These are some of the essentials (and some optional extras) you’ll need for any kid headed off to a college dorm in the fall:

Packing and Move-In Day Essentials:
Storage Bags (Fit in vehicles well, easy to carry, fold flat to store under bed, can be used as carry-on luggage if needed.)
White Duct Tape (Works great to label all of those blue bags with your student’s name and dorm room.
Tool Kit (Allen Wrenches in many sizes, Socket Wrench, Screw Drivers, Measuring Tape all come in very handy!)
Clorox Wipes
Drawer Liner (bathroom drawers, dressers, etc.)
Scissors
Command Strips
Poster Putty
Power Strip with extension cord (you may want 2)
Appliance Extension Cord(for plugging in a fridge, microwave or coffee maker)
Oscillating Fan (it can get toasty during move-in, so have it ready to plug in!)
Blue Painter’s Tape
Pro Tip: put strips of this under the command strips to hang things on the walls, and you won’t damage the paint or drywall. (May have difficulty with very heavy items.)

Storage & Organization:
Storage Ottoman (can double as step to get into bed or extra seating for friends)
Three Drawer Storage with Wheels (1-2 of these often fit nicely under a partially lofted bed)
Rolling Cart (great to organize bathroom supplies, snacks, etc.)
Shoe Storage (something with a lid preferably or the dorm will smell like feet)
Clothes Hangers (slim to maximize space)
Specialized hangers can help save space – like these tank top hangers or pants hangers

PRO TIP: the blue bags listed above will fit over hanging clothes and zip like a garment bags, so you can hang them right in the dorm closet!

Bedding:
Twin XL Mattress Protector(this goes UNDER everything, directly on the dorm-provided mattress)
Twin XL Mattress Topper (this is a basic one – you can do thicker, different materials, etc.)
Twin XL Mattress Pad (this goes over the topper and under the sheets)
Pillow
Pillow Protector
Twin XL Bed Sheets (get 2 sets)
Twin XL Comforter

Optional Additions:
Throw blanket (may travel to friends’ dorms, out to the quad, etc.)
Headboard
Personalized Pillow (of parents, siblings, pets, etc. – hide it and leave it before you go or as a surprise for them to find while unpacking!)
Reclining Pillow
Bed skirt to hide under-bed storage if aesthetics matter
Sleeping Bag (camping trips, retreats, etc.)

Bathroom & Personal Care:
Washable Shower Liner (some schools provide, this is a slight upgrade from the plastic ones)
Shower Curtain Hooks (some schools provide, some want more decorative option)
Shower Curtain (some schools provide, some want more decorative option)
Bath Mat
Shower Caddy (may get tossed at the end of the year, depending on maintenance)
Bath Towels, Washcloths, Hand Towels (get 2 of each)
Bathroom Trash Can
Shower Shoes (be prepared to toss these at the end of the year)
Robe (if walking to a shared bathroom)
Makeup Mirror for desk (especially great for getting ready if your roommate is still sleeping and the bathroom is busy)

Laundry:
Backpack style laundry bag (your kid may have a long trek to the laundry room)

Kitchen & Food Prep:
Microwave
Refrigerator (check if your school provides or rents them or has size requirements)
Refrigerator/Microwave Shelf (nice if you have limited space in your dorm – and you can do a. coffee station or store snacks or dishes on top)
Water Filter

Cleaning Supplies & Equipment:
Trash Can and trash bags (make sure it has a lid and pick a size proportional to the room size)
Broom & Dustpan (some dorms will have shared cleaning equipment)
Mop (include replacement solution or pads if needed)
Vacuum

Optional Additions:
Small Desk Lamp (most kids are not using the overhead light very often)
Air Purifier and Replacement Filters
Basic Cork Board or more decorative cork boards and push pins (for photos, mementos, etc.)

Clothing:
Obviously this is very personal and specific to each kid. A few tips:

* If you can swap out seasonally and have limited space, you can start with less and add more or change out as needed.
* A rain jacket and possibly rain boots are nice if you are in a place where it rains often and you’ll be walking outside to class.
* Make sure you have decent clothes for job interviews, class presentations, and events where you might need to dress up.