Shopping + packing for your college dorm can feel a bit overwhelming. That’s why shoeclasstop has done the hard work for you and created the ultimate college checklist. From bedding + decor to storage + laundry, we’ve included everything you need (and want) to pack for college and have included a tracker so you can measure your shopping progress. Plus, you can customize the checklist with your move-in date so you have a countdown to move-in to help you prepare.

It’s never too early to start stocking up on the essentials. Dorm basics that you know you’ll need (aka mattress protector, laundry hamper, shower caddy, etc) can be purchased early, even before you know where you’ll be living.


We recommend washing all of your bedding before you move into your dorm, so ordering your Twin XL sheets + comforter/ duvet at least a few weeks before heading to school is advised.

Most dorm rooms are equipped with twin XL sized beds, which vary slightly from the standard twin size bed. A twin XL mattress is 80” x 38”, making it 5 inches longer than a 75” twin mattress. This difference means that twin sized sheets will not fit your college dorm bed. Make sure you show up to campus with twin XL bedding so don’t have to rush out last minute on move-in day to find bedding that fits.

Most colleges have specific guidelines regarding when + where you can ship packages prior to move-in, so we recommend checking with your school to make sure you know their policies + procedures for receiving packages at your college/university shipping address.

We recommend buying your favorite items as early as possible to avoid selling out. Many of our customers prefer to ship items like comforters/ duvets, sheets, and towels directly to their home so they can be washed before move-in, and then bring these items with them to campus on move-in day.

For larger items, you can always ship directly to your school or your hotel if you are staying near campus. In this case, you may want to place a second order closer to your move-in date. Make sure to check when your mailroom starts to accept deliveries + how long they will hold packages. If you have any family or friends in the area, you can also ship there if they’re willing to temporarily store it for you!