Dorm Room Shopping: What To Buy & What To Skip

It’s time to start shopping for your dorm room! To make the most of your budget and get everything you need, it is essential to know which items are worth buying and which ones you can skip. In this blog post, we will take a look at what should be on your dorm room shopping list and what can be left off.

Take Inventory

Before taking the plunge into dorm room shopping, it’s important to take inventory of what you already have. Make sure to check if you have any towels, bedding, or other items that can be sent to college and avoid having to buy new items. Additionally, look into the college’s website for specifications on the type of bedding that is needed – most beds in college dorms are either standard twin or XL twin sizes. Now you can choose two sets of linens, fitted sheets, flat sheets, and a comforter. Don’t forget to purchase a few extra blankets and throws – after all, the temperature in the dorm room can fluctuate greatly. Lastly, don’t forget about winter – a sherpa fleece throw blanket will keep your student warm and cozy during the colder months!

Do Research on the College’s Website

When doing research for what to buy for the dorm room, it is important to check out the college’s website. This will provide information about what each room offers, so that you can plan accordingly. It is also a great way to find out if the dorm comes with a kitchen, refrigerator, and microwave. Knowing these details ahead of time will come in handy when shopping for dorm room essentials. Additionally, it is useful to know what items are provided in each dorm room, so that you can plan what additional items you may need to bring.

Choose the Right Bedding and Laundry Items

Before choosing bedding, it is important to take inventory of what you need. Think about what kind of bedding you need, such as sheets and blankets, and also consider items like extra socks and underwear. Do research on the college’s website to see what they recommend bringing. Choose bedding that is comfortable and cozy, such as a set of Brooklinen Luxe sheets in white and gray, which only get better with time. Don’t forget about laundry supplies either, as you may be juggling clubs, classes, and studying; getting a good night’s sleep is crucial to getting it all done. Avoid piles of laundry all over your dorm by picking up a laundry basket or hamper for your room. Think about space-saving solutions when shopping for dorm bedding and laundry items, such as multi-purpose hampers that can be used for both storage and laundry. Look for deals on bulk purchases too so you can get the most out of your money.

Think About Space and Storage Solutions

Think About Space and Storage Solutions – Dorm room life means thinking creatively, using every inch of space in the best way for you. An over-the-door set of hooks is a great space saver for hats, jackets, or wet towels. Shop under bed storage, storage bins and other essentials from Ikea, Target, Container Store and other stores to hold all of your college supplies and keep your college living environment as stress free as possible. Stacking storage cubes for snacks, shoes, toiletries, etc. can help declutter your space and going as far up the wall as you can reasonably access is a great way to maximize your storage space. Popping a second bar into the closet to double its capacity is also a great option.

Bring a Piece of Home with You

Choosing a few pieces of home decor to bring to your dorm is a great way to make your new space feel like home. Whether it’s a framed photo of you and your best friends or a piece of art that reminds you of home, it’s always nice to have something familiar in your college digs. Don’t forget to bring along any sentimental items, like stuffed animals or mementos, that will remind you of family or friends back home. Your dorm room should be an inviting space where you can relax and study, so make sure to bring things that make it feel special.

Avoid Going Overboard with Decor

When it comes to decor, it’s important to keep in mind that you don’t want to go overboard. It’s easy to get swept away by cute decorative pillows and party lights, but try to prioritize the essentials first. Put down the faux-fur pillow and disassemble any modular storage – in order to make the most of your dorm room, it’s important to focus on what you really need. On that note, avoid “Great for Dorms” labels and don’t get too caught up in buying items that are specifically marketed for college dorms. Remember, you can find plenty of items that you can use in your dorm room at home!

Think About Covid-19 Supplies

It’s important to consider the safety measures your college is taking to protect students during the pandemic. Make sure to include thermometers, hand sanitizer, and masks in your dorm room shopping list. Even if you aren’t showing symptoms of COVID-19, experts advise social distancing to stop the spread of the disease. To ensure you have enough masks for yourself and those around you, Shop now: CE Certified, Disposable 3-Ply Surgical Medical Face Masks. Remember that there is a nationwide shortage of medical-grade face masks so it’s best not to stock up on too many of them.

Shop for the Essentials

Before you start shopping for the essentials for your dorm room, take inventory of what the college provides. Check the college’s website for a list of items that are provided in the dorms and what you will need to bring with you. Once you know what is provided, you can focus on finding bedding, storage and organization tools, school supplies, and other items that make your dorm room feel like home. Many college students buy dorm room essentials in the summer, but don’t forget to pick up winter items as well, such as a sherpa fleece throw blanket to keep your dorm room cozy. Five Below is a great store to find cool items to brighten up your room, as well as more essential items such as sturdy backpacks or book bags. Even if you’re stuck with a bunk bed this year, you can still make it feel like home with a comforter set in your favorite colors and patterns. As you shop for dorm room essentials, look for space-saving solutions and deals on bulk purchases.

Look for Space-Saving Solutions

For organizing everyday items—think pencils, makeup, hairbrush, papers—this colorful find is one of the easiest space-saving dorm ideas. Stow it away with door racks, hanging wall pockets, or Command hooks to hold bags, toiletry pouches, school supplies, or hoodies and robes. Before you make any purchases, take inventory of what you will need and the space you have to work with. Research the college’s website to get an idea of what they provide and what you’ll need to bring. Choose the right bedding and laundry items to fit your mattress size and consider space-saving solutions like under bed storage bins from IKEA, Target and The Container Store. Bring a piece of home with you by adding decorative pillows or pictures of family and friends. Avoid going overboard with decorations – no matter how cute something looks – as it can make your space feel cluttered. Don’t forget to think about Covid-19 supplies like face masks and hand sanitizer. Shop for the essentials in bulk and look for deals that can help save you money in the long run.

Look for Deals on Bulk Purchases

Once you have all the essentials taken care of, you can look for deals on bulk purchases. Buying in bulk can seem like a really great idea, especially when it comes to items like soap, deodorant, shampoo and conditioner. These products don’t have expiration dates, though some experts suggest replacing them every six months or so. You can also save money if you look for sales and use coupons when shopping for detergent at Walmart. If you’re looking to purchase items in bulk order quantities, they offer great discounts that can help you save up to 70 percent off retail prices when you shop summer clearance events.