There are a million college packing lists. Every time you walk into Target or Bed Bath & Beyond it seems like there’s a new item you have to buy, but how can you distinguish what is necessary and what will be left under your bed for the entire year?
Here are some quick dos and don’ts when it comes to packing for college.
Do: Bring Backups
If there are things you use every day, like deodorant, then pack an extra because come October or November when you’re running low, you’re not going to remember to buy another one, so save the stinky trip to the grocery store.
Don’t: Bring Backups of Everything
Odds are you aren’t going to run out of shampoo and conditioner and your favorite lotion all at the same time, so save the extra five pounds and only pack extras of the essentials.
Do: Bring a Drying Rack
Your mom’s not doing your laundry anymore, so now it’s your turn to take care of your clothes. This also comes in handy when there aren’t any dryer open and your clothes are sopping wet.
Don’t: Bring an Iron
You’ll only use it once and someone in your dorm will have one, so spare yourself the cost and the extra weight and leave the iron at home.
Do: Bring an Extra Blanket
If you go to a school where it gets chilly in the winter (and if you go to Ithaca it will get cold), then an extra blanket is essential. Grab something fleecy or fuzzy, and get ready for some below freezing nights.
Don’t: Overdo it With The Decorative Pillows
I don’t know about you, but I like a good decorative pillow as much as the next person. It didn’t occur to me that a twin bed wouldn’t be able to hold as many pillows as my full bed at home. So stick to one or two and you’ll actually have room to sleep too.
Don’t: Pack All of Your Outfits
It’s so easy to pack every piece of clothing you own, whether or not you’ll actually wear them. Odds are you’ll end up recycling the same jeans and a sweatshirt combo every other day. You may feel like you’ll be cut off from home forever, but really if you forget your favorite sweater, Mom is just a phone call away.
Do: Bring Something From Home
I know you’re moving out for the first time and you aren’t a baby anymore, but you will miss home at some point. When you do, it’s nice to have your favorite stuffed animal or a picture of your friends and family. Having a stuffed animal in your room doesn’t make any less mature and grown up.
Do: Bring a Coffee Maker/Electric Kettle
My electric kettle was a lifesaver. I could make tea, coffee and even instant oatmeal whenever I wanted it, and it was great. So even if you aren’t an avid coffee drinker, opt for an electric kettle and when you can have that hot chocolate at 2 a.m., you’ll be thanking yourself.
Don’t: Bring a Blender/Toaster/Other Small Appliance
I brought my single-serve blender thinking, “I use this every day at home.” Little did I know I had to bring it to the kitchen to use it, so I never used it. Moral of the story, check your school’s policy because, odds are, unless you are truly dedicated to your smoothies, you’re never going to use it.
