Top 5 Dorm Essentials You Can Rent Instead of Buy

Moving into a college dorm is an exciting milestone, but it can also be an expensive one. With tuition, textbooks, and other education costs already straining your budget, purchasing all the furniture and essentials you need for your dorm room can quickly become overwhelming. This is especially true for students in Washington DC, where the cost of living is significantly higher than the national average.

At Corporate Rentals, we’ve been helping students create comfortable living spaces since 2001, and we’ve learned a thing or two about maximizing both space and budget. Today, we’re sharing the top five dorm essentials that make more sense to rent than buy, particularly for students in the Washington DC area.

Why Renting Makes Sense for College Students

Before diving into specific items, let’s look at why furniture rental has become increasingly popular among college students. According to a 2023 report by the National Retail Federation, the average college student spends approximately $1,200 on dorm furnishings when purchasing new items. Meanwhile, a recent survey by College Board found that 68% of students worry about affording all their college expenses.

Furniture rental offers a practical solution to this financial challenge. With options starting at just $219 per month for a complete package, renting can reduce your initial cash outlay by up to 70% compared to buying. Plus, you won’t have to worry about storage or reselling when the semester ends.

1. A Quality Desk & Chair Combo

Why It’s Worth Renting

A proper desk and ergonomic chair are arguably the most important items in your dorm room, especially with the increasing prevalence of online classes. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, students spend an average of 4-6 hours daily at their desk, making comfort and proper support essential for preventing back pain and maintaining focus.

While new, quality desk sets can cost $300-$600, renting as part of our Manager’s Special or Arlington Collection gives you access to premium furniture at a fraction of the cost. Plus, you won’t have to worry about hauling this bulky furniture home for summer break or selling it when you graduate.

What We Offer

Our desk and chair combinations are designed specifically with students in mind. They feature:

• Spacious desk surfaces with cable management features
• Ergonomic chairs with proper lumbar support
• Durable construction that stands up to the rigors of student life
• Professional delivery and setup in your dorm

2. Comfortable Bedding Essentials

Why It’s Worth Renting

Quality sleep is directly correlated to academic performance. A 2022 study published in the Journal of American College Health found that students who reported poor sleep quality had GPAs that were, on average, 0.3 points lower than their well-rested peers.

While many students try to save money with cheap mattress toppers and bedding, these items often wear out quickly and provide inadequate support. Investing in quality sleep essentials makes sense, but buying them outright can cost $300-$500 for a good set.

What We Offer

Our bedding packages include:

• Premium mattress toppers that transform standard dorm mattresses
• High-thread-count sheets and pillowcases
• Hypoallergenic pillows
• Comfortable duvets with washable covers

All our bedding is professionally cleaned between rentals following hospital-grade sanitization protocols, ensuring you start with fresh, clean sleep essentials.

3. Smart Storage Solutions

Why It’s Worth Renting

Dorm rooms in Washington DC are notoriously small, with the average room size being just 180-220 square feet for a shared space. According to a survey by Dormify, lack of storage is the #1 complaint among college students regarding their living accommodations.

Custom storage solutions can transform your small space, but buying them new can be expensive ($200-$400) and impractical when you’ll likely need different solutions for different dorm rooms throughout your college career.

What We Offer

Our rental storage options include:

• Under-bed storage drawers that maximize unused space
• Freestanding closet organizers that double your hanging space
• Desk hutches with additional shelving
• Collapsible storage bins that can be repurposed throughout the year

These solutions adapt to virtually any dorm configuration, helping you make the most of your limited space without the long-term commitment of purchasing.

4. Entertainment & Electronics

Why It’s Worth Renting

Technology changes rapidly, making electronics purchases particularly poor long-term investments. The average student will see 2-3 new generations of TVs, gaming systems, and other electronics released during their college years. Additionally, these items are bulky to move and store between semesters.

What We Offer

Through our Electronics Add-On packages, we provide:

• Smart TVs compatible with all streaming services
• Small sound systems or Bluetooth speakers
• Gaming console options (upon request)
• All necessary cables and mounting hardware (where permitted)

These items come professionally installed and include technical support if anything goes wrong. When newer models are released, our rental customers can easily upgrade without the hassle of selling outdated equipment.

5. Kitchen Essentials

Why It’s Worth Renting

Even if your dorm has only a shared kitchen or a small kitchenette, having basic cooking equipment can save you thousands in meal costs. According to a 2023 study by Bankrate, college students in urban areas like Washington DC spend an average of $2,100 per semester on meals when relying solely on eating out or campus dining.

However, investing in quality cookware and small appliances can cost $250-$500, which is money wasted if you don’t know what your future living situations will include.

What We Offer

Our kitchen essentials packages include:

• Compact, dorm-approved appliances (microwaves, mini-fridges, etc.)
• Durable cookware sets scaled for student needs
• Dishware and utensils for 2-4 people
• Food storage containers and kitchen organization tools

All items come thoroughly sanitized and ready to use, with the flexibility to return them when you move to a new living arrangement.

The Financial Benefits of Renting

When comparing buying versus renting furniture for the average four-year college experience in Washington DC, the numbers speak for themselves:

Total cost to own includes initial purchase, transportation/delivery, estimated depreciation, and storage costs between semesters.

*Based on 9-month academic year rentals over 4 years.

While the total costs may seem comparable, renting offers several key advantages:

• Lower upfront costs (typically 75-90% less initial outlay)
• No storage fees during summer breaks
• No resale hassles or depreciation losses
• Flexibility to change or upgrade items as needs evolve
• Professional delivery, setup, and removal included

Making Furniture Rentals in Washington DC Work for You

Washington DC has one of the highest concentrations of college and university students in the nation, with over 20 higher education institutions and approximately 90,000 students in the metro area. This creates a highly competitive market for student housing and furnishings.

To make the most of your furniture rental experience:

1. Plan ahead: Especially for fall semester, our most popular packages book up quickly. Reserve your furniture at least 6-8 weeks before your move-in date.
2. Coordinate with roommates: Consider splitting the cost of common area furniture while renting individual pieces for personal spaces.
3. Take measurements: Even with standardized dorm rooms, dimensions can vary. Know your space before selecting furniture.