College Packing Made Simple: Our Favorite Dorm Must-Haves

It’s been a ..well let’s say a little bit…since we’ve been to college and that decision is far off for our kiddos. We decided if we were going to write a blog about dorm must haves and packing tips we had to consult a pro …our intern Addie who is soon to be a college freshman! 

Addie and I were chatting about her future college plans when the topic of packing came up. As she excitedly rambled off all the things she was planning to bring that sparked an idea—why not create a curated college essentials checklist that both students and parents would find super helpful? We’ve included links to this checklist as well as some of our favorite dorm and organization products to make this exciting transition a whole lot easier!

Dorm Life: Then vs. Now

Even though we’ve all been to college before, dorm life has changed dramatically. The essentials haven’t gone away, but styles and trends sure have changed.  From compact storage solutions to customizable subscription services, the market is full of tools that make dorm living smarter and more comfortable.

Bedding Made Easy with Dormify

One of our first finds was Dormify and we’re obsessed. Bedding is a big deal in a dorm—it’s where you sleep, study and hang out. Dormify makes it easy by offering bedding bundles that include everything from a mattress topper to pillows and blankets. Addie even bought a bundle while we were writing this post!

Tip: Opt for the bundle! It will save time and money—it’s a one-stop shop for your bedding needs.

Getting Organized Starts Now

While training with Salera Home Solutions, Addie realized how essential organization will be for her future move to college. One of the first things she thought about was her morning routine—and how, for the first time, no one will be there to refill what runs out. Most college freshman haven’t spent a significant amount of time away from home. Some, may I daresay, have taken for granted all the little things that seem to appear out of nowhere. 

So she decided to create a very comprehensive ‘Everyday Essentials Checklist “ of what she was planning to pack so she wouldn’t forget a thing. From toothpaste to paper towels, these are the things you’ll wish you had on Day One and you can grab her checklist here for free!

Pro Hack: Use Amazon’s Subscribe & Save to automatically reorder these essentials on your own schedule—biweekly, monthly, or whenever works best.

Small Space, Smart Storage

Look around your current room. What helps keep you organized?  Can you bring it with you?  If it’s too big or bulky, consider this rolling cart from Michaels. It’s compact, affordable, and a total dorm lifesaver. You can store literally anything on a rolling cart from books and school supplies to makeup and beauty essentials. Use it as a bedside table, charging station or a place to store some study snacks.  Really, anything thing goes with these versatile carts!

Pair it with:

• Cart Organizers for each tier

• Cart Bins for pens, pencils or even makeup brushes

• Cart Pegboard Organizer to hold chargers and small items

• Cart Topper to make a movable table or workstation

Dorm Beauty Must-Have: Light-Up Mirror

Speaking of beauty supplies, a light-up mirror was non-negotiable for Addie when planning her move. We highly recommend this light-up mirror from Amazon that:

• Offers three lighting modes

• Includes a dimmer

• Opens up into a lockable jewelry box for extra functionality

It’s stylish, practical, and makes getting ready a breeze.

Health Comes First: Medication Organizer

With no one around to remind them to take their daily medications anymore , staying on top of their health becomes their responsibility now. This medication organizer makes it easier with:

• Color-coded A.M/ P.M reminders

• Daily dose tracking

• Large compartments

Whether it is a multivitamin or a prescription med this organizer is compact enough to take with them on the go.

Don’t forget: Update your pharmacy with your new dorm address to keep those refills coming on time!

Find Your Organization Style with Clutterbug

Want to understand how you actually organize best? Take the Clutterbug Quiz . It’s a fun, insightful tool we always recommend to our clients. We are not affiliated in any way with Clutterbug we just love how a few simple questions can open up a world of possibilities when it comes to finally getting, and staying, organized.

Be honest with your answers—it’s all about discovering your natural style, not your Pinterest persona.

Addie discovered she was a Butterfly—she likes everything where she can see it. Hooks, clear containers, and open baskets are a go-to.

Need Help? Call in the Pros

Feeling overwhelmed? You don’t have to do it alone. Salera Home Solutions offers help with move-ins, dorm setups, and everyday organization. Whether you’re a minimalist or a clutter-prone creative, there’s a system that will work for you!

Final Thoughts

Packing for college can feel like a huge task, but with a little planning (and the right products), it doesn’t have to be. Start with the basics, stay organized, and don’t be afraid to bring a little homey comfort with you.

Have questions or need help finding more dorm favorites? Drop a comment—we’d love to hear from you!