Setting up a dorm room

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Dorm supplies. Isn't it so much fun to have a child heading off to a dorm? Really, it's great that they're starting to spread their wings and taking that first step towards not living in their parents' home anymore. Right?

Don't get me wrong, I miss my kids who don't live at home full time! A lot! But I also know that it's time for them to figure out their next stages. And that's exciting!

When our first kid moved out, we helped him out with some of the basics. From a down blanket for cold Jerusalem nights, to pots and pans and potholders... And I think we even may have helped him find a Shabbat urn!

If you're helping someone setting up a dorm room or a student apartment, you probably want to focus on keeping your costs down and making sure the supplies you get are easy to move (they tend to move frequently) and can be rearranged if needed. I like modular storage units (like this 9-cube one, or this 15-cube one). And for hanging and other storage, I've seen lots of people opting for fabric closets with poles (this one is smaller, and this one is also a great price).

If you can install things onto the walls, this folding desk and this folding table set (includes two chairs) are great space savers!

Dorm sheets - I prefer 100% cotton sheets, and I've found some super low cost sets!

I also equipped my students with a spare mattress so they'd be able to let a sibling/cousin/friend crash if needed! We went with inflatable mattresses because when they're not being used, they take up very little space. I recommend one that comes with a pump or has a built-in pump.

Of course there's always more to buy, but I managed to get some stainless steel flatware someone was giving away, and since it was all stainless steel, it was easy to kasher! I also let my kids just help themselves to our overflowing collection of mugs and coffee cups. You don't actually have to buy everything brand new! 

Let me know what your best tips are, or if you're looking for something in particular!

I hope this helps some of you out there! 

Please share this information with your friends and family who may benefit from it!

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Exclusive Discount for Gap Year Students!!

 

Preparing for a Gap Year in Israel?

 

Is your child leaving for a year to study abroad in Israel?  I'm sure you know about the recent changes in luggage allowances for travelers (gone are the days of bringing 2 huge, oversized duffel bags that were well over the weight limit and not paying anything extra because you were coming for the year, like I did in the 90s!). In addition to luggage limits, there are other things to keep in mind as well - electrical requirements are different here than some other countries, and cultural and language barriers can make acclimating and buying things difficult for a gap year student.

I'm teaming up with a great company, Tamarim Concierge, to bring you this special discount on "Student Dorm Packs" that will be sure to make things easier for you and your gap year student!

For the past three years, they’ve been delivering just what students need, right to their dorm rooms, before the school year begins.  Far more than just blankets, pillows and linens, they also deliver small appliances, ironing boards, egg crate mattress toppers, yoga mats, fans, Shabbat lamps, storage units, power cords, adapters  – even small refrigerators!

Take a look at the online store for a one-stop shop that will cover all bases for your students when settling in to their new home away from home. 

And be sure to take advantage of this exclusive discount - get 10% off your Dorm Pack order when you use promo code "KosherFrugal"!

I, too, am going to be sending my soon-to-be 18 year old off - he'll be drafted into the army in the coming months. This time of life is the beginning of a new era for our children. I hope yours has a wonderful, productive, growing experience during his/her gap year here in Israel.