<p>Moved DD in this past week. Did not need the bedbug mattress cover or spray (mattress and boxsprings were already sealed). Did need - but did not have - black out curtains (too light in room at night) and more extension cords (she and her roomie had two between them).</p>
<p>Not for move-in per se, but for living in the dorm: The two items which we didn’t think of were earplugs and shower shoes.</p>
<p>Last year we didn’t have light bulbs for the new desk lamp!!</p>
<p>Missing: the letter “h” in freshman. Also, I miss my son.</p>
<p>What did we have that we didn’t need: too many clothes. I think my son decided if he had a lot of clothes, he wouldn’t need to do laundry very often.</p>
<p>What else: a bottle of laundry detergent, extension cords, sandals/robe, floor lamp, portable/fold-up chair, snack food, calendar, etc.</p>
<p>Years ago I packed the large lounging pillow I had made (after repacking H and S’s efforts- I can get so much more in a vehicle than they can) and son sent it back with us. Visited him a bit later and brought the now requested pillow! Made a Target/Walmart run for some stuff- including a light bulb for that new desk lamp he had chosen. Must be the most commonly forgotten item. I believe he left it in the car or lost it in the clutter as well.</p>
<p>We actually forgot the desk lamp!! Also bought but didn’t use cart (too many steps from parking lot to dorm).</p>
<p>Sleep headphones. I ordered them online for her. Allowed her to fall asleep listening to her ipod rather than being kept awake by her inconsiderate roommates.</p>
<p>'Last year we didn’t have light bulbs for the new desk lamp!!"</p>
<p>We forgot light bulbs, too, and when I got to the store I realized I didn’t know what wattage they took. Called my son to have him check and he couldn’t be bothered answering his phone, so I bought what I thought they took and naturally got it wrong. So back to the store. Needless to say I wasn’t happy with him that he didn’t answer his phone.</p>
<p>Ditto on the light bulbs. Had to get them at the bookstore…</p>
<p>Years ago, I sent S2 across the country to a summer camp and packed a brand new desk lamp for him. My sister met him and helped him get settled in. Guess what I forgot . . . (It rhymes with “fite mulb.”)</p>
<p>Just get them packed up. Let it sit a day or so. Then subtract 50 percent and it will be about right.</p>
<p>We didn’t have enough hangers freshman year. Otherwise, what did we have that we didn’t need? Gah, just about everything. D1 has about half what she took up last year and was still saying, "it looks like so much!.</p>
<p>Bumping as lots of launches are happening this week and I think this is a very helpful thread - although much more helpful with actual items (lightbulbs, shower shoes, etc.,) then “pack half of what you have”, I think we all know we have way too much, just looking for help narrowing it down - Thanks All!</p>
<p>I imagine most of you have done this already, but if you haven’t, check the school’s “what to bring” list. There may be a list of items that shouldn’t be brought as well. If you do a Google search with the name of the university and what to bring that will likely take you there quickly.</p>
<p>What not to forget – the hugs!</p>
<ul>
<li>tub of Lysol wipes, so you know the drawers and surfaces start out the year clean<br></li>
<li>tools to assemble stuff</li>
<li>extra ethernet & computer cables</li>
<li>power strip</li>
</ul>
<p>(actually we brought all this, but her roommate didn’t)</p>
<p>A box of large black garbage bags…unless you are unpacking everything new at home; not all schools provide…</p>
<p>bump…</p>
<p>double check the “what school allows” list. DD’s school does NOT allow extension cords.</p>
<p>I packed a pair of door jams which came in handy for move in day. They stayed there so I guess they were used throughout the school year too. A new item I just ordered that son didn’t have freshman year is an electric kettle.</p>
<p>If they have a community bathroom - extra toothbrushes to replace the ones they’ll lose.</p>
<p>If they are going to have a job - their original social security card. </p>
<p>Replacement batteries for whatever is battery operated.</p>
<p>Patience.</p>