Dorm Shopping for Boys: A Budget List

Shopping and Packing

My recommendation is to designate an area for packing. For us, it was our dining room table. When things arrive, you can decide what to leave in packaging, and what to open up. We pre-washed sheets and towels, but left cables and electronics unopened.

Before Move-In Day: Set Expectations

Let’s be honest – move-in day isn’t just about unpacking boxes. It’s a moment. My number one tip? Have a conversation ahead of time about what the day will look like. If you’re a mom like me, you’ll want to make his bed. Let him know you will both have a better day if he lets you.

What to bring for move-in day itself:

• A cooler with cold drinks and snacks (especially helpful when the dorm is hot and the elevator is slow!)
• A doorstop to keep the room open for airflow – and to meet the neighbors
• A notepad to jot down a quick shopping trip he needs after move-in (you will forget something!)

How to Unpack Like a Pro (Mom Edition)

Here’s my method: Make the bed first. This gives you a “landing zone” for everything else. Then, unload those IKEA bags right onto the made-up bed. Once they’re empty, fold the bags and line his dresser drawers with them. They make excellent drawer liners – and he’ll have them ready for move-out day, too.

Here’s a list of dorm room essentials that won’t break the bank. These are all items I either packed or ended up shopping for immediately after move-in. Where possible, I’ve included Amazon links to make it easier:

• Twin XL Sheets – You need one set. These will get washed “occasionally”. My Amazon history tells me I’ve ordered these sheets in different sizes 7 times, so they’re our go-to!
• Mattress Pad – Adds comfort without the bulk.
• Mattress Topper – Do not spend a ton of money on one of these. They just aren’t long-lasting.
• Bedspread or Comforter – Something washable and not too heavy.
• Pillows – This 2-pack is a great value. If there is a gap, some beds need one of these wedges, or just grab a long body pillow to save money.
• Towels – Quick-drying is best for shared bathrooms.
• Over-the-Bed Hooks – Perfect for hanging wet towels out of the way. They hang these on the end of their bunk beds – one for a damp towel, the rest for hoodies.
• Shower Caddy – Choose a mesh one that dries fast.
• Flip Flops – For showers. Non-negotiable.
• Toothbrush Holder with Suction Cup – Keeps the sink clutter-free. Skip this if they don’t have an in-room sink.
• Command Strips and Hooks – Command strips for flags and posters, and hooks for lanyards and hats. Pro tip: Please test one of these together at home before move-in. If they’ve never used one, they will not know how to remove them.
• Rug or Floor Mat – Makes the space feel more like home.
• Fan – Dorms get hot. A quiet fan is a game-changer. My son’s roommate had this bladeless (splurge) fan, and it cooled the room nicely.
• Bunkie Shelf – A little bedside shelf for the top bunk for his alarm clock. Just kidding, this is where he’ll leave his disposable contacts, his phone, and his eyeglasses.
• Laundry Hamper – Preferably one he’ll use. Buy the cheapest color, because he won’t care.
• IKEA Storage Bags – Inexpensive, huge, and fold flat. Worth every penny. (They are about $5 at IKEA if you live near one.)
• Backpack Save | Splurge – Durable and comfortable for long campus walks. These are the bags my 2 college boys use.
• 10′ Surge Protector with USB – Dorm outlets are never where you need them. You’ll also need 10′ phone chargers.
• First Aid Kit – Band-aids, Advil, Thermometer – because he won’t go to the health center unless he has to.

Amazon Prime Membership for Young Adults

Students aged 18-24 will appreciate Amazon Prime, as well as an extra 5% cash back on eligible purchases and monthly perks. Plus, it’s $0 for the first 6 months. This membership makes a great off-to-college gift!

Laptop

This Macbook Air makes a really nice gift. It has 18 hours of battery life! Your son’s school may have laptop requirements.

Noise-canceling AirPods for Studying

My boys splurged on these AirPods before college, and they keep them charged. One of them likes to wear them just with the noise canceling on to help with concentration.

Air Purifier for Improved Dorm Air

Ok, so this is a gift for the Mom. Dorm rooms are pretty disgusting. Roommates get sick. The list of reasons for getting one of these is long. It will give you some peace. We have this AirPurifier in our basement, and it has helped the air quality. The best part? The filter won’t need to be replaced until he’s home in the summer!

A Futon and a TV

Boys will usually discuss splitting up larger items. I found the most budget-friendly futon and TV for you! If you learn your son is responsible for a futon, make sure to check the dimensions before lugging one of these into the dorm. They may choose to set the TV on furniture already provided, but this TV stand is a great, compact option.

#1 Gift for Boys

A bluetooth speaker? Yep. Just be thankful they aren’t constantly wearing headphones. If they bring the speaker, they are being social. That’s a good thing.

Make it a smooth move

One of our sons recently moved into an unfurnished apartment. We split our shopping between Amazon, Ikea and a discount furniture store. He was moving out of state, and we were able to pick Ikea items up curbside on the way and ship the remaining items from Amazon.

Bedroom

This bed came directly from Amazon and was sturdy and so easy to put together. You just need to choose a size: Full size | Queen size

Mattress: Full size | Queen size

Bedding: Full: Mattress pad, Sheets, Comforter | Queen: Mattress pad, Sheets, Comforter

Family Room

Coffee table: This round option has some nice storage

Rug: Most new apartments will have vinyl floors, so a nice rug can soften things up. This is a large 6′-7″ x 9′-3″ neutral rug , and a budget-friendly neutral rug.

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