3 years ago right about now I was sitting on my bed staring at my childhood room full of clothes and trinkets. I was scanning everything wondering what I’d miss if I didn’t pack it for college and what I’d actually need. Two cars and way too many boxes later I piled just about everything into my 8×10 dorm room that I could fit.
You’ll move a lot in college and you’ll get better at it each time. After 3 moves, I’ve accumulated some tips and tricks over the years that I want to share!
Clean your room—nothing is worse than moving useless papers, trinkets, etc. Get rid of the junk and keep only the most treasured items. It’s probably just in a box under your bed anyway, right?
Take your top must-haves—think about what you use daily, weekly, and monthly. This will really help when cleaning out your dorm and deciding what you actually used in the year.
Leave behind whatever doesn’t make the cut—make a clean break. Don’t get into the habit of bringing back more things to college from home after every break.
Repeat every time you move in/out of somewhere.
Buy new—assess what you might need to replace or buy for the first time. With over 25 houseware brands including Pottery Barn Outlet, Kirkland’s, and West Elm Outlet Tanger has a variety of budget-friendly options for your next big move or room revamp.
Take it or leave it—dorm packing and shopping made easy. My opinion of what to take and what to leave behind below!
Take It
My must-haves for dorm living….
Bed
1. Mattress topper
2. Big comfy blanket
3. 2 sets of sheets
4. Body pillow
Kirkland’s | Faux Fur Body Pillow | $89.99
Bath
1. Robe/Wrap towel
2. Shower caddy
Room
1. Small vacuum
2. Blackout curtains
3. Large trashcan
4. Over the door hangers
5. Basic utensils
6. Steamer
7. Water filter pitcher
8. Small step stool
9. Fan
10. Storage boxes
11. Full length mirror
Kirkland’s | Full Length Mirror | $24.99
Desk
1. Desk Lamp
2. Lap desk
3. School supplies
4. HDMI cable
5. Backpack
GUESS Factory Store | Pom Pom Backpack | $55.99
Other
1. Sewing kit
2. Umbrella/rain boots/rain jacket
3. Reusable tote bags
4. Dishwashing sponge
5. Weekend travel bag
Under Armour | Medium Duffle | $30.00
To Consider
Based on your dorm and college consider bringing these items!
1. Air mattress
2. Sleeping bag
3. Printer
4. TV
5. Storage Ottoman
Kirkland’s | Blue Ottoman | $79.99
Tip: Bring along stationary or a set of blank cards. It’s always nice to send a card to your parents or have them on hand for thank you cards! And don’t forget stamps—available at your campus mail store, grocery store, USPS etc.
Francesca’s | Blank Initial Card | $1.98
Leave It
These are better off at home!
1. Iron
2. Tiny trashcan
3. Floor lamp
4. Drying rack
5. Shower proof speaker
6. Scale
7. Closet compacters
8. Trunk
With this useful dorm packing list handy your next shopping trip is sure to be a success! Make Tanger your shopping destination for your décor needs to stay stylish and save big. Tag me in your college packing process @TangerOutlets with #StudentLife.
What are your must-haves for dorm packing? I’d love to hear!
