Ultimate College Packing List (Handy Printable!)

While I still can't quite believe it, four of our PPP team members (myself, Cheree, Staci and Jamie) have had kiddos head off to college – and collectively we had either 1) oodles of experience already or 2) had read just about every college dorm packing list out there. 🙂

If you missed my FB Live you can watch it HERE.

If you're in the same boat and about to send your little chick out of the nest for the first time – here's a great big check-list of everything you might need to pack for college freshman year!

You can download your very own FREE COLLEGE PACKING CHECKLIST HERE to make sure you have everything you need for college!!

*Keep in mind this list isn't one-size-fits-all.*  You'll want to adapt it to your child's needs, check to see if the roommate is bringing any of the bigger items, and work within your budget. 🙂

Ultimate Printable College Packing List

Bed & Bath:

• XL Twin Sheets
• Comforter
• Mattress Pad
• Memory Foam Mattress Topper/Egg Crate
• Pillows/Pillow Cases
• Reading Pillow/Throw Pillow/Body Pillow
  *(Remember, their bed will also be their couch and hangout space!)
• Extra Blanket
• Bed Risers (Gives more under-bed storage)
• Under Bed Storage Totes
• 2 Bath Towels/2 Hand Towels/2 Washcloths
• Shower Flip Flops
• Shower Caddy
• Hair Dryer

Room Decor:

• Area Rug
• Full Length Mirror
• Over-The-Door Shoe Holder
• Over-The-Door Hooks (check door thickness first before purchasing)
• Rolling Cart with Drawers
• Storage Trunk with Lock
• Storage Ottoman (this can double as a step stool to hop up onto your bed if on risers)
• Floor Lamp & Light Bulbs
• Fun String Lights
• Bluetooth Speaker
• Trash Can
• Photos/Posters
• Command Hooks
• Whiteboard/Bulletin Board
• TV/Gaming System
• Plant

Food Prep:

• Microwave (700 watts or less)*
• Mini-Fridge (under 4.5 cu ft.)*
• Coffee Maker & Travel Mug
• Plates/Bowls/Cups
• Silverware
• Manual Can Opener
• Paper Towels
• Plastic Containers for Food Storage
• Ziploc Baggies
• Snacks/Drinks

Laundry/Cleaning:

• Laundry Tote (that can double as a hamper)
• Clothes Hangers
• Detergent (Pods are great)
• Dryer Sheets
• Color Catcher Sheets (so they can do less laundry by throwing all colors together)
• Quarters
• Cleaning Supplies/Air Freshener
• Broom or Stick Vac
• Disinfecting Wipes

Toiletries:

• Shower Gel
• Shampoo/Conditioner
• Loofah
• Deodorant
• Toothbrush/Toothpaste/Dental floss
• Shaving Accessories
• Brush/Hair Styling Tools
• Q-Tips
• Feminine Hygiene Products
• Makeup/Moisturizers
• Nail Clippers
• Toilet Paper (if your dorm has an in-room bathroom)

Desk Supplies:

• Laptop
• Router (for wifi)
• Desk Lamp & Light Bulbs
• Desk Organizer
• Calendar
• Stapler
• Scissors
• Pens/Pencils
• Highlighters
• Calculator
• Binders/Notebooks/Filler Paper
• Index Cards
• Tape
• Printer (only if they DON'T plan to use the computer center printers)

Miscellaneous

• Power Strip with Surge Protector
• Extra Cord
• Flashlight
• Batteries
• Umbrella/Raincoat
• First-Aid Kit (Ibuprofen, Cold & Flu Relief, Band-Aids, Vitamins, Thermometer, etc…)

Important Documents/ID's/Money:

• Insurance Cards
• Passport/Visa
• Social Security Card
• Credit/Debit/ATM Card
• Drivers License
• Safe storage box or folder

Don't forget to download your FREE COLLEGE PACKING LIST HERE to make sure you have everything you need for college!!

And….. don't miss the Best Prices on 12 College Dorm List Items!

Dorm shopping can get EXPENSIVE – so head over here to check out some prices to shoot for on 12 necessities that are common on college dorm lists. These are rock bottom prices – so look for sales, shop with coupon codes and try to stay in this ballpark!