Going off to college can be rather expensive. Parents want to cut costs any way they can especially when it comes to buying dorm room supplies. Supplies for a dorm room can add up so I took matters into my own hands to keep our costs down to the minimum.
CHEAP is my middle name so I went on a thorough and extensive scavenger hunt throughout the house looking for items on M’s list that he could take to college. I beat the bushes and dug around in every possible place and was amazed at what “free” stuff I found.
What I found around the house:
book bag made to carry a laptop
school supplies- pens, pencils, erasers, pencil sharpener, pencil holder, ruler, scissors, notebook paper, 3 hole punch, stapler, staples, stapler remover, binder, binder with color tab dividers, post-it notes, tape, highlighters, glue, post-it tabs, computer paper, calculator, paper clips, binder clips, white-out, thumb tacks, index cards, rubber bands, Ziploc bags, colored pencils, markers, etc.
heavy gauge, UL-approved extension cord with 5 sockets
wall calendar
footlocker with 2 set of keys and 2 barrel type locks
vacuum
umbrella
key ring
broom with dustpan
dust rags and cleaning rags
stain remover
ear plugs
water bottle
small sink dishpan
alarm clock
gym bag
posters
first aid kit and first aid book
cleaning supply caddy
bucket
hangers
light bulbs
sleeping bag
electric toothbrush
waterpik
Flipfold shirt and laundry folder from flipfold.com
Of course I couldn’t find everything laying around the house. I eventually had to go shopping which of course I planned for well in advance. With M’s list in hand and the items that I already found marked off the list, I searched the internet and compared prices. I also watched for major sales and hit the Back To College sales that I found nearby and online. We bought the items early before the crowds and before selection and supply was minimal. Leaving items to the last minute is not advisable due to the fact that you will probably not be able to find it since other students are shopping for dorm stuff as well. Go to stores like IKEA, Target, Bed Bath and Beyond, The Container Store, Staples, etc. and bring your printable coupons, Rewards, discount codes, etc.
What we bought and where:
desk organizer- $4.89 at Bed Bath & Beyond (originally $5.99 with coupon - $1.80)
dry erase/magnetic board with magnets- $4.19 at Bed Bath & Beyond (originally $6.99 with coupon - $2.10)
2 pillows- $7.99 each at Bed Bath & Beyond (originally $9.99 with coupon - $2.00)
set of sheets with pillow cases- $23.99 220 thread count sheets at Bed Bath & Beyond (originally $29.99 with coupon - $6.00)
mattress pad/protector- Sleep Safe Mattress Protector $47.99 at Bed Bath & Beyond (bed bugs, allergens, dust mites, pet dander, odors, waterproof) originally $59.99 with coupon - $12.00)
2 pillow protectors- Sleep Safe Pillow Protector $11.99 at Bed Bath & Beyond (bed bugs, allergens, dust mites, pet dander, odors, waterproof) originally $14.99 with coupon - $3.00)
comforter, throw blanket, pillow sham, flat sheet, fitted sheet, 24" L x 18" W x 12" H hanging storage for closet- $63.99 at Bed Bath & Beyond (originally $79.99 with coupon - $16.00)
desk lamp- Studio 3B Outlet/USB Desk Lamp $11.99 at Bed Bath & Beyond (originally $14.99 with coupon - $3.00)
surge protector with 6 sockets and 6 foot cord- $14.55 at Kmart
8 foot extension cord with 3 prongs and 3 outlets- $7.76 at Kmart
small trash can- Umbra Skinny Can Waste Basket $4.89 at Bed Bath & Beyond (originally $6.99 with coupon - $2.10)
night light- LED nightlight with automatic sensor and rechargeable flashlight $7.99 at Lowes
flashlight- LED floating lantern (large flashlight) with 6 volt battery on sale for $5 at Lowes
laundry bag backpack- $6.99 at Bed Bath & Beyond (originally $9.99 with coupon - $3.00)
laundry basket- $7.67 at Bed Bath & Beyond (originally $9.99 with coupon - $3.00)
drying rack- $13.99 at Bed Bath & Beyond (originally $19.99 with coupon - $6.00)
2 in 1 shower caddy- $6.39 at Bed Bath & Beyond (originally $7.99 with coupon - $1.60)
flip flops (to wear in shower)- IZOD $9.54 at JC Penney (originally $20, sale discount -$8.00 and coupon discount -$2.45)
2 bath towels- Wansutta Duet $15.98 for 2 at Bed Bath & Beyond (originally $19.98 with coupon - $4.00)
2 hand towels- Wansutta Duet $10.98 for 2 at Bed Bath & Beyond (originally $15.98 with coupon - $5.00)
toilet plunger with holder- $17.63 at Bed Bath & Beyond (originally $22.99 with coupon - $5.36)
toilet brush with holder- $12.79 at Bed Bath & Beyond (originally $15.99 with coupon - $3.20)
wall saver removable poster putty or strips- $5.59 at Bed Bath & Beyond (originally $7.99 with coupon - $2.40)
6 pack medium command hooks- $6.29 at Bed Bath & Beyond (originally $8.99 with coupon - $2.70)
over the door hooks (6 hooks)- $4.79 at Bed Bath & Beyond (originally $5.99 with coupon - $1.20)
small fan- Lil Foot Blizzard Table Fan- $13.99 at Bed Bath & Beyond (originally $19.99 with coupon - $6.00)
3 stackable plastic storage drawers- Sterilite Medium Modular Storage Drawers (17” D x 14 3/8 " W x 10 1/4” H) at Target for $14.96 for 3 (originally $29.37, on SALE $24.96, got $10 more off with discount coupon)
Cleaning supplies I got at Wal-Mart and Target which were all on sale.
Why did I get so many things at Bed Bath & Beyond? Well, the quality of the merchandize is great and I got everything discounted with coupons (all from my mother)! Double whammy!
*By the way, I saved over $100 at Bed Bath & Beyond!!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment