By now, you've probably started to think about packing for college. While it's easy to get overwhelmed, remember that you're just going to college - not Mars.
Every school year, tons of students pack too many items in fear that they won't be prepared. Your move back, shouldn't require moving trucks or a moving company!
When box packing, remember if you do forget an essential, you can always ask someone to send it, bring it whenever they visit or pick it up the next time you head home.
Follow this list to help ensure you've packed all the essentials without over-packing. You can also download the checklist here.
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Always Ask First!
Before bringing any of the following items, contact your school's housing office and ask about the rules and regulations within the residence halls.
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College Apartment Packing Checklist:
- Comforter/Bedspread
- Pillows
- Sheets (Check to see if they need to be a special size)
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- Bed risers (If your bed isn't a loft)
- Book light
- Hangers
- Crates or stacking storage containers
- Microwave or Instant Pot
- Mini-Refrigerator
- TV/DVD Player/Movies
- Fan
- Stereo/Speakers
- Shelving
- Facial Tissues
- Laundry basket/bag
- Laundry detergent
- Stain remover
- Rolls of quarters (If necessary for laundry)
- Dryer sheets
- Cups, dishes & silverware for in-room snacks
- Reusable water bottle and coffee mug
- Plastic containers with lids
Bedroom
- Shower caddy
- Shampoo/conditioner
- Soap/body wash
- Towels (Bath, face, washcloths)
- Shower shoes
- Bathrobe
- Deodorant
- Shaving Cream / Razors
- Make-up
- First-aid kit
- Feminine Products
- Cold and pain medicine
- Hair dryer (Straightener, Curling Iron)
- Hairbrush/comb
- Cotton swabs, cotton balls, etc.
- Sewing kit (with safety pins)
- Lint brush
- Wrinkle release
Personal Care
- Video Games and Gaming Console
- Posters/art
- Framed photos with family, friends, roommates
- Dry erase board (For messages from friends)
- Deck of cards, Board Games
Other Fun Items to Consider:
- Comfortable clothes/shoes for class
- 1 interview outfit
- 1 dressy outfit (For formal events)
- Work out clothing/shoes
- 1 bathing suit/beach towel
- Light jacket for early fall/spring
- Raincoat, rain boots, umbrella
- Slippers
- Winter coat
- Winter hat, scarf, gloves, boots
Apparel
- Computer/laptop
- Computer/laptop case
- Wireless mouse
- Keyboard
- Lap desk
- Stereo/Speakers
- Tablet or E-reader
- Desk organizer
- Binders, folders
- Printer
- Printer and ink cartridges
- Printer paper
- Pens, pencils
- Highlighters
- Dictionary/ Thesaurus (Apps work, too!)
- Backpack or messenger bag
- Calculator
- Day planner
- Post-It notes
- Scissors
- Tape
- Ruler
- Stapler
- Paper/binder clips
- Rubber bands
- Extra Phone Charger(s)
School, Computer & Tech
- Safe with a lock (For valuables)
- Flashlight
- Toolbox/Basic tool set
- Batteries
- Weekend bag or small suitcase
- Extra Power strip(s)
- Poster putty or Command Strips for hanging decorations
- Stepladder
Handy Things to Have
- Shower/bath mat
- Shower curtain
- Shower tension rod
- Shower curtain hooks
- Towel hooks
- Shelves
- Full-length mirror
- Air freshener
- Toilet brush
- Toilet cleaner
- Plunger
Bathroom
- Rags, sponges, scrub-brushes
- Swiffer/Swiffer pads
- Mini Vacuum
- Dish soap/brush
- Dish rack/drying mat
Cleaning Supplies
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