The end of summer brings excitement and a touch of nervousness as your child prepares to head off to college. It’s a big step, and packing is one of the most crucial parts of the process. How do you fit their entire life into a dorm room? As a trusted moving company, we’ve seen it all, and we’re here to help you pack smart, not hard.

To make the move as smooth as possible, here’s a guide on what to pack for college and, just as importantly, what to leave at home.

The Essentials: What to Pack

This is the non-negotiable stuff. These items are crucial for setting up a functional living space.

  • Bedding: Dorm beds are typically Twin XL. Get a mattress topper, two sets of sheets, a comforter, and pillows. It’s a huge help to have extra bedding on hand for laundry day.
  • Bath & Personal Items: Pack a shower caddy to easily carry toiletries to and from the bathroom. Include towels, a bathrobe, and shower shoes or flip-flops.
  • Clothing: Focus on versatile clothing that can be layered. A good rule of thumb is to pack for the first two or three months, then swap out seasonal clothes during a visit home for Thanksgiving or winter break. Don’t forget a nice outfit for special events.
  • School Supplies: A laptop, chargers, a backpack, pens, notebooks, and a planner are must-haves. A small printer might be useful, but most schools have printing services available.
  • Tech & Gadgets: Extension cords, a power strip with a surge protector, and headphones are essential. Consider a portable Bluetooth speaker for music.
  • Laundry Supplies: A small hamper, a roll of quarters (or a laundry card), detergent pods, and fabric softener are critical for keeping clothes clean.

The Nice-to-Haves: What to Consider Packing

These items can make a dorm room feel more like home and a little less like a temporary space.

  • Mini-Fridge & Microwave: A small fridge is great for storing drinks and snacks, while a microwave is perfect for heating up late-night study meals. Make sure your school allows them in dorm rooms.
  • Storage Solutions: Under-bed storage containers, a small set of drawers, and a closet organizer can save a ton of space.
  • Basic Cookware & Dishes: A small set of plates, bowls, and cutlery is useful even with a meal plan.
  • Décor: Posters, photos, and string lights are perfect for personalizing the space and making it feel cozier.
  • Cleaning Supplies: A small vacuum, disinfectant wipes, and all-purpose cleaner will help keep the space tidy.

What to Leave at Home: Lighten the Load

This is where you can make your move much easier. The less you take, the less you have to pack, move, and eventually bring back home.

  • Most Furniture: Leave couches, large bookshelves, and elaborate desks at home. Dorms are small, and most are fully furnished.
  • Excessive Kitchenware: Unless your student has an apartment with a kitchen, they don’t need a full set of pots, pans, or a blender.
  • Large TVs: A big-screen TV will take up valuable space. Most students use a laptop or a small monitor for streaming.
  • High School Memorabilia: While some keepsakes are nice, they don’t need every trophy, photo album, and yearbook. Encourage them to pick a few favorites.
  • Bulky Sporting Goods: A bike is great, but bulky equipment like skis, snowboards, or a full set of golf clubs should probably stay home unless they are part of a school team.
  • Everything at Once: You don’t need to bring every season’s clothing on day one. A trip home for a holiday break is the perfect time to swap out summer clothes for winter gear.

Moving your child to college is an exciting milestone. With some careful planning and smart packing, you can make the move-in day a positive and memorable experience.

For any bigger moves, especially for students moving a long distance or out of state, a professional mover can make a world of difference. At Premier Relocations, we’re here to help you with the heavy lifting and logistical challenges, so you can focus on the big goodbyes and the exciting new beginning. Get in touch with us today for a no cost estimate.