Minimalist College Packing List: Flying to College

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Flying to College List

Before You Pack

We bought everything in San Diego and flew it to Boston because our son’s school did not accept packages before move-in. For us, checking the bags was the least expensive option. If your student’s school accepts early shipments, sending some of the bulkier items ahead may be easier.

Getting There

• hard-side luggage with spinner wheels

  This suitcase is lightweight, roomy, and durable. If I were doing it again, I’d bring two of these and skip the wheeled duffel.

• wheeled duffel

  It collapses nearly flat, so it takes up very little storage space in the dorm room.

• heavy duty moving bags

  These worked great, I used heavy-duty tape to secure the zippers, just in case. But they traveled well.

• vacuum storage bags

  Choose the “Multiple” size option—it includes an assortment of bag sizes and worked great for us. We washed bedding, towels, etc., and packed in vacuum bags - saved space and kept everything clean in transit.

• dolly

  My kids teased me about this purchase, but it saved us. It folds small, holds a surprising amount, and made every leg of the trip—from the airport to the hotel to campus—much easier.

Bedding

• pillows

• comforter

• twin XL sheets

• pillowcases

• mattress topper

  this one made my kids’ college mattress “more comfortable” than their home bed!

  if you keep it boxed and vacuum sealed as it comes, it packs pretty small for the flight.

• bed bug/dust mite cover

Laundry

• laundry bag

• laundry soap

  Get there…let’s be honest, they won't be doing laundry the first week anyway. I used this as my “testing shipping to school” & it taught my kid how to pick up mail!

• mesh bag for delicates

Bath & Shower

• bath towels

• washcloths

• shower shoes

• shower caddy

• hand towels

• toothbrush & charger (sometimes easier to have one at home and one at school)

• toothpaste

• mouthwash

• floss

• tweezers

• body wash/soap

• face soap

• shampoo & conditioner

• hairbrush

• deodorant

• nail clippers

• q-tips

• lotion

• face moisturizer

• hair products

• razor

• chapstick/lip balm

• sunscreen

  …it’s up to your personal preference, we hit up Target once we got there and purchased the soaps, shampoos, etc. but each kid is different.

Desk & School Supplies

• desk lamp (can wait & see)

• command hooks

  this multi-pack served both my boys well…it has a little of everything.

• backpack

• pens & highlighters

• calculator (& charger)

• index cards

• scissors

• laptop/computer

  yes…I put this on the list because my son left his home for his sophomore year trip to school!

Closet

• hangers

• closet organizer

• over door hooks - single

• over the door hooks - multiple

  especially great if they need a place to hang wet towels, jackets, etc.

• drawers for under the bed

  we got something like this- but check your dimensions before you buy. Depending on where your kiddo is heading to school, and just a heads up, these can sell out quickly at local Target/Walmart stores…

Medicine & First Aid

• small first aid kit

  I added in a few meds as well, some Advil, Tylenol, NyQuil…his personal favorites…really helpful because if/when they get sick, they may not have the time/energy to get to the store!

• thermometer

  really helpful if/when they get sick and you know “how sick” they are!

• prescription meds

• insurance card (keep a copy at home, too)

Tech & Charging

• extension cord - multiple outlets

• extension cord

• cell phone/computer charger

  almost immediately on first trips home, they were left at school, so pretty quickly we had doubles, chargers “here” and “there”
  

Cleaning

• wipes

• air purifier

  With my son living in a 100-year-old dorm, I decided to invest in a compact air purifier. It fit easily under his bed, ran quietly around the clock, and gave me some peace of mind about the air in an older building.

Move-In Day Supplies

• wipes

• paper towels & multi-purpose cleaning spray (I love this one and it comes in good scent options)

• masking tape

• snacks

• water bottle

• scissors

Clothing

This one is pretty personal. Here’s what I’d suggest: If your kid is going to do laundry weekly, a few pairs of pants/shorts/shirts are probably good. If you know laundry may be “few and far between,” I may suggest packing more. Pack more underwear and socks than anything else. Beyond that, here are a few things to remember to pack:

• rain jacket

• warm coat (sometimes hard to remember in August!)

• dress shoes/suit/fancy dress? both my kids needed a suit first semester

One of my boys took pretty much all of his clothes. The other took a very small capsule wardrobe. Both were happy with their decision.

Wait and See

• desk lamp

• kitchen supplies (bowls, plates, cups, silverware)

Important Papers

• driver’s license

• birth certificate or passport, if needed for employment or school paperwork

  Both of my boys needed theirs in the first month to apply for a job. Not something I really wanted them to take, but it was necessary.

• medical and dental insurance cards