Packing for your first year at college may feel like a daunting task. How could you possibly be expected to pack your whole life in just a few suitcases? Gathering your most needed possessions, buying new dorm room essentials, and then packing it all up – it can be a lot of work. However, you can ease the stress by having a clear, organized plan as to how the process will be executed.  Don't forget to read more about how to wash and care for your clothes before packing.

Being an efficient packer not only saves you time, money, and anxiety, but it will help make sure that your first year at college starts off on the right foot. There is a lot to pack when it comes to moving out of your childhood home and moving to a college dorm and wondering what you need to pack for college (and how to pack it) is important. Here are some tips to help you become an expert packer just in time for your big move.

We’re going to discuss:

• Exactly what you need to pack for college
• What you don’t need to pack
• Our favorite items you definitely should pack!

Make a List of What You Need to Pack for College

There are a lot of things that you need to take with you to college, so make sure to make a list and figure out what you need right away!

Before you start gathering your possessions, you should begin with creating a master list of everything you plan on bringing with you. Separate the list into categories, such as clothing, bedroom essentials, bathroom toiletries, and so much more and focus on each one at a time.  

By having this clear blueprint of what you need to bring you will be able to add and check off items as you go. Be sure to start your packing process at least a month before the move in date so that you are not scrambling and forgetting things. Planning ahead is an essential part of the packing process because it can help to organize your thoughts right on paper and help this process go a lot smoother too.

Shop Smart and Don’t Overpack

Overpacking is very easy to do, but there are ways to be smart about what you need before you move into your dorm!

While you may be used to having ample space in your bedroom growing up, you are going to have to get used to a new, smaller environment. It is crucial that you only bring the absolute must-have necessities to your new dorm since there is limited space to keep everything organized. Not only will this help keep your room uncluttered, but the moving process will be much simpler with fewer items. 

For example, instead of buying blankets and towels and packing them, order your dorm bedding online from OCM! We’ll ship it straight to your campus so you won't struggle to fit one more shirt into your car. Sometimes it can be hard to fit everything in your car, and with being able to easily order things online, this will surely help solve your overpacking issue. 

Overpacking a car can also cause a lot of issues for your car, yourself, other drivers, and it is actually illegal in many places. Some of the reasons why overpacking can be bad for your car includes:

• Excess weight can cause tires to bulge out and heat up
• Suspension and traction control of your car won’t be able highway speeds
• Effectiveness of your brakes reduces
• Effects your steering and how your car handles round bends
• Gas prices rise due to the excess weight of your car
• Insurance won’t cover any accident if it was caused due to the overloading of your car

Coordinate with Roommate on What You Should Both Bring

It’s important to consider your new roommate in the moving process, so figure out what you both should bring to share!

To cut the fat of what you need to pack and bring, coordinate with your roommate to divvy up big-ticket items. Find out who should bring the microwave, refrigerator, toaster, soap for the bathroom, a shower curtain, and anything else that you can think of that you both will be consistently sharing all the time to avoid bringing duplicates and having unnecessary items in your dorm. 

This is an important step when it comes to moving into your dorm room because not only does it ensure that you got everything you need, but the last thing you need is to be packing and unpacking something that you are just going to return or send back with your parents once you’re fully settled in.

Coordinate with your roommate on what you can both bring when moving into your freshman college dorm room together so you don’t end up bringing duplicates! Image courtesy of Instagram. 

This also helps you to build a relationship with your roommate right off the bat too. Considering your roommate in your decisions on what you’re planning on bringing to college is a way to get to know them and know that you care about them too. Getting off on the right foot is essential when it comes to being roommates and getting along even more so since you both have to live with each other for the entire school year, so make sure to reach out to your roommate before moving into your dorm!

Packing Clothes: What to Take and What Not to Take

Figuring out what you need to take when it comes to your clothes is important in the moving process too!

Try to limit the amount of unneeded clothes to save room for other items. Get an idea of when your first trip back home will be, for example, holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter you will most likely be coming home for, and maybe even spring break too. It’s important to only pack clothes you know you will wear before those dates. This way you can swap out the clothes you are tired of or that are out of season next time you are home.

It’s super important to think of everything that you need upon moving into your very first college dorm room, so make sure to compile a list of some of the essentials you’ll need to make it through the wall! Image courtesy of Instagram.

It is also important to just leave some clothes at home that you know you can wear whenever so you don’t have to constantly be packing a bag full of clothes and everything else to take home with you all the time. You should also swap out shoes that you know you will and won’t need whenever you come home so you don’t have to lug shoes around either!

The Main Essentials You Will Need to Move Into Your College Dorm

Are you excited to move into your college dorm? Here is a list of all of the essentials you will need upon arrival!

There are a lot of things that you need to consider taking with you whenever you move into your new college dorm room. From clothes, shoes, bathroom toiletries, a backpack, books, bedding, and so much more, it is essential to make a list of all of the things that you may need in order to be properly prepared to move into your college dorm room.

Make sure to continue reading for our list of some of the most crucial and important essentials that you will need in order to be fully prepared to move into your dorm room!

Bedding For Your XL Twin Bed

Are you trying to find the best bedding set for your XL twin bed? If so, there are a few things that you need to consider. For example, you’re going to need a comforter, long and flat sheets, fitted sheets, pillows, pillowcases, and even some decorative pillows to add to your bed to really top off your bed and make it your own.

Getting enough sleep while you’re at college can be a struggle, but we also think that it’s important that you get the right bedding so you’ll be able to sleep better at night. By having a comfortable bed, you will be able to sleep soundly after a long day of taking classes and more.

Bath Towels

One of the most important things that you will need when it comes to moving into a college dorm is some bath towels, hand towels, and some washcloths for the bathrooms there. You may have to use a communal bathroom to get your showers, or even just use the restroom, but with some colleges, you can potentially get lucky and have a bathroom that both you and your roommate get to share.

Having bath towels, hand towels, and even washcloths is essential and even having a couple that you can rotate around and wash when they get dirty in the on-campus laundry rooms is what you will need in order to survive in the college dorms too. 

Shower Flip Flops

There is one thing that you need whenever you start college, especially if you have to use communal showers and that is a pair of shower flip flops. You can come in contact with a lot of germs, fungi, and even the potential to get athlete’s foot if you walk on your bare feet in communal showers. 

It’s important that you get a pair of shower flip flops and luckily there are plenty of different kinds to choose from. From normal flip flops, to athletic slides, these sandals are a lifesaver to have and they also come with unique drainage designs on them to ensure that you won’t contract any germs or anything while taking a shower in the dorm bathrooms. 

Laundry Bag

Something that you will need whenever you decide to move into a college dorm is a laundry bag. This is definitely something that you can easily overlook, but getting one of these is essential because not only will it keep your dirty laundry all in one place, but it will also help to make it easier to drag your laundry down to the laundry room on campus too.

There are many different things you can get, such as a laundry bag, or you could even get a simple laundry basket, or whatever you need to make it easier for you to keep all of your dirty laundry in one place. These are super affordable and it’s something that you definitely shouldn’t forget about.

Keurig Coffee Machine

As a college student, there is no better way to start your day off than with a cup of coffee. Make sure you’re prepared and ready for the day with the Classic K-Mini Plus with Storage Drawer! This amazing coffee maker is perfect because it is small and compact, which is perfect to be placed in the corner of any counter, and it is super fast whenever you’re in a rush too.

Coffee is one of the best things that you can get to start off your morning. Not only will it give you the energy you need to start off your day right, but you can add your favorite flavors, creamer and so much more to make it your own. 

Plush Blankets

There is nothing more essential for any living room than a plush blanket that you can easily add to adorn your couch. A blanket is perfect if you’re snuggling up and studying for finals, or even if you’re just having movie night with your roommates to take a break from your hectic schedule. We recommend getting a couple to really make your living room more comfortable for you, your roommates, and guests too!

Bathrobes

Are you looking for the most essential bathroom items that you just can’t live without? If so, then you need to make sure that you snag a bathrobe for yourself! Why do you need a bathrobe? Well, it may not be the most essential item ever, but it is great for when you get out of the shower and you are preparing what you want to wear for the day, or even just want to chill after getting a shower. 

Memory Foam Mattress

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Getting a good night’s rest is important when you are in college, so if you’re thinking about getting a new mattress for your bed in your college dorm, make sure to get a foam memory mattress! A memory foam mattress is incredibly comfortable and it even supports all body types without it being too hard or soft. We know for a fact that you will fall in love with this memory foam mattress, and it adds a nice touch to your bedding too!

Trunk

Are you someone who always seems to have too much stuff and you need some extra storage space? If so, then you need to get yourself a storage trunk as soon as you can! A storage trunk is perfect for whenever you’re storing items that you don’t use all the time, such as bed linens, seasonal clothing, such as hoodies, decorations, books, and so much more. 

You can get these storage trunks in many different colors, designs, and sizes and they can fit perfectly at the end of your bed, in the corner of your dorm room, or even as a bedside table too!

Closet Organizer

Are you someone who is always looking for some extra storage space to add to any part of your dorm room? If so, then you need to get a closet organizer right away and try out this alternative to storage in your college dorm room! A closet organizer is something that can easily be hung up in your closet using over-the-rod hanging hooks where you can have it hold everything from shoes, t-shirts, hoodies, and more.

Trash Can

Another simple thing that you should consider getting for your college dorm room is a trash can to stay organized and clean too! Image courtesy of OCM. 

There are so many things that you need for your apartment whenever you move in, but we think a simple and even super affordable one that you can’t miss out on is a simple trash can. While it shows it’s importance when it comes to keeping your dorm room clean and free of trash just lying around, this is something that can be overlooked very easily. It’s important to grab a trash can for your dorm room just to keep right next to your bed!

Are you looking forward to moving into your very first college dorm? College is an exciting time for any young adult and just moving into your dorm room, decorating it, meeting your new roommate are among your first memories in college, and they are even ones that you will never forget. 

Making a list of everything that you will need for your dorm room, shopping for everything you need beforehand, coordinating with your roommate on what each of you can bring, making sure to pack the right clothes, and even just a simple list of some of the best items to get for your dorm room is essential to start your first year of college off right!