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5 College Move-In Day Must Haves
Jamie here!
We on the PPP Team are getting sooooo close to move-in day for our college kiddos – it's so crazy that it's almost here!
If you spent the summer playing with your kids instead of purchasing everything on the Ultimate College Packing List (um… nobody here would do that!) …. don't worry. Here's a super-shortened list of just those things you MUST have purchased for them by Day 1.  This is just the things they need to survive for that first few nights. Juuuust until they look around and know better what they want/need. 🙂
Welcome to the *LESS-STRESS* version of the college move-in list!
*REMEMBER* – we can always Amazon Prime the little extras they think of later, plus just about every campus has a Walmart/Dollar General nearby!
1 . Bedding
Sheets – Tuck them in from afar with a nice, new set of XL Twin Dorm sheets. My favorite sheets EVER are these PeachSkinSheets. They are incredibly soft and smooth – and come in a bajillion colors. You know that feeling of coolness when you slide your legs in between *nice* sheets? Yep – that's what I'm talking about 🙂 *Tip: there's a special deal on certain colors each month!
Pillows – When you pick up pillows I think more is better. Remember that college kids use their bed as THE place to hang out, do homework, eat and sleep. So in addition to two regular pillows, you may want to grab a backrest pillow as well.
Comforter – In a hurry? Get a basic reversible comforter for $20 shipped! Or if you have more time to browse – there are some GORGEOUS comforters at Target and they're 30% OFF through TODAY. (7/31)
2 . Laptop and Desk Supplies
Okay so your kiddo has a place to sleep, and a way to wear clean clothes, now how about homework?
They'll need a laptop, surge protector, reading light, pens, notebook and paper as they begin – but beyond that your student will likely be able to pick up more things a week or so later. (Let them see what they really need first rather than sending them off with unnecessary supplies.)
Keep in mind that computers, printers, staplers, hole punches and more can likely be found in the schools computer lab area.
3 . Hamper & Hangers
Your student will need a hamper for their dirty laundry, preferably one that's easy to carry to the laundry room.  Throw in some clothes hangers to hang up all the things that won't fit in the tiny dressers.
You can definitely send detergent, dryer sheets, etc… but another option is to just hand over a roll of quarters and they can buy it from the laundry room the first few times. Remember, we're stripping the big giant list down to just the necessities here!
4 . Shower Supplies
Toiletries & Caddy – Beyond them packing their own toothbrush – you'll need to send toiletries and shower supplies to keep your freshman smelling… fresh! Snag an inexpensive shower caddy that will both store toiletries and be used to carry them.
Towels – Get two towels at least – that way one clean one can always be in rotation. If your student has an in-room bathroom, you'll also need toilet paper, a bath rug and possibly a shower curtain.
5 . Water Bottle
You don't necessarily need dishes – but a big, refillable, easy-to-clean water bottle your student can use in their room and on the go is a MUST.
Okay so…. that's it!
You could drop off your college freshman on move-in day with just supplies for their bed, laundry, showering and desk, plus a water bottle and some money, and…. they would be okay!
What do you think? Does this help de-stress you a bit to know that as long as you have these things gathered, they'll survive long enough for you to send reinforcements? What would you add to this list as a must-have for day 1?
(You'll notice a microwave and fridge aren't on this list, and that's because if we're being really basic – your student won't need them. With a food plan that colleges require freshmen to have, a fridge and microwave are extra conveniences that are nice – but not essential on move-in day.)
Penny Pinching a priority?
If you have more time to look around for deals, and less dough to do it, make sure to check out our College Dorm List *Best Price* List! It'll help you navigate the stores without losing site of the best prices available.
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