One dorm opinion I’m pretty loud about - skip the tiny trash cans. When I sent my first son to college (no trash can provided by school - check that), we got a cute blue mesh ‘office-sized’ trash can with a box of small trash can liners. His roommate brought one of those little white narrow plastic bathroom trash cans. Within a week, I got the call asking, “Can I buy a new trash can?” But you already have 2 in your room, why? Those little cans were immediately full. Drink bottles, drink cups, pizza boxes, Chick-fil-A bags, snack packaging, dining hall to-go containers, Keurig pods, etc. You’d think they didn’t have unlimited access to the dining hall. My recommendation: A slim can with a lid that opens at the short end and holds kitchen-sized trash bags - at least 10 gallons (not 10 liters, that’s tiny, and the pictures make them look big). FYI, 11 gallons = about 40 liters; some only show liters in the size. Having the opening on the narrow end allows you to slide it into a small space, and it will be about the same depth as a fridge or other furniture. You definitely want a lid. They won’t take out the trash often, and a LOT of decaying yuck will accumulate. Bonus: a foot pedal on the short end to open/close because hands-free is never a bad thing. Check First: ✅ Some schools provide small trash cans, and some provide recycling bins. The provided trash cans are typically tiny. ✅ Some schools only allow you to bring metal trash cans. These will be more durable as you move to off-campus housing as well. ✅ Talk to your roommate, you only need one large trash can in the room. Does anyone who’s lived in a dorm recently have trash can success stories to share? (there’s a fun question for your next social gathering ) Follow @thedormguide and comment TRASH below for the links to my favorite trash cans for their dorm room, along with our guide on what you can safely buy early for college (even before they know their dorm assignment). dormessentials collegemom dormlife collegeparent collegelife