After moving for the 5th time in 4 years, I am once again settled into my college apartment. As I’ve gotten better at packing up my things, I’ve started to bring less and less with me each time I move. But I still find there are certain things that I just can’t leave at home.
Lamps & Lighting
I am a certified big light hater, and you will never catch me flipping the main light switch. I even forgot my old apartment had central lighting! Because of this, I am always packing up smaller lighting to light up my bedroom.
I have a lamp that doubles as a shelf, meaning I can add little decor to make it even cozier. I also have a candle warmer which is multi-purpose: not only can I use it to light up my room, but I can also pick what scent my room should smell like. Depending on the size of my room, I usually pack 3-4 smaller lamps to truly create that cozy vibe.
Desk Mat
This one may seem a bit random, but I love a patterned mat to go on my desk/vanity. Since most of the places I’ve lived in supply darker (and sometimes scratched) furniture, I like to do what I can to cover it up.
A desk mat is a simple–and cheap–way to brighten up my study area, giving my space more life and color. Plus, there is the added bonus of protecting your furniture against any scratches or dirt.
Extra Cozy Blankets
While I usually like to have at least one chunky blanket on my bed, I like to bring 1 or 2 extras. My current apartment has what is essentially a glorified folding chair along with my desk, so it is definitely not the comfiest setup for getting ready in the morning or studying.
My simple fix: covering it up with a blanket! It makes my desk extra cozy and comfortable, whether I’m cold in the morning or needing some extra cushion when I’m studying for hours.
Over-the-Door Hooks
Living in an apartment means making the most of smaller spaces, especially when living with roommates or sharing bedrooms or bathrooms. I always pack 1-2 over-the-door hooks to put my towels, jackets, belts, and bags on. Usually, I keep my towels and robes on the back of my bathroom door and my bags and other random accessories on the back of my closet door.
If you and your roommates share a closet in your kitchen or living room, this could be a great way to add storage for bulky winter coats or reusable shopping bags.
Bathroom Counter Organizer
I bought a small 2-tier shelf organizer for the bathroom in my previous apartment, and then I realized I had essentially no counter space to actually put it on. Instead, I opted to put it on the top of my toilet, and I was able to store my hair and skincare products that I used daily. It was so helpful to clear up some of the clutter that would usually be on my bathroom counter!
Final Notes
You don’t always need to pack every little thing for your college dorm, apartment, or house. Sometimes your own “essentials” are random things that you find you use every day. What’s important is making the most of your space (and finding a way to pack it all up later…).