How to Pack for College

Heading off to college? Packing doesn’t have to be overwhelming — you need a game plan (most of us don't have the benefit of help from a full-service moving company). As your friendly neighborhood moving experts, we're here to help. We'll break it down into three (fairly) simple steps: Packing the right stuff, packing it in the right containers, and packing those containers the right way.

TL;DR: Start by sticking to the essentials (your dorm room isn’t exactly spacious). Pack smart by using clothes, bedding, and towels as padding for breakables. Keep your wardrobe simple — you’ll probably live in a rotation of favorites anyway. And before you buy that mini fridge, double-check what your school already provides so you don’t end up with duplicates.

If you want to dig into the nitty-gritty, we've got more tips below and products we recommend to help make your college transition easier!

Start by dividing everything into two categories: the things you need and the things you want. Your “needs” list should cover everyday basics, while your “wants” list is where you’ll be tempted to overpack. The trick is to keep that second list short — remember, dorm rooms are small, and you’ll collect more stuff once you’re on campus.

Focus first on the essentials: bedding, towels, and toiletries. Double-check your dorm’s bed size before buying sheets (most are Twin XL, but not all), and bring two sets of bedding so you’re covered on laundry day.

Once your “needs” are covered, carefully pick a few “wants” that will make your space feel like home — like a favorite poster, small lamp, or cozy throw.

Remember that even if you forget something or you miss having something, you can have your parents mail it, you can buy a new one, or you can get it when you go home for break.

👉 For more ideas, don’t miss our shopping list of college moving must-haves.

 If you’re using an inventory checklist, label each box or bag with a number and jot that same number on your list — it’ll save you time (and stress) when you’re unpacking in your dorm. For example, if your bedding is in Box #1, note “Box #1” next to “bedding” on your checklist.

When it’s time to pack, keep these tips in mind:

• Choose the right containers. Cardboard boxes are easy to recycle or store, but storage bins and heavy-duty moving bags can double as dorm organizers. (Just don't overdo it, you don't want to worry about finding room for a bunch of bins.)
• Group like items together. Keep bedding with bedding, toiletries with toiletries — it’ll make unpacking so much smoother.
• Reuse bins in your dorm. Once you’re moved in, storage bins can keep school supplies, snacks, or random extras organized.
• Pack your car efficiently. Load heavier items first and build up. Fill gaps with softer items like clothes or towels so nothing shifts on the drive.

Dorm closets are small — really small. Stick to the season you’re moving in, and save the rest for later trips home. Focus on everyday comfort (think sneakers and jeans), but don’t forget to include at least one dressier outfit and a pair of nice shoes for interviews, networking events, or career fairs.

Keep your wardrobe simple by choosing basics in a neutral color palette so everything mixes and matches. Toss in a few sets of workout clothes too — you’ll be glad you don’t have to do laundry after every trip to the gym.

Before you start shopping, call ahead to find out what your dorm already comes with. Some provide a mini fridge or microwave, while others expect you to bring your own. The same goes for electronics — decide what you’ll actually use on campus (maybe a flash drive for presentations, or a game console for downtime) and skip the rest.

Equally important: Ask what’s not allowed. Beyond the obvious (drugs, alcohol, weapons), many schools also ban hot plates, space heaters, candles, or extension cords for safety reasons.

The goal is to feel at home without dragging along your entire bedroom. Use our checklists to zero in on what you really need, and keep your move (and unpacking) as stress-free as possible.