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Organizing for College: The Great Packing List

image By Professional Organizer Lea Schneider

Some things on this college packing list you really need and others you really want. Here’s a reminder list to help you decide.


For the bed:
Mattress pad
Eggshell cushion
2 sets twin sheets (usually extra-long)
Blanket
2 pillows
A body pillow is great for getting comfy to study in bed
Comforter/bedspread
Sleeping bag (for guests)
Alarm clock
Beside light or clip-on bunk light
Fan (For white noise for sleeping/studying)

For the desk:
Course catalog for your college
Computer and printer
Computer stand or shelves to customize desk
Computer manuals
Power strip with surge protector for computer
Dictionary
Reference for writing papers
Thesaurus
Foreign language dictionary
Bookends
Bulletin board for over your desk
Wall calendar
Planner
Backpack
Desk lamp
Calculator
Ruler
Sticky notes
Address book
Envelopes
Book of stamps
Glue stick
Light bulbs
Markers
Highlighters
Tape
Paper clips
Pencil Sharpener
Poster gum
Rubber bands
Scissors
Stapler
Staples
Stationery/thank you notes
Ink for printer
Ream of printer paper
Spiral notebooks/folders
Wite-out
Pens
Pencils


For the closet:
Maximize tight space with:
Hangers for multiple skirts/pants
Multiple tops hangers
Over the door shoe bag
Drop bar to double hanging space
Rolling plastic storage drawers
Floor length mirror
Raincoat/jacket
Umbrella
Slippers
Robe


For laundry:
Laundry bag
Laundry basket
Laundry soap/fabric softener
Stain remover/wrinkle releaser
Iron/mini ironing board
Drying rack


Goodie Kit:

Get a plastic shoebox or tackle box for this. Everyone will be borrowing this stuff.

Duct tape (for posters that refuse to stick to the wall)
Poster gum Needle, thread, extra buttons
Packaging tape
Safety pins
Thumbtacks
Tools needed to take apart bunks or lofts or a thousand other things
Screwdrivers (regular and Phillips)
Assorted nails/screws
Pliers
Hammer
Flashlight


For your kitchen:
Microwave
Refrigerator
Coffee mug with a lid
Plates, cups, bowls
Utensils
Sharp knife
Small pitcher
Dishwashing liquid
Can opener
Bottle opener
Sponge and towel (washing dishes)
Plastic wrap- for the leftovers you swipe from the cafeteria
Bowl (large plastic bowl is used for serving food or for washing dishes)


For the bathroom:
Shower shoes
Cup for brushing teeth
Make-up
Glasses/contact lens
Kleenex
Nail clipper
Fingernail goodies
Shower caddy
Soap dish (or bottle)
Bathrobe
Towels
Over the door hook for your towel
Washcloths
Shower flip-flops
Tweezers
Shampoo
Conditioner
Tampons
Face wash
Toothpaste
Extra toothbrush
Deodorant
Beach towel
If you are in a suite and share a bathroom with just a few roomies then you will also need:
Shower floor mat
Caddy to hang in shower for soaps
Cleaning supplies (Windex, toilet and tub cleaner, sponge, brush, paper towels)


Dorm First Aid Kit:
Pain reliever
Band-aids and antibiotic ointment
Cold medicine
Cough drops
Stomach medicine
Allergy medicine
Thermometer
Prescription medicines


For Your pocket:
Phone calling card
Key chain with id pouch
Credit card
Debit Card
Physician/insurance cards
Important phone numbers
Social security card
Driver’s license or photo ID
College ID
Watch


For your room:
Wipe-off message board- for your dorm door
Air freshener
Mementos to remind you of home
Photo Album
Stereo, if not using computer for CDs
CD holder
Wastebasket
Posters
Power strip for other electrical stuff
Extension cords
Phone
Phone extension cord
TV
DVD/VCR
Video Games
Cards/board games
Portable music player
Camera
Sports equipment
Musical instrument
Bike/lock/helmet
Storage crates or boxes
Snack food/drinks


Good luck!

Compiled by Professional Organizer Lea Schneider from experiences in stocking dorm rooms from Ball State University to the University of Kansas to Florida State University plus one fraternity house, two sorority houses and two rental houses. Ideas also gathered from The Real Freshman Handbook by Jennifer Hanson and Friends, a great read, and various college websites including Old Dominion University, Carleton College, and the input of many parents, students, friends and readers of this website.