<p>We've learned from the move-in thread that a doorstop is a must-have. What other gadgets would earn a 4-star rating? And which would get the thumbs down?</p>
<p>It's never too early to start a shopping list...! ;)</p>
<p>Surge protector/power strip</p>
<p>My daughter needed 3 surge protectors/ power strips:laptop, fans (2), desklamps (2), (her bed is bunked), chargers for phone, ipod, microwave, fridge, etc. They all quickly took up valuable outlet space.</p>
<p>A good - but expensive - True HEPA filter - DD1’s Ruin Hall Dorm room collects more dust than a gravel mine…</p>
<p>Dropps brand laundry detergent (the only one in gel-packs)
Tempa-dots single use temperature takers so your kid doesn’t have to share a thermometer
Power strips need to be configured so that ‘wall warts’ or transformers can fit
For those with kids traveling by air: a plug adaptor for airports so your kid can ‘share’ an outlet in the gate area. Make sure it has three ‘holes’ in the front - two prongs and a ground, and ‘two’ in the back (no ground) so anything can be plugged in:</p>
<p>[Amazon.com:</a> Leviton 698-W 15 Amp, 125 Volt, Triple outlet Adapter, Grounding, White: Home Improvement](<a href=“http://www.amazon.com/Leviton-Triple-outlet-Adapter-Grounding/dp/B00002NARZ]Amazon.com:”>http://www.amazon.com/Leviton-Triple-outlet-Adapter-Grounding/dp/B00002NARZ)</p>
<p>The Spacesaver shelving unit that fit over the dorm bed, added much needed storage space. The Undergrad dorm trunk from dorm trunk.com. Very well made, fits perfectly under her bed and provides a place to secure valuables, as well as extra storage, particularly good for bulky items. Fan! My daughter went without a fan for several nights and was miserable.</p>
<p>I was going to add “fan”. Many dorms don’t have A/C</p>
<p>If beds will be lofted or bunked, then a bunk bed shelf is nice.</p>
<p>D1 liked the air filter, which made her room smelled fresh, and Bose sound cancellation earphones.</p>
<p>[Quirky™</a>; Pivot Power Surge Protector - White - Bed Bath & Beyond](<a href=“http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=18281880]Quirky™”>http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=18281880) Our daughter thought I was positively brilliant because I sprung for a Quirky Power Surge Protector - the white and blue colors and the fun/useful shape make it not unattractive sitting on her desk, which is where you want a power strip to be!</p>
<p>Shoot4moon, that is the best looking surge protector I’ve ever seen! The concept seems so simple yet brilliant - easier than the in-line version to plug into and unplug I would imagine. </p>
<p>DD used zip ties to run surge protectors along bed frames, to keep multiple cords organized and to tie down her TV (she has it sitting on a wire shelf rack).</p>
<p>command hooks of every size-couldn’t get enough. stick-on lights for closet. S requested room freshener for closet (!)</p>
<p>I planned on the door stop, but didn’t bring it. I made do with a folded up piece of cardboard. (adapt, improvise and overcome)
Closet organizer/hanger for shoes. It can also be used to store clothes. Roll up jeans and put them in the cubbies.
Oscillating fan.
Command picture hanging strips. Seem to work better than the other products who promise to keep things stuck to the wall.</p>
<p>We didn’t need the doorstop- didn’t get one luckily - we also bought the quirky surge protector- it is great… lots of command hooks… underbed storage boxes… bought on amazon</p>
<p>We had to fly so everything needed to fit in 3 suitcases. We used Spacebags and they came in handy for his mattress foam pad and clothes. Take some paper towels/cleaner or some wipes. Command hooks are the best. Make sure your student knows how to use them lol. And hangers.</p>
<p>I’ve heard about a bedside caddy thing that sort of slides between the mattress and boxspring (or equivalent), and then has a sort of a bin that hangs down at the side of the bed to hold books, reading glasses, etc. I thought it sounded great, esp. for lofted beds – has anyone tried it?</p>
<p>We bought one of those, it looked like a great idea if you were going to be on the top bunk, but my daughter got the single bed, so I returned it.</p>
<p>She got a pack of hangers that hook onto each other, they sort of hang vertically, and take up less space.
And yes, command strips.
Also a full length mirror with hooks that fit over the door. The first one I bought needed to be drilled in, which wasn’t allowed. Then we found the over the door mirror, worked great.</p>
<p>The Swiffer was a great help for the dusty floors. Dust accumulates in corners and around those power strips and surge protectors.</p>
<p>I got those hangers for our son. I was going to order them from Amazon but saw them at BJ’s for less. They really did take up less space. I convinced son he wouldn’t have to fold up his t-shirts if he used them! I think his are like this: [Amazon.com:</a> 120 Black Flocked Huggable Style Cascading Hangers: Home & Garden](<a href=“http://www.amazon.com/Black-Flocked-Huggable-Cascading-Hangers/dp/B004U3AGW0/ref=sr_1_13?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1315798503&sr=1-13]Amazon.com:”>http://www.amazon.com/Black-Flocked-Huggable-Cascading-Hangers/dp/B004U3AGW0/ref=sr_1_13?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1315798503&sr=1-13)</p>
<p>Yes, something like those hangers. We got just a 10 pack, or 12 maybe, at BBB.</p>