Are you starting dorm room shopping? An adventure it can be! Make your shopping much easier by keeping in mind these 6 Things Nobody Tells You About Dorm Room Shopping.
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Weight Matters!
Over the course of your time in college, you are going to be lugging your stuff up and down stairs more times than you will care to count. The more stuff and the heavier it is, the more you are going to dread move in and move out days. Do yourself a big favor and consider the weight of dorm room essentials and decor before you buy.
Talking With Your Roommate Before Dorm Room Shopping Is A Smart Move.
First, you can keep duplication to a minimum. Who needs two mini-fridges, air popcorn poppers, etc.. in one small space. Second, you can coordinate decor if you wish for a more unified look. Third, your roommate may know some clever savings tips for dorm room shopping that you may not have thought of.
Dorm Room Shopping Is An Emotional Process
Don’t be surprised if you feel a range of emotions (speaking to both college student and parents) when on these shopping trips. You may cycle without warning through excitement, apprehension, annoyance, sadness, and back to excitement. Totally normal, as dorm room shopping symbolizes a new phase in life for all parties involved.
Understanding The List Of Don’t Brings Is As Important As Being Well-Versed In The Do Brings.
Usually, the residence life staff at colleges and universities will send out dorm room packing lists which include details about prohibited items. If you have not received one, you can generally find them online at your school’s website. Pay careful attention when you are making your own dorm shopping list to keep these banned items off it. And check out my post about 18 Common Things NOT to Buy or Pack for Your Dorm Room for more tips.
You May Have To Go In Search Off Odd Sizes When Dorm Room Shopping.
A classic example of this is long twin bed sheets. For some reason, twin dorm room mattresses tend to be longer than your standard twin mattresses (check your school sent packing list). Another example, is finding a storage container to fit in a strangely angled corner or tight space.
Hint for these two particular problems: Amazon offers a good selection of Twin XL Sheets
Costs Can Really Add Up If You Are Not Careful.
Shopping for a whole new space can be lots of fun. It can also quickly add up cost wise. Use the following tips to furnish your dorm room without draining the bank account.
- Set a budget from the get go. You may have to adjust it a little as you go along, but this way you will shop with set parameters in mind.
- Shop from a list. Know what you are looking for so that you do not succumb to impulse buying.
- Realize that dorm furnishings are probably not going to be your forever furnishings. Dollar stores, consignment and thrift stores such as Goodwill can be great places to find many things on your list.
- For items that are not available from the stores above, Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, Ross Dress For Less, T.J. Maxx and Marshalls are excellent places to find stylish furnishings at reasonable prices. Also, Amazon offers everything under the sun for dorm rooms
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For more Dorm Room Shopping and College Tips:
22 Dorm Room Supplies for Emergencies
40 Useful Things To Put In College Gift Baskets
6 Personal Safety Tips Not To Miss
