During my senior year of high school, I was given what I still count as one of the best gifts I’ve ever received. It was a tool set. Nothing fancy – just a hammer, some screwdrivers, and a cordless drill that died after 23 seconds of use. When I received it (it was given to me by my friend’s brilliant and thoughtful dad), I thought it was cute and sweet, but not much more. It wasn’t until after I moved into my first apartment that I realized just how awesome of a gift this was. You never stop to think about buying a hammer until you actually need a hammer.
The school season is ramping back up, and if there’s a college freshman in your life, I can tell you from personal experience they would appreciate some essential tools. With so much to tackle before starting college (registering for classes, figuring out what to pack, navigating a new campus, etc.), it’s easy to overlook the necessities. If you’re putting together an essential dorm kit, here’s what to include (and P.S., we found all this stuff at our local Home Depot!).
What your Essential Dorm Kit should include:
Measuring tape
We love this one because not only is it cute and pocket-sized (it’s important to consider size when moving into a cramped dorm!), but it’s also magnetic so your student will never lose it.
Command hooks and strips
There are lots of restrictions in dorms and apartments when it comes to hanging wall art. It’s best to be prepared with some damage-free options.
Hammer and level
It’s always a good idea to be prepared with the basics. You never know when you’ll need these tools, which is why they are definitely included in this essential dorm kit!
Screwdriver set
Again, essentials are key. We love this Husky 6-piece screwdriver set because not only are the tips magnetic (which makes dropping and losing tiny screws nearly impossible), but they’re color-coordinated based on whether it’s a flat head or Phillips-head!
Room spray
Between classes, figuring out where the cafeteria is, and buying books, it can be hard to remember to do that dirty laundry. Room spray is a must for an essential dorm kit, for sure.
Batteries
Why is it so hard to remember to buy batteries? Keep your student charged by sending them off to college with a variety of sizes.
A Pen light
This Milwaukee 100-lumen aluminum pen light is compact and fits inside a pencil bag or purse with ease. Not only can it act as a flashlight, but it’s also a great way for students to stay safe (carry it when walking around campus at night).
Cleaning wipes
Give your student a leg-up in the cleaning game by sending them off with convenient wipes versus paper towel and all-purpose spray.
First aid kit
It’s really easy to forget to get bandages until you cut your finger. Keep your student prepared and safe by packing all the first aid tools they’ll need in their essential dorm kit.
Duct tape
What is it they say about duct tape? “If you can’t fix it with duct tape, you aren’t using enough duct tape!” Duct tape is the fix-all adhesive, and it comes in a bunch of fun colors, too!
Extra USB drive (and Chocolate)
A student can never have enough USB drives. And every good kit should always include chocolate! Cushion the blow of flying the coop with something sweet.
This post is sponsored by The Home Depot, but all opinions are mine alone. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Curbly!
I’ve got to be honest, this is a very odd “essential” dorm kit. In my opinion, none of the tools are essential. A measuring tape may come in handy, but its certainly nowhere near an essential. And hammer and level and screw driver? Most dorm rooms are cinder block, and whether they are or not, no holes allowed. The command hooks make sense, so maybe it should say a variety of sizes so that art can be hung with them as well. USB drives are a little random too – almost everything is transferred via the could and email these days, soa USB isn’t an essential. Home depot has lots of good under the bed bins and bed risers and closer organizers, these are more essentials if you ask me!
@Emily Good call on the closet organizers and bed risers – those are definitely helpful in a dorm room! Every college student experiences different obstacles when moving out, so we wanted to cover a broad variety of tools and items (plus tools that would be helpful long-term!).
The command hooks make sense, so maybe it should say a variety of sizes so that art can be hung with them as well.
kitchen decorative hoods