https://www.bin-store.com/blog

Getting together your college dorm supplies list? There really is no “one size fits all” approach to shopping for a dorm room—although you may think that there is, given how many lists you will find online (your school will likely give you one as well during orientation or in the mail).

In truth, one of the best college dorm organization tips is to ask yourself a series of questions before you go shopping for dorm room organization supplies. That way you will not purchase anything unnecessary, and you actually will get what you need.

So whether you are a college student shopping for yourself, or you are the parent of a freshman, here are some helpful questions to ask before you whip out your credit card.

Logistics
• Are you driving or flying? If you are driving, you can haul a lot more than you would if you were flying.
• How close do you live? If the college is 15 minutes away, that means you can do multiple rounds—and take things back home if needed. Obviously you cannot do that with a school in another state.
• What floor is the room on, and how can you get up there? Is there an elevator, or are stairs the only way? If you are stuck with stairs, try to avoid super large containers, like oversized plastic storage bins. Even if you fill them with lightweight stuff, they will still pose difficulties.

Laundry
• Who does the laundry? The student? The parents (if they live close)? Are there laundry services on or near campus?
• How far away are the laundry facilities from the dorm room? Will the laundry be carried on foot or driven in a car? The answers to these questions impact the type of laundry basket or bag you will end up buying. Carrying the laundry can be quite a pain, so think hard about this.

Kitchen
• Is there a common area with a kitchen, or is there no kitchen at all?
• What electrical specifications do appliances like fridges and microwaves need to fit?
• Are there any types of appliances which the school has put a ban on?
• If there is a kitchen, does it already have certain appliances (such as a fridge)?
• Are there appliances available to rent from the school?
• Are there already utensils, dishware, cooking implements and so on available, or do you need to bring them yourself?
• If there is a broader common area, does it come pre-furnished, or do you need to bring your own chairs and so forth?
• Who will bring a TV, console, etc. to the common area?
• What supplies will be needed to keep the common area clean, and who should bring them?

This is just the start! Be sure to read on to Questions to Ask Before Shopping For Your Dorm Room, Part 2 to find out even more important questions to ask while you are shopping for college and looking for dorm room organization tips.