A shower cady is a MUST!

i've been told to keep the bedding on the darker side...to hide all of the stains from eating and whatever else happens on the bed....I have also been told to go with a full/queen comforter or duvet so it hangs over the side of the bed, hiding whatever is stored under the bed

Note.....I went to TJ Maxx for bedding I bought all Tommy Hilfiger which he used for two years, and will probably use the comforter again this year. TJ Maxx, Homegoods etc...has a great selection of Twin XL bedding and the prices are great.

Check with your school before ordering wall hangings, flags etc....in my son's dorm this was not allowed

I have also heard there is a great headboard hack....buy a dog bed! Yup you heard me

google it!! So smart

The bed frame I will ship directly to his house, this needs to be timed out well, so we can help to assemble it, otherwise it is up to my son and his roomates to figure out...which I'm sure they can.

Note these beds are fairly easy to put together we have a few in our home, but if you are not handy at all I suggest going on your kids school parents Facebook groupd and asking if anyone knows of a local hanyman

This is a hard pass...my son either put his shoes under his bed or the bottom of his closet

Totally Forgot!!

Moms go on Facebook and join the Parents FB Group for your kids school, don't roll your eyes about this!. There is a plethera of helpful (and sometimes not so helpful) information shared in these groups!!! There are many local families that are in these groups if your child needs a dentist or a mechanic or anything that comes up these groups can be a very good resouce.

Dorm Room Essentials

This unit is great to put next to the bed

Great for rooms that lack closet space

Antimicrobial & Drainage Hole Shower Flip Flops these are a must!!!!!

Set of 5

Effortless everyday style

$50

Lets talk area rugs....I know I know all of the girls want a shag style rug, but just think about all of the disgusting-ness in a dorm room and those shag rugs don't vacuum very easily. I would say look for a flat easy to clean inexpensive rug that trust me you will chuck year after year!

**revision** you will not be keeping this rug after freshman year...period! Pick something afforadble and I stand by my advice of keeping away from a shag...

Peel & Stick Wallpaper is great for those cement dorm room walls!

Ok so as far as house furniture this is what I'm thinking so far......

Lets talk about a fridge!

Before you run and buy a fridge check with the school. Many schools have a rental program and for some schools they offer a rental untit of a fridge and microwave combo. From what I understand when the microwave is being used the fridge turns off and this helps prevent electrical surges in the dorms. My son rented his first year, make sure you do this early!

These Ikea bags are fantastic and a must!!! I bought the open top bags they are super sturdy I used them to move my son in and out!

I LIVE for these Ikea bags! I bought the open top set...aside from using them to move him back and forth he slid this under his bed his freshman year and used as a hamper, we also have a set that we keep in our house and car they are super durable a MUST!!

For jackets towels whatever this is a must!

This is such a girl thing to have a headboard behind their dorm bed

I am going with a full size memory foam mattress around 10 inches. They come boxed and need 24-48 hrs to fully expand. I will most likely have it delivered directly to his house but worst case i can throw the box in the truck and drive it up to school for move in day.

Please note and read reviews, these foam mattress are better on a platform style bed where air circulates under the bed. There are reviews of mold forming on these bed but I think this is when they are put on a box spring.

Let's talk storage...first things first, will you be using this under the bed? Check measurements how high does the bed raise? Most dorm room beds raise up a few slots. Can't remember forgot to take measurements? Oh....ifn you joined the FB page post your question there! Also if you go on YouTube you can search your childs school and often times find a tour or video of their dorm.

Ok so & so told you to get a safe for the dorm...the safe is a hard pass for me....many people will buy these safes and their kids will never use! My son never felt that he needed something like this, but if it will make you feel better fo ahead and grab one!

My son has one of these units in his room at home. He and I put it together, it takes a minute and you need to follow the instructions but it is weirdly sturdy and holds a lot

Available in 9 colors $40

This is brilliant it is a peel & stick headboard!

Again check with your dorm if may pull paint off the walls

Available in 7 dirt hiding patterns! $60

ok...so if you follow me on Instagram you would have heard me going on and on about these products last night...IMO sending you kid to college with a skincare regimen is essential...here's the thing, aside from you wanting them to duh...wash their face and take care of their skin...what are the chances your kid will be changing their pillowcases on a regular basis...did you know sleeping on a dirty pillowcase causes breakouts...yup

so send them with a skincare arsenal...this Countercontrol Set is just the thing!

Ok!!! So my oldest is going to be a senior in college (eek!) and lives off campus in a house, and the baby is going to be a freshman in college! Where does time go! I started this when my oldest was off to collge so I guess at this point I am seasoned in what you need and don't need!

Mind you I have boys and yes I know girls wants and needs are different I get that and lucky for you I speak fluent girl...

I have some been there done that tips, & tips that other mamas have passed along.

First tip

_shop early so you don't get overwhelmed you will get quite sappy

_shop where you can return (i like target for this reason!)

Ok so I got you...let's do this and as painlessly and affordable as possible!

Jen

**contains affiliate links**

$3 for a pack of 18 hangers...i've found this to be the best price better than Amazon...I bought 4 packs which my friend said is too many..but i can always return....

I've also found that boys pull their clothes off of the hangers and the plastic hanger works better than the huggable style hanger