Essential Items for a Comfortable Dorm Life: Recommendations from Wirecutter

Are you about to embark on your college journey and move into a dorm room? If so, you may be feeling overwhelmed with the idea of decorating and organizing your new space. Trust me, I’ve been there. Before I started college four years ago, I spent months planning out my perfect dorm room. I scoured Pinterest boards and blogs searching for the best accessories to make my new home actually feel homey. I even snuck into my residence hall the night before move-in day to check out my room and decide which bed and closet to claim before my roommate arrived.

However, despite all my planning and preparation, I quickly learned that there is such a thing as being over-prepared. Dorm rooms are tiny, and my flower decorations, picture frames, and inspirational quote plaques couldn’t fit. If you’re in the same boat, don’t worry – I’ve got you covered.

In collaboration with Wirecutter, a New York Times company that reviews and recommends products, here are five cheap(ish) things to help make dorm life more comfortable without overloading your space:

1. Laundry bag: A sturdy laundry basket with handles, like the Sterilite Stacking Laundry Basket, can make carrying your clothes back and forth to the laundry room a breeze.

2. Mattress topper: Make the most of your sleep time with a mattress topper like the Dreamfoam Gel Swirl Memory Foam Topper, especially if your dorm mattress isn’t the most comfortable.

3. Vacuum: Keep your space clean and crumb-free with a good vacuum, like the Black+Decker Dustbuster, which is easy to store in small spaces.

4. Water bottle: Stay hydrated and environmentally conscious with a refillable water bottle like the Klean Kanteen, perfect for carrying around campus all day.

5. Toiletry bag: Keep your toiletries organized and easily transportable with a sturdy toiletry bag like the Sea to Summit Traveling Light Hanging Toiletry Bag, especially if you’re sharing a bathroom with classmates.

So, before you start packing up your entire room to bring to college, think about which items you will actually use on a daily basis. These five essentials will help make your dorm life more comfortable without overwhelming your space. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later for keeping it simple and practical. Happy dorm decorating!