This post is all about what not to buy for your dorm.
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If you’re getting ready for college, you’re probably super excited to start packing but also maybe don’t know where to start.
There are a ton of helpful college essentials that make living in a dorm and being at college a lot easier. However, there are also things that you just don’t need.
This post will tell you all about what not to buy for your dorm so that you can save money and just live a more minimalistic life.
This post is super helpful for any college freshman or college student looking for some helpful packing tips!
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What Not To Buy For Your Dorm: 10 Things You Don’t Need
1. Too Many Clothes:
If I could go back in time before my freshman year, I would tell myself not to pack so many clothes! I literally had clothes exploding out of my drawers that I just didn’t need.
It ended up being a lot more stressful and I brought a ton of my clothes home before second semester. Definitely learn from my mistakes and only pack clothes you will absolutely wear and get a lot of use out of.
College girls basically live in leggings, sweatshirts, jeans and sweaters so as long as you bring these items, you’re perfect!
Related: Best Clothes To Pack For College
2. Throw Pillows:
A couple of throw pillows can be a really cute decoration but too many are just going to get in your way. They will most likely end up on the ground or on your desk and you just won’t have space for them. I would definitely bring 1 or 2 cute throw pillows but don’t feel like you need a ton.
3. Desk Decorations:
One of the best ways to keep your desk organized is not to have an abundance of desk decor. You will definitely want enough room to spread out all of your work, and decorations take up space.
If you still want to decorate your desk, I definitely recommend getting a desk shelf. A desk shelf is great because it will build your desk up so that you have more space for decor and supplies without actually taking up desk space. My friend has one that always looks so cute on her desk.
4. Extra Appliances:
There are some appliances that I definitely recommend bringing to college – a Keurig, microwave, and toaster can all be super helpful!
You definitely don’t need anything else because it will just take up space and is probably not allowed.
Make sure to check your school’s handbook about what appliances are allowed. I promise you, a microwave is the most handy appliance in dorm rooms!
5. Printer:
In my experience there was a printer in my dorm building so I did not feel the need to have a printer in my dorm.
If you don’t have a printer close by though you may want to invest in one. However, so many assignments are submitted electronically now it may not even be necessary. Also, who wants to pay for ink if they don’t have to?
6. Too Many Drawer Units:
I talk so much about how helpful organizational drawer units are but too many will just get in the way. When picking your organizational drawer units think practically.
It’s a great idea to have a nightstand, a drawer unit for snacks, and maybe an additional one for something else, but more than that will just take up space.
My freshman year dorm room was CRAMPED and there just isn’t enough room for you and your roommates to bring that many drawer units. I promise, only bringing a couple will make your life so much easier!
7. Too Many Water Bottles:
One reusable water bottle is perfect and you just don’t need anymore.
Invest in one reusable water bottle that you really love and plan on using it all of the time. You can wash it once a week and let it soak overnight so that you can use it again in the morning.
If you’re looking for a great bottle, I definitely recommend a Hydroflask or a Super Sparrow bottle. Both are amazing and will keep your water cold all day! Both bottles also come in an assortment of colors so you can pick one that maches you style!
Also, make sure to bring a Brita water filter to college so that you can keep cold and clean water in your fridge. I promise having a Brita in your dorm room is the best!
8. All Of Your Shoes:
Just like clothes you don’t need every pair of shoes you’ve ever bought. As long as you have some sneakers, water proof boots and shower shoes you’re all set.
You really don’t even need heels. I think I wore heels once so if you want to bring one pair maximum that is totally fine. Having too many shoes is stressful and just not necessary. Just bring your favorites!
Related Post: The Shoes You Should Actually Pack For College and Will Wear Again & Again!
9. Binders:
I really never liked binders, even in high school because they are just bulky and take up so much room.
If you love binders don’t let this discourage you from bringing them but if you’re not a fan, don’t bring them because you won’t use them. If you didn’t use them before, you won’t ultimately start using them in college.
I prefer using notebooks or my computer to take notes. I find notebooks a lot easier and lighter to carry around campus. I’m sure you’ll find this too!
10. Iron & Ironing Board:
I hate ironing. In my experience it never works, especially in a cramped dorm room where I have no room.
Honestly, every time I tried ironing in the past, I ended up damaging my clothes in some way. Maybe it’s just me lol but I definitely prefer Downey Wrinkle Releaser Spray.
If you love ironing and can actually do it well (I’m jealous haha), I definitely recommend an ironing mat. It is much easier to use in your dorm than an ironing board because it doesn’t take up as much space.
Also, make sure to take your clothes out of the dryer and hang them up as soon as they are finished drying. Do not wait to hang up or fold your clothes because they will be FULL of wrinkles. Trust me, I’ve done that a couple too many times and it’s never a good situation.
I hope that you enjoyed this post all about what not to buy for your dorm. I had a lot of fun reflecting back on some of my college experiences and hope that it made you feel more confident in knowing what to actually pack for college.
This post was all about what not to buy for your dorm.
