charger + extra long cord
110. Headphones or earbuds (you’ll use these all of the time!)
111. Power strip with USB ports
112. Portable speaker
113. External hard drive or USB (optional)
114. Desk organizer with charging station (optional)
Nice-to-Haves (but not essentials)
115. Whiteboard or cork board
116. Mini toolkit (tape measure, scissors, etc.)
117. Lint roller
118. Umbrella
119. Mini sewing kit
120. Safety item (personal alarm, pepper spray)
121. Bluetooth tracker (like Tile or AirTag)
122. Storage ottoman (doubles as a seat!)
This post was all about the best move in checklist that will make sure you don’t forget anything.
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17 Crazy Helpful College Move In Tips That Actually Work
33 Insanely Useful College Dorm Room Essentials Every College Student Should Own
