College move-in
A dorm room: twin XL bedding, a shower caddy, storage that fits under the bed, and power where you need it. Check the school's list of what isn't allowed.
Amounts below are for 1 person. They are planning estimates; change any of them on your list.
Saves the 15 must-haves, 4 easy-to-forget items to a list on this device. Upgrades are up to you. Then shop the list item by item and tick things off.
At a glance
- 🔎 Twin XL sheets2 sets
- 🔎 Mattress topper1 topper
- 🔎 Comforter1 comforter
- 🔎 Pillows1 pillow
- 🔎 Bath towels2 towels
- 🔎 Shower caddy1 caddy
- 🔎 Shower shoes1 pair
- 🔎 Laundry hamper1 hamper
- 🔎 Laundry pods5 pods
- 🔎 Hangers20 hangers
- 🔎 Desk lamp1 lamp
- 🛒 Power strip1 strip
- 🔎 Under-bed storage1 bin
- 🔎 Command hooks and strips1 pack
- 🛒 First aid kit1 kit
🛒 2 exact products we picked · 🔎 13 Amazon searches, so you choose the brand and size.
Must-haves (15)
- Must-have
Twin XL sheets
Most dorm beds are twin XL; check with the school.
Get about 2 sets
1 person × 2 = 2 sets
Mattress topper
Get about 1 topper
1 person × 1 = 1 topper
Amazon search: “twin xl mattress topper”
Comforter
Get about 1 comforter
1 person × 1 = 1 comforter
Pillows
Get about 1 pillow
1 person × 1 = 1 pillow
Amazon search: “camping pillow”
Bath towels
Get about 2 towels
1 person × 2 = 2 towels
Shower caddy
Get about 1 caddy
1 person × 1 = 1 caddy
Amazon search: “shower caddy portable”
Shower shoes
Get about 1 pair
1 person × 1 = 1 pair
Amazon search: “shower sandals”
Laundry hamper
Get about 1 hamper
1 person × 0.5 = 1 hamper (rounded up)
Amazon search: “collapsible laundry hamper”
Laundry pods
Keep pods up high and away from kids.
Get about 5 pods (1 × 80-pack)
1 person × 30 days × 0.15 = 5 pods (rounded up)
Hangers
Get about 20 hangers (1 × 50-pack)
1 person × 20 = 20 hangers
Desk lamp
Get about 1 lamp
1 person × 1 = 1 lamp
Amazon search: “led desk lamp”
- Our pick
Power strip
Anker USB-C power strip, 6 outlets
Six outlets plus USB-C and USB-A ports.
Good for: Dorms and desks
Get about 1 strip
1 strip for the group
Product link checked Oct 30, 2026
Under-bed storage
Get about 1 bin
1 person × 1 = 1 bin
Amazon search: “under bed storage”
Command hooks and strips
Get about 1 pack
1 pack for the group
Amazon search: “command strips”
- Must-haveOur pick
First aid kit
First Aid Only 298-piece all-purpose kit
A stocked kit to start from. Add your own medicines.
Good for: Home and car
Get about 1 kit
1 kit for the group
- Upgrade: Surviveware comprehensive first aid kit ↗A bigger, organized kit in a tough bag.
Product link checked Oct 30, 2026
Easy to forget (4)
- Must-have
Prescription medicines
Red Cross: a 7-day supply. Ask your prescriber or pharmacy what is possible.
Get about 1 one-week supply
1 person × 1 = 1 one-week supply · official amount
Amazon search: “weekly pill organizer”
Charging cables
Get about 2 cables
2 cables for the group
Amazon search: “usb c charging cable”
Sleep masks and earplugs
Get about 1 set
1 person × 1 = 1 set
Amazon search: “sleep mask earplugs”
Umbrellas
Get about 1 umbrella
1 person × 0.5 = 1 umbrella (rounded up)
Amazon search: “compact umbrella”
Upgrades (4)
Dorm fridge
Check the school's rules on appliances.
Get about 1 fridge
1 person × 0.5 = 1 fridge (rounded up)
Amazon search: “mini fridge”
Bed risers
Get about 1 set
1 person × 1 = 1 set
Electric kettle
Many dorms ban kettles; check first.
Get about 1 kettle
1 kettle for the group
Storage bins
Get about 4 bins
4 bins for the group
Amazon search: “plastic storage bins”
More in moving and new homes
General planning information, not professional or medical advice. A list does not guarantee anyone’s safety. In any emergency, call your local emergency number and follow official guidance from local authorities.
As an Amazon Associate, PleaseBeReady earns from qualifying purchases.