What to Bring, What to Skip, and How to Feel Totally Prepared for Move-In Day
If you’re prepping for college move-in and feeling that classic “what the heck do I pack?” panic creeping in, girl—you are not alone. From twin XL sheets to shower caddies to 47 types of storage bins, figuring out what you actually need (and what will just collect dust) is overwhelming.
That's why I created something just for you:
✨ The Ultimate College Dorm Packing Checklist — a totally free, printable guide with everything you’ll need to feel confident and ready for dorm life.
Whether you’re a planner who started in May or a last-minute packer (hey, no judgment), this checklist is the one tool you’ll wish you had from the start.
🧠 Why You Need a Dorm Packing Checklist (Even If You Think You Don’t)
You’d be surprised how many people show up to move-in day without a trash can. Or a power strip. Or, um, sheets.
Between orientation emails, Target runs, and trying to soak up your last summer at home, it’s easy to forget the essentials. Having a dorm checklist keeps you organized, lowers your stress, and ensures you don’t show up without a pillow (yes, that’s happened before).
Plus, this list helps you:
- Avoid overpacking (you don’t need your entire closet)
- Remember the boring-but-necessary stuff (hello, surge protector)
- Get everything sorted by category for easy packing + shopping
🧺 What’s Actually Inside the Checklist
So what makes this list special? It’s not just a copy-paste from Google. It’s been curated with real freshman experience, real mistakes (hi, forgot my laundry bag), and real-life dorm needs.
Here’s what it includes:
✔️ Essentials
The must-haves you literally can’t live without: bedding, storage, cleaning supplies, laundry stuff, and tech basics.
🛁 Bathroom + Shower Stuff
Because walking to the dorm bathroom without shower shoes is a bold (and slightly gross) move.
🎒 School Supplies
Yes, even if your classes are all online—having physical supplies is still a game-changer.
🍕 Food & Kitchen Vibes
What to stash in your mini fridge, what snacks to bring, and the secret MVPs of late-night dorm cravings.
🧸 Comfort & Decor
Things that make your space cozy and personalized—without blowing your budget.
👛 Optional (But Highly Recommended)
The little extras that aren’t required but totally level up your dorm game.
💬 Real Talk: You Don’t Need Everything
It’s so easy to fall into the “I need it all” trap when you're walking through a dorm aisle at Target. But here’s the thing—dorm rooms are small. Like shockingly small. And you’re going to thank yourself for not bringing 12 throw pillows and a giant vanity mirror.
This checklist helps you:
- Prioritize space-saving items
- Spot what’s worth buying vs. waiting on
- Avoid impulse buys that look cute but won’t be used
Spoiler alert: you probably won’t use that popcorn machine. Just saying.
💛 How to Use the Checklist (and Make It Work for You)
Once you download the checklist (👇 more on that in a sec), you can:
- Print it out and check things off as you go
- Use it in your Notes app or Google Drive to track what you’ve ordered
- Share it with your roommate to avoid doubling up on shared items
- Highlight what you already have so you don’t repurchase
You can even color-code by “already packed,” “still need to buy,” and “not bringing.” Organization QUEEN energy.
✨ Want to Be That Girl on Move-In Day?
The one who shows up cool, calm, and totally prepared (while everyone else is realizing they forgot toilet paper)? Yeah, that can be you. This checklist is your secret weapon.
Plus, when you’re not panicking about what you forgot, you get to actually enjoy the moment. Take cute pics. Meet your roommate. Set up your fairy lights. Maybe even call dibs on the good side of the room.
🎁 Ready to Get the Free Checklist?
All you need to do is drop your email below and I’ll send it straight to your inbox—ready to print, save, and use however works best for your packing style.
P.S. You’ll also get access to my future college tips, move-in guides, and decor hacks, so you’ll never feel like you’re winging it again.
🫶 Final Word from Your Dorm-Moving Big Sis
This is such an exciting chapter. And yes, it can feel totally overwhelming—but having a solid plan (and a cute checklist) makes a huge difference. Whether you’re weeks out or packing the night before, this guide is here to help you stay on track, skip the stress, and head to campus like the organized queen you are.
So go grab that list, throw on your move-in playlist, and start checking things off. You’ve got this. 💕
