Packing List #1

And it's getting ready to begin!

What, you ask?

Your college experience!
Or maybe you're just moving out.

Either way, you are leaving your parents' house for the first time by force or by choice and now you're on your own and you don't know what you need to survive. You might have about 3 hangers, 1 sock and a box of Cheeze-Its or maybe you're packed with three boxes of luggage and another of your boots, I don't know.

So, let's make sure you have what you need!

And just to be sure, I'm adding the stars of everything that is optional, and on the bottom are your alternatives. If you need to save the money, then use your alternatives.

Let's start with your bathroom needs:

(assuming you have a toilet, shower and sink)
Toilet paper- this is NOT optional.
Hairbrush/comb
+Shower curtain if necessary. Make sure you have shower rings
Shampoo
Body wash
Razor
Hand soap
Body towel
Face/hand towel
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Floss
+Makeup if that's your thing
+Hair accessories if that's your thing

And next, the bedroom:

(assuming you have at least a mattress)
*Hangers
Fitted Sheet
+Decorations if you like
^If you are bringing them, check your contract for rules on blue tack, tape, and pins
Top Sheet
*Pillow
Pillow case
At least 1 blanket
*Laundry Basket
*Trash can

I will cover this more in detail in a later post but basics of wardrobe:

At least one professional outfit
According to your local weather, the hottest and coldest and wettest

Extras that are somewhat optional:

Legal forms of identification, like your ID, your passport
Umbrella
*Baseball bat
Key ring with an extra hidden key
Computer with charger
Phone with charger and back up charger
Car with legal registration
Lease (know the details)
Movies, books, your hobbies
Your pet with their items
Your best friend
Kitchen necessities: which I will also address in a larger post later on. Basics will include at least a fork, spoon, knives (three levels of sharpness), plate, bowl, cup, mug, glass, at least three plastic containers, dish soap, sponge, varying pots and pans, and so on.

What to seriously include:

First aid kit (band-aids, burn cream, sunscreen,)
Sewing kit (you can buy one at the dollar store, but trust me on this)
Flash light
Broom

Final Note:

This is not everything you should have. But these are the minimal basics. I try to have the majority of these with me at all times, whether taking them with me on the drive or flight or buying them when I reach my new place. But these are the basics you should have.
And like I mentioned a few times, I'll get more particular with particular sections on this list in later posts.

If you think I have missed anything that should definitely be on the list, let me know!

*Hangers: Strangely enough, they are optional if you already have a dresser, or something. These are inexpensive of course, but I have had to live out of my bags for at least 2-3 weeks before and I could do so for longer if necessary. If you have a trunk that can remain open beneath your bed, then that gives you at least one alternative. Or if you have boxes, you can organize them in there as well.
*Pillow: This is also a makeshift option that I always use for camping- stuff your clothes into your softest shirt or sweater, and hug it tight. Done!
*Laundry Baskter; you can get a nice small round one either at the dollar store or even Wal-Mart. But if you don't have that extra dollar, any large bag will do. Trust me, it's doable. But don't keep it for long because the smell will linger.
*Trash can: you can just use trash bags. You know that, right?
*Yeah, it's optional. But it shouldn't be. 

Here are some additional links that can help you out as well:
Insider Tips
Hercampus tips
Opinion suggestions