Dorm Favorites? Laundry Bag / Hamper, Mattress topper, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Nobody needs a "best" laundry bag. Get a hold of yourself. I'm 48 and still using two of the laundry bags my mom got me at age 17 from Bed, Bath & Beyond.

Let your kid figure out how they want to store medication. Land your helicopter.

Actually, my kid has a great laundry bag with backpack straps that makes the trek to the laundry room so much easier.

[Anonymous]

The laundry detergent sheets are super popular -- they look like a dryer sheet and dissolve well. Kid only has to carry a few at a time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Get the maximum numbers of items that are foldable and _washable_. A padded fabric mattress pad will still provide comfort and get you off the vinyl, but unlike memory foam it can be washed. Skip structured laundry baskets in favor of simple drawstring bags or even king-size pillowcases. Make sure the comforter fits in a washing machine. Go flat-weave with the rug so it can be shaken out if it can't be vacuumed. Don't buy Tupperware-style furniture or bins that can't be closed tightly enough to keep out bugs ( = skip drawers in favor of underbed bins). Milk crates still make great bookshelves and double as transportation boxes.

Most helpful response so far!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My kid just came home so I have some recommendations, OP!

ViscoSoft mattress topper Has a washable cover, smell dissipated within a week, kid (with bad back, takes Celebrex) liked it and taking it back next year
https://viscosoft.com/products/three-inch-mattress-topper?variant=39670601318497

Brooklyn Bedding Cooling mattress topper, because I was worried the mattress topper would be too hot. I personally didn't care for this because it is "slippery" (I tried it out because I sleep hot), but kid liked it.
https://brooklynbedding.com/products/luxury-cooling-mattress-protector/twin-xl

Collapsible laundry basket is great for transporting clean, folded clothes and carrying clean laundry back to dorm room. I guess you could put dirty in it too, but my kid preferred a bag for that.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09DR8QBJ4/

A woozoo fan is good for small spaces
https://www.costco.com/woozoo-5-speed-globe-fan.product.4000230071.html

This detergent is great. Very concentrated and small bottle. Sometimes crappy dorm washers don't get hot enough to dissolve the laundry pods, so this is a good alternative. We only use the unscented, though, because the one scented one we tried was gross.
https://www.target.com/p/seventh-generation-free-38-clear-ultra-concentrated-66-loads-laundry-detergent-8211-23-1-fl-oz/-/A-76158733#lnk=sametab

Also, I read that the trick to getting a minifridge that works is to never, ever tilt it too far or turn it on its side or back to carry it. It needs to remain upright or the refrigerant (or something) can leak out and then it will break. You should also let it sit upright for several hours after moving it before turning it on. Overnight is good.

Finally, find out from current students what the wifi is like. My kid really needed an ethernet cable for some things (like gaming, but also on class registration night when everyone was logged in at exactly the same time)

Thanks for this!

[Anonymous]

For the people whining about “waste,” remember the stuff in the dumpster is (at least) a “college dorm year” old. And much of it was probably of fairly low quality to begin with. And bedding in particular may be the wrong size for next year. Ours is.

GOOD STUFF

1. Mattress topper. DC liked having it.

2. Mini-Keurig. Big help.

3. Mini-fridge/microwave. Big help.

4. Dust buster vacuum. Didn’t get used much during the year but was great help at move out.

LESS USEFUL

1. Shower caddy. Didn’t get much use since shared bathroom was attached.

[Anonymous]

Not dorm but a clothing item I bought. My son now has 40 socks that are all identical. Cotton athletic socks. Black, so they are also acceptable-enough w/his dark dressier shoes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Get the maximum numbers of items that are foldable and _washable_. A padded fabric mattress pad will still provide comfort and get you off the vinyl, but unlike memory foam it can be washed. Skip structured laundry baskets in favor of simple drawstring bags or even king-size pillowcases. Make sure the comforter fits in a washing machine. Go flat-weave with the rug so it can be shaken out if it can't be vacuumed. Don't buy Tupperware-style furniture or bins that can't be closed tightly enough to keep out bugs ( = skip drawers in favor of underbed bins). Milk crates still make great bookshelves and double as transportation boxes.

What about sleepyhead mattress toppers?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is so dorm and kid specific. Let your kid make choices. Do not put any thought into specifics like how they will store medication. They will figure it out.

Strongly disagree on this one. Depending on the medication, kid may need refrigeration or a secured place. That’s something parents talk through and brainstorm with their kid - and research.

I agree with this. For most things DC is picking out (depending on dorm furniture setup and talking with roommate). However, DC’s meds are a 3 month supply so together we are figuring out locked storage.