Getting ready for college is an exciting time—but do you know what you need to pack for your dorm? Living away from home for the first time may be overwhelming, so the professional movers at Checkmate Moving and Storage in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, have a list to help you settle in at your new space. As a full-service moving company with packing services in addition to dormitory, residential, and commercial moving, they know what you need to make dorm living as comfortable as possible.

So what should you pack for your first year of college? Here’s a general checklist:

• Room Necessities: A desk lamp, bedside lamp, and alarm clock are must-haves for studying and getting to classes on time. You should also consider getting a dry-erase calendar to help you keep track of appointments and project due dates, as well as a bulletin board to use as a central place to keep important notes and reminders. Don’t forget a small trash can and storage bins that can go under your bed and in your closet for easy organization.
• School Supplies: You probably have pens, pencils, highlighters, and notebooks ready, but you’ll need other study aids as well. Include folders, labels, paper, binder clips, index cards, stackable trays, and sticky notes to easily organize your school notes. Email is a great way to keep in touch with friends and family, but the occasional handwritten letter is always fun to receive, so keep envelopes and stamps on hand.
• Linen & Laundry: Make your dorm room feel a little more like home by bringing your own towels, sheets, pillows, and comforter. Just check with your school about the size of the bed, since some college twin beds are longer than usual. A mattress pad can help add cushioning to make your bed more comfortable, too. Remember to bring clothes hangers, a laundry basket, detergent, a travel sewing kit, and a lint brush.
• Electronics: Your laptop is probably already on your list, but you’ll also need a power strip in case there are a limited number of outlets and surge protector to safeguard your electronic equipment. You’ll also need extension cords, HDMI cords, and an Ethernet cable in case your room doesn’t have a wireless connection. Bring your headphones and an MP3 player to block out distracting sounds when you need to study.
• Toiletries & Kitchen: In addition to your shower essentials, pack a plastic caddy for easy toting from your room to the bathroom. If you’re sharing a kitchen with other dorm residents, bring a bowl, plate, cup, and silverware for your own use along with food storage containers and dish soap.

The professional movers at Checkmate Moving and Storage also suggest packing certain items—such as clothing—one season at a time if you have limited space and changing them when you visit home during your breaks. Call them at (303) 346-6683 or visit their website for more information on their moving and packing services.