15 Dorm and Apartment Items You Need to Invest In

Feb 18

Moving into a dorm or your first apartment is an exciting milestone, but it can also be overwhelming when you realize just how much you need to make your space comfortable and functional. Whether you’re a college freshman or upgrading to your own apartment, investing in the right essentials will make your space feel like home while also keeping you organized, productive, and stress-free.

I’ve been there. My first dorm room felt more like a storage closet than a cozy home, and my first apartment was bare-bones until I figured out what I actually needed. Through trial and error, I discovered the must-have items that made my life so much easier.

In this blog post, I’m sharing the 15 dorm and apartment items that are absolutely worth investing in. I’ll be covering:

The best space-saving storage solutions for small dorms and apartments
Essential kitchen items that will help you cook quick, healthy meals
The coziest bedding that will actually help you sleep better
The cleaning supplies you can’t live without
The best tech gadgets to make college life more convenient

If you’re tired of struggling with a cramped, uncomfortable, and unorganized space, you’re in the right place! These essentials will help you create a functional, stylish, and stress-free living space.

When I moved into my first dorm, I packed way too much random stuff and not enough of the things that actually mattered. My room was cluttered with things I never used, while I was constantly borrowing essential items from my roommates. When I moved into my first apartment, I realized I had no basic kitchen tools or cleaning supplies, which made daily life more stressful than it needed to be.

After making some smart investments, my dorm and apartment became much more comfortable, organized, and efficient. I’m here to help you skip the trial-and-error phase and get straight to the must-haves that will make your college experience easier and better!

1. Felt Hangers

This is important, which is why I made it my first item. These are a game-changer for keeping your closet organized. They’re ultra-thin, so you can fit way more clothes in your closet, and the felt material keeps even your slipperiest tops from sliding off. I’ve been using these since college, and I just keep adding more to my collection! You can grab a 50-pack for under $25, making them a total steal.

Upgrade your closet game with these space-saving, non-slip hangers!

2. Mattress Topper

Let’s be real—college dorm mattresses are terrible. They’re thin, stiff, and uncomfortable, which makes getting a good night’s sleep nearly impossible. A high-quality memory foam mattress topper can transform your bed into a cozy retreat and help you wake up feeling well-rested and ready for the day.

Invest in a good mattress topper for better sleep and for a more comfy bed!

3. Fabric Storage Bins

Dorms and apartments never have enough storage, and these bins help keep everything looking neat and organized. They fit perfectly in closets, under beds, or on shelves, and they give the illusion that you have your life together—even if you don’t! A set of six costs under $17 on Amazon, making them a super affordable way to stay organized.

4. Blackout Curtains

If you’re sensitive to light, blackout curtains are a game-changer. I know I cannot sleep without my room fully blacked out. Whether you’re dealing with streetlights outside your apartment window or an early sunrise disrupting your sleep, these curtains will help you control the lighting in your space and sleep more soundly.

5. Portable Vacuum or Handheld Vacuum

Dorm rooms and apartments can get messy quickly, especially with crumbs, dust, and hair everywhere. A compact, powerful vacuum will make cleaning effortless. I did not realize how much you have to vacuum to keep your apartment clean until I started living on my own. A vacuum is a NECESSITY!

6. Mesh Laundry Hamper

Doing laundry in college is already a hassle—don’t make it harder with a bulky, plastic hamper. A mesh laundry bag with handles is lightweight, easy to carry, and collapses when not in use. This one is only $7.99 on Amazon and comes in a bunch of colors!

7. Over-the-Door Storage Organizer

Maximize vertical space with an over-the-door organizer for shoes, toiletries, snacks, or school supplies. This is a dorm room lifesaver, especially if you’re dealing with limited closet and storage space.

8. Expandable Shoe Rack

If you have more than a few pairs of shoes, a stackable shoe rack is a lifesaver for keeping them organized and off the floor. My roommates and I bought a cheap one and what I didn’t realize was how something so simple could transform a space so much. You can find one for around $14 at Walmart!

9. Command Hooks and Strips

Most dorms and apartments don’t allow you to put holes in the walls, so Command hooks and strips are essential for hanging decor, towels, bags, and even string lights without damaging the walls.

10. Plastic Storage Bin

Perfect for keeping bathroom products, cleaning supplies, or snacks organized under your sink or bed. Clear bins make it easy to see everything inside, especially in a darker space. You can find these for around $11 online or even cheaper in stores!

11. High-Quality Bedding (Sheets, Comforter, and Pillows)

You spend a third of your life sleeping, so investing in soft, breathable sheets, a cozy comforter, and supportive pillows is a must for comfort and relaxation. I prefer silk pillow cases. They are beneficial for your hair and skin and I think the investment in some quality silk pillow cases or sheets are 100% worth it.

12. Multi-Purpose Cookware (Like an Air Fryer or Instant Pot)

If your dorm or apartment allows it, an air fryer or Instant Pot will make meal prep so much easier. I love my air fryer and use it for so many meals. It makes making food easier and quicker. You can quickly whip up everything from crispy fries to full meals without needing a full kitchen setup.

Save money and eat healthier by cooking easy meals in your dorm or apartment!

13. Shower Caddy and Quick-Dry Towels

For dorm life, a shower caddy is a must-have to carry all your toiletries to the communal bathroom. Quick-dry towels are also a smart investment since they prevent that gross damp smell and dry fast between uses.

14. Water Filter Pitcher

Tap water isn’t always the best, and constantly buying bottled water is expensive and wasteful. I remeber moving into my apartment and not having a walter filter for a month. The water did not taste the same and it probably wasn’t the best for my health. A Brita-style water filter pitcher makes sure you always have fresh, clean water. Filters last about three months and are super affordable. I like this Ultra Max Brita on Amazon. It’s a little more pricier than the others, but it’s super big so you don’t have to be constantly refilling it as it last a good amount of time.

15. Compact Clothing Steamer

Ironing in a dorm or apartment? Not happening. A handheld steamer heats up in seconds and gets rid of wrinkles in no time. I started using one in college and haven’t touched an iron since. The one I have is only $24 and comes in multiple colors.

Once I invested in these essentials, my dorm and apartment life became so much easier. I felt more organized, comfortable, and stress-free—and I saved money by avoiding unnecessary purchases.

Want to save time and money? I’ve put together a Dorm & Apartment Essentials shopping list with all the best, budget-friendly must-haves! Click here to shop my top picks!

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Taylor Ryan