Frugal Family: Off-To-College Bargains, Tips and Checklist

If you have a child going way to school this fall, chances are you are up to your eyeballs in preparations. From over-the-counter medications to bedding ensembles, creating a “home away from home” for your child is no simple task.

Thankfully, your local retailers are making it a little easier by offering significant savings on household goods—many designed just for the school traveler.

This week Frugal Family features some great bargains and tips on shopping for off-to-school home goods PLUS an “Off To College” checklist to help you organize your efforts and avoid last minute buying.

Stores to Check Every Week Until Your Shopping Is Completed:

Ross Stores: 

Whether you are looking for that perfect designer “little black dress” or are designing your dream bedroom, you should consider visiting Ross. You may have to wade through a few polyester blends to get there, but it is well worth the time. At 60 to 80 percent off retail store prices, Ross offers quality, popular and designer brands at a fraction of the cost. And because they slash prices from the start, Ross stores don’t have particular or advertised “sales,” every day is a major sale on everything.

The first time you see the beautiful comforter you just bought for $49.99 at the mall for $150, you will understand what I mean. Besides clothing, shoes and accessories for the whole family, Ross offers a large selection, variety—and savings—on the following:

• Bedding, Lines and Curtains: There is a large selection of the very best brands including Ralph Lauren and Egyptian cottons. The key is to be patient and check each week until you find the colors, styles and sizes you want. I have never had to wait over a month when wanting a particular kind of sheet.
• Cookware: From basic cooking pan sets, dishes and Kitchen Aid accessories to gourmet cooking utensils, Ross offers large variety of day-to-day items and great gift ideas.
• Furniture: Think Pier One or HomeGoods at even better prices. There are lots of one-of-a-kind items such as chairs, ottomans bookshelves, picture frames and home décor.
• Hardback Books, Journals, Bibles: Cookbooks, biographies, fiction and packages sets make this section a must-go if you want to purchase a book as a gift.
• One-Of-A-Kind Gifts: When you enter a Ross store, there are usually several shelves at the front of the store displaying really special buys, trendy, seasonal or unique items. I have purchased everything from imported dark chocolates to wireless routers (for $25 last year) on these shelves. They are always worth a look.

: 24540 Cumberland Blvd, Smyrna

Dollar Tree Stores:

The “Off To College” Checklist, below, contains just about every generic, over-the-counter medicine, laundry supplies and everything you can think of for creating a “home away from home”. Your best bet for getting everything on the list without spending a fortune is Dollar Tree.

Dollar Tree carries most of the medicines, brand name health and beauty aids, household tools and school supplies on the list. Items like ibuprofen, 3M mailing supplies and Crest or Colgate are often found here!

 (Same shopping center as Ross): 2540 Cumberland Blvd., Smyrna

 2552 South Cobb Drive, Smyrna

Off-To-College Checklist:

If you have kids going off to college, a detailed checklist is helpful so you won’t forget to pack a thing. After perusing many “Off To College” checklists, the following one seemed to be one of the more sensible ones.

Bedroom

• 2 sets of sheets & pillowcases
• Bedspread
• Pillows with pillow protectors
• Blankets
• Mattress topper
• Floor cushions
• Rug
• Trash can
• Full length mirror
• Hangers
• Shoe organizer
• Floor lamp
• Television
• DVD Player
• Alarm clock
• Telephone
• Stereo
• Fan
• Storage cubes
• Under the bed box
• Storage locker with lock

Laundry

• Laundry basket
• Laundry soap
• Fabric softener
• Stain treatment
• Roll of quarters
• Tabletop ironing board
• Iron

Desk

• Computer
• Printer
• Monitor
• Scanner
• Ink
• Power strip
• Paper
• Scissors
• Stapler & staples
• Pencils & pens
• Pencil sharpener
• Highlighters
• Envelopes
• Stamps
• Tape
• Index cards
• Desk lamp
• Hole punch
• Calendar
• Rubber bands
• Bulletin board

Bathroom

• 3 sets of towels
• Toothpaste
• Soap
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Toothbrush
• Dental floss
• Deodorant
• Chapstick
• Razor
• Tissues
• Q-tips
• Stick on towel hook
• Cotton balls
• Shower caddy
• Flip flops
• Mouthwash
• Nail clippers

 Kitchen

• Mini refrigerator
• Microwave
• Plate, bowl and cup
• Utensils
• Can opener

 Medical

• ___Insurance card
• ___Thermometer
• ___Acetaminophen
• ___Cold medicine
• ___Heating pad
• ___Tums
• ___Band aids
• ___Antibiotic ointment
• ___Tweezers
• ___Hydrogen peroxide
• ___Rubbing alcohol

 Miscellaneous

• Sewing kit
• Safety pins
• Umbrella
• Flashlight
• Batteries
• Sports gear
• Beach towel
• Winter coat
• Light bulbs
• Camera
• Hammer
• Pliers
• Screwdriver
• Double sided tape
• Back pack
• Extension cord
• Lock

(Courtesy of wikiparenting.parentsconnect.com/wiki/Off_to_College_Checklist)