Packing List for Dorms and Apartments!
It’s that time of year when many young adults are heading off to school. As a parent of two boys who went to boarding school, this will be our 15th and 16th move-in. Below is a list of our essentials. Some of the items we brought, some we shipped, and some we bought once we got there. Click here for a PDF of this page
Considerations
What is the climate like? Lots of learning when moving from balmy California to the East Coast.
What stores are within walking distance and what are their hours? What modes of transportation are available (scooter, bike, car, bus, train, etc.)?
How many people will be in the space and how large is it? We suggest limiting the amount of stuff to start until you figure out what you need.
How much personal space will you have and how do you want to feel there?
First-year packing list
Bathroom:
Shower caddy
Depending on use: Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, toothbrush, floss, deodorant, brush, comb, razor, contact solution, hair dryer/hair products, makeup/brushes/remover
Towels (shower and face)
Shower shoes/slides
Clothes (things they find comfortable):
Underwear/undergarments
Socks (some warm for the winter)
Tees (long sleeve and short sleeve)
Shorts/skorts/skirts
Pants
Dresses
Workout gear
Nice outfit for events/presentations
Sweats/comfy clothes
Layers and light jacket
Hat(s), scarf, gloves
Pajamas/sleepwear/robe
Slippers
Shoes (sneakers, etc)
Warm shoes for winter (I send boots, my child said he mainly wore leather high tops)
Parka (down) for the winter
Raincoat
Sunglasses/glasses/contact lenses
Optional: Umbrella
Optional: Jewelry
Devices:
Laptop
Optional: monitor, keyboard, mouse
Surge protector (we brought one with extra outlets)
Headphones
Phone, etc.
Chargers
Bed:
Pillow
Blanket
2 sets of sheets
Optional: Extra pillowcases
First Aid kit suggestions (not medical advice):
Pain reliever
Stomach medicine
Cough drops
Nasal spray
Nasal strips
Thermometer
Decongestant
Band-aids
Antiseptic
Masks/Gloves
Eye drops
Vitamins
Other:
Tissues
Hangers and over-the-door hooks
Optional: Hanging clothes container
Wipes or something for quick cleaning (dustpan/brush)
Laundry basket/bag
Laundry pods (HE)
Optional: Stain remover
Cup, glass, plate, utensil(s)
Water bottle
Backpack
Fan
Painter’s tape/removable poster strips
Snacks
Optional: a small toolkit
Optional: electric kettle
Additional suggestions for a first furnished apartment (all the above items plus…)
Kitchen
Plates, bowls, cups, mugs - we did about 1 for a single and set of 4 or 8 for a double (the Costco set was 8)
Utensils - set of 4 to 8
Utensil and other holders to go into drawers
Spatula, slotted spoon, pasta spoon, peeler, measuring cups and spoons
Pots and pans (10” and 12”) - Basics for what they might cook
Knives - at least one paring and one larger chef knife
Baking tray
Storage containers
Baking soda for the fridge and freezer
Scrub brush, sponge, and holder
Dish soap and dishwasher pods
Drying rack
Dish towels and napkins (2/person)
Paper towels, aluminum foil, plastic bags
Garbage bags (Garbage can if not provided)
Optional: Ice cube trays and container
Optional: Rice cooker
Optional: Kettle and/or coffee maker
Other areas (if not provided)
Area rugs/doormat
Shoe tray/rack
Garbage cans - one per room
Toilet paper
Shower curtain
Additional suggestions for a first unfurnished apartment (all the above items plus…)
Furniture
Bed
Nightstand
Lamp (depending on lighting, may need one or two in each room)
Sofa
Dining table and chairs
Desk
Office chair
Office lamp
Kitchen
Microwave
Mixer/blender
Toaster
