As the sun sets on summer, students are getting ready for the upcoming school year. While some are bracing for early wake-up calls, college students are prepping for a year away from home. With move-in day fast approaching, we've gathered solutions for packing pitfalls and dorm room dilemmas to help you simplify back-to-school packing for your college kids.

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49% of students admit they overlooked packing key items for their dorms.¹

While focusing on clothing, furniture, and bigger essentials, students forget key items such as toiletries and chargers. Remember the must-haves for their daily routines—and yes, that likely includes shower caddies and shower shoes. To avoid extra trips to the store, we recommend you create a detailed checklist—and try to stick to it! If a notepad isn’t your style, consider apps like Todoist or TickTick to stay organized.

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Don’t Forget the First-Night Bag: 

Pack a separate bag with everything they’ll need for the first night, like toiletries, pajamas, and a change of clothes. This way, you won’t have to unpack every box on their first night.

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7 in 10 students find maximizing their dorm room space difficult.²

Dorm rooms and student apartments are often small, so we suggest investing in smart storage solutions. Consider hanging organizers, under-bed bins, and stackable drawers to help keep things tidy without sacrificing too much footprint. Clear storage bins are perfect for seeing what’s inside at a glance and for quick unpacking. Even better: They can even be used for under-bed storage afterward!

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Don’t Let Big Items Hold You Back:

Send boxes, suitcases, and even sports equipment straight to their school with Ship&Play. CLEAR Plus Members get 50% off their first round-trip shipment!

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90%+ of students get homesick³ and feel their dorm room lacks the comfort of home.

While it’s important to prioritize the essentials, don’t forget to pack personal decor items that can make the space feel warm and familiar. Photos, posters, and their favorite bedding can transform a generic dorm room into their home away from home! Take care of your fragile items by using towels, bedding, and clothes to protect them when packing—this will reduce the need for packing materials while saving space (the best of both worlds).

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Check school policies: 

Ensure you aren’t bringing anything that isn’t allowed, like candles or space heaters, before packing—because no one wants to start the year at the campus security office!

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