I am a soon to be a college student, currently in the transitioning summer between graduation and my first day on campus. If you have even attempted dorm shopping, you know that it is stressful. If you read online lists you will find that they say you need to buy, what feels like, a million different things. Not only can this be overwhelming, but it can also be very expensive. To combat this, I have come up with an organization system and list system that helps to alleviate shopping stress.
1. Create a list with categories of things you can shop for.
Use large umbrella terms and make a list for items that fit into those categories. My categories include: Laundry, Kitchenware, Bedding, Closet/Organizational, Cleaning, Decor, School Supplies, Appliances, Electronics, Personal Care, and Miscellaneous.
2. Make a smaller list of things to buy in each category.
Under "Laundry" I have things like: Laundry Detergent, Laundry Backpack, Laundry Bag, Laundry Dryer Balls, and Delicates Bag. Doing this prevents forgetting things that you really needed. When making your list for each category include a check box on both sides of the item. The first box will represent if you already own or have purchased the item. The second box to the far right of the item will signify if you have packed it away. If you forgot to pack something, referencing this list at the end of the summer will ensure you won't leave home without it!
3. Assign each category a week of summer.
During that week try your best to buy everything you can under that category. For example, my "Laundry" category was assigned for the first week of July. During that first week, I made it a point to buy everything that I had listed under that category. This also helps you prevent forgetting things because you can always reference your list at the end of summer to see what you forgot. By buying a limited number of things each week, it will also help to keep your paycheck in check! A few number of people can drop one thousand dollars at a time, but this method is much more manageable as it ensures you will only spend a bit of money at a time. If you have more categories than weeks left in summer, don't stress! Combine some weeks that compliment each other. For example, I put "Bedding" and "Decor" together because I want my bedding to match my decor. Also, be sure to assign weeks strategically! I wouldn't suggest assigning "Bedding" to the first week in July because most retailers will not have their dorm bedding out. You also don't want to assign "Bedding" too late because some stores will be picked over. Instead, assign "Bedding" in a week towards the beginning of August. That way most stores will have their dorm bedding out and it won't be extremely picked over.
4. Once you have your items purchased, pack them away!
I went and bought a few organizational bins from Target. Once I purchased everything I needed for that week, I packed it all away in the bins. This not only gives your items a place before school starts, but also takes the stress off of having to do it later in the summer. And since things will mostly be organized by category, it will make labeling the bins much more user friendly. When the school year finally swings around you can focus on other things besides packing! Organizing in bins also helps when actually transporting your dorm stuff. I know that I'm on the 4th floor of a dorm with no elevator. Hauling one bin is much easier than making multiple trips with smaller items.
5. When that last week of summer rolls around, relax!
You will have everything purchased AND packed away. Now you can just focus on having an awesome Freshman year!
