More accessories to consider

All of us at WIRED have complicated desktop setups that make working from home easier. You don’t have to work that hard to get a bedroom, and you probably won’t have much free space anyway. Check out our complete guide to working from home for more options, but here are some of our favorite desk accessories worth considering, plus a few more options for your bedroom.

Photography: Kat Merck

Aecooly Chic Touch Control Desk Fan: I tested this fan all summer last year for our Best Fans guide, and my friend’s son took it to school during his freshman year at the University of Colorado. It’s going to be hot for moving week, and not only is this fan powerful, but its 8-inch-tall body fits in a suitcase, is USB-C rechargeable, and is quiet enough (36 decibels on low) that it won’t disturb roommates or interfere with studying. —Kat Merck

Ivory Pamir Rough Washable Rug: I like this washable rug because it is durable, looks great, and is extremely easy to clean. A rug is one of the easiest ways to make a room look more grown-up, and it won’t cost you a lot of money.

AmazonBasics 3-Tier Utility Cart: I use this utility cart in my kitchen and am about to buy another one for my bathroom. It is easy to assemble and makes good use of vertical storage space. Use it to organize school supplies, toiletries, accessories, or anything else taking up space in the middle of the bedroom.

BenQ ScreenBar LED Computer Lamp: WIRED editor Julian Chokkattu swears by this desk lamp, which only works if you have an external monitor on your desk. Hangs over the top of your screen and illuminates your workspace. Best of all, it doesn’t take up space on your desk!

Monoprice Extra Wide Length Microfiber Desk Mat: This mat is soft and doubles as a mouse pad, which is ideal for students who use a separate keyboard and mouse.

Ikea Skubb Underbed Storage Case: When former WIRED critic Medea Giordano lived in a small apartment in New York, she kept four of these storage bins under her bed to hold every item of clothing her closet couldn’t accommodate. The same works well for college beds, which generally have plenty of space underneath. These cases can hold clothes, shoes, or anything else you may need out of season, such as party supplies. Amazon has a ton of similar options.

Dalykate Backpack Laundry Bag: A reality of dorm life is that you may have to carry dirty clothes up a few floors to the laundry room. This hamper has a pocket to store detergent and backpack straps for portability, and it’s not as bulky as a laundry hamper. It’s what WIRED editor Julian Chokkattu wears to his laundromat.

Crocs classic clogs: You need a pair of shoes for the shower. Believe me when I tell you, you don’t want to deal with athlete’s foot in a college dorm. These Crocs are my favorite for shared showers: they’re not complicated to wear, they slide on easily when you’re balancing on one leg to wash your feet, and they dry quickly too. Alternatively, you can opt for a pair of flip-flops or specific flip-flops. And don’t forget a shower caddy for your toiletries!

Govee RGBIC LED Light Strip: String lights are cute, but this string light from Govee is way more fun. You can easily adjust the colors and brightness using the smartphone app and you can trim the lights to fit the space.

Basic cleaning supplies: I didn’t realize how many things I was forgetting when I first moved into my dorm. Be sure to remember household essentials like laundry detergent, paper towels, dish soap, disinfectant wipes, and wash cloths. You may also want a small broom and dustpan.

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