Here’s a helpful, mom-approved checklist for 100Things2Do.ca’s “Mom List” of essentials when your 18-25‑year‑old heads off to college or moves into their first apartment.
I call this the “Mom List” of first apartment essentials / essentials for dorm rooms because I have one daughter moving into her first home (with 6 friends) and a second one going into residence at college – and neither of them focused on the everyday necessities that we, as Moms, know they’ll need.
Everything’s snagged from Amazon.ca Prime Day (July 8–11) deals—grab ’em before they vanish!
️ Linens & Bedding
When it comes to essentials for dorm rooms, nothing is more overlooked (and under-cleaned) than the bed.
- Linenspa 2 Inch Memory Foam Mattress Topper – Because you know what happens in college… and your baby should NOT be sleeping on the same surface that’s hosted six years of previous roommates and at least three mystery stains. This topper is one of the most underrated first apartment essentials—and gives them a fighting chance at quality sleep during exams. Wink, wink.
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Dorm Bedding Comforter Set – complete bedding combo; convenient, coordinated, and dorm‑room ready. 13 different colour options.
- Towel set – Two towels, two face cloths. One set for use, one for the floor (because you know that’s how they roll). Practical first apartment essential? Absolutely.
️ Kitchenware & Utensils
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Microwave‑safe dish set – bowls, plates, and silverware perfect for 2 a.m. ramen runs.
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Basic utensils set – spatula, ladle, cutting board—nothing fancy, all functional, because you know they won’t be cooking up a storm. These will see them through the KD and eggs years. (not together of course) Add this to both your first apartment essentials and your “teach them to adult” checklist.
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Dish drying rack – Sure, they never washed a dish at home, but their roommates will judge. This rack is space-saving and silently guilt-inducing.
- Cutlery – you can buy it by the piece at your local dollar store, or find sets at thrift stores… but if you want a complete set with no rust marks then this 20 piece set is on sale right now for $23 CDN.
Cleaning & Bathroom Essentials
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Lysol Disinfectant Spray – for quick spritz on shared bathroom surfaces.
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Scrub sponges & microfiber cloths – They didn’t clean at home. But maybe… just maybe… Bob’s manscaping aftermath will encourage a few swipes of a cloth.
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Toilet bowl cleaner & plunger – This dynamic duo is non-negotiable in any essentials for dorm rooms or shared student house.
- Toilet paper – Seems obvious, right? Neither of my girls packed any. Not even one roll.
Tech & Power
These tech tools may not be glamorous, but they are serious first apartment essentials and total lifesavers in tiny dorm rooms.
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USB‑Equipped Surge Protector Power Bar – keeps devices charged, protected, and neatly tucked behind the desk.
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Desk lamp – adjustable LED lamp with USB charging port = perfect for late-night cramming or pretending to study while scrolling TikTok.
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Bedside storage caddy: – a spot to stash remotes, phones,
condoms, snacks…
Storage & Organization
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Command hooks for towels, bathrobes, backpacks and/or pictures
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Small laundry hamper + detergent pods – Something easy to haul down three flights of stairs, preferably with detergent included.
Personal & Health Items
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Mini first‑aid kit including Band‑Aids, antiseptic, and ice pack
- Condoms – Yes, for everyone. Better in a drawer than on your conscience.
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Toiletries – Shampoo, toothpaste, feminine products, deodorant, razor blades—the stuff they only remember when it runs out. Consider this section your bathroom essentials for dorm rooms and then throw in a bath caddy to carry it back and forth.
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Tylenol – essential when sniffles hit, when hangovers are too much, and when studying/working brings on tension headaches.
My girls are all about the aesthetic of their new spaces—duvet sets, posters, fairy lights… But here’s the thing: how are you going to wash the sheets? Where will you store them when they’re dirty? How will you carry them to the laundry room? What detergent will you need?
This is where we come in. The moms. The over-packers. The silent heroes.
The job never ends.
(And I’m grateful for it. LOL.)
