Dorm Checklist

Items students need for college

A lot happens between High School graduation and moving into the dorms. While the students are occupied with spending time with their friends before moving away, the parents are busy trying to get prepared with all the items their kid(s) will need in the dorms.

The checklist below are suggestions for merchandise best suited to stock up on to support the college-bound students in your markets. Provided your store is located near a college campus, be sure to stock up on some of the heavier, larger options as many buy these items upon move in.

FOR THE ROOM: lighting, alarm clock, mini trash can, under-the-bed storage bins, fan, drying rack for laundry, bulletin board and pushpins, dry-erase wall calendar/board, mini toolkit (including screwdriver, hammer, wrench), area rug, posters or art, and picture hangers (double-sided tape for concrete walls).

FOR LAUNDRY: sheets and pillowcases, towels, pillows, mattress pad, blankets, comforter/bedspread, clothes hangers, laundry bag/basket, laundry detergent, fabric softener, stain remover, lint brush, and a mini sewing kit.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES: electronic media storage such as USB flash drives, stapler, staples, pens, pencils, pencil sharpener, notebooks, folder with pockets, labels of various sizes, 3x5 index cards, sticky notes, paper clips, binder clips, rubber bands, tape, scissors, highlighter pens (multiple colors), ruler, stackable desk trays, stamps, backpack, and envelopes.

ELECTRONICS: laptop, printer, portable speakers, HDMI cord, ethernet cord, surge protector, extension cords, headphones, camera, audio equipment, TV, Blu-Ray player, and a cell phone.

TOILETRIES: antacids, aspirin or other pain relievers, vitamins, antidiarrheal medicine, adhesive bandages, antibiotic ointment, cough drops, shower caddy, shower shoes (flip-flops), shampoo and conditioner, hairstyling products, bath and face soap, travel soap container(s), toothpaste and toothbrush, dental floss, comb/brush, tweezers, nail clippers, hair dryer/straightener/curling iron, razor and shaving cream, lotion and/or facial moisturizer, and cotton swabs.

APPAREL: underwear, socks, pants, jeans, shirts/blouses, sweats, pajamas, slippers and/or flip-flops, sweaters, light/heavy jackets, gloves/scarf/hat, boots, sneakers, business-casual clothes, dress shoes, umbrella, and a swimsuit.

HOME GOODS: coffee or espresso maker, mini fridge, paper towels, trash bags, lightbulbs, all-purpose cleaner, plastic storage bags, food-storage containers, dish soap, wet wipes, tissues, bowl, plate, cup, coffee mug, water bottle, silverware, and a can/bottle opener.