Amid a plethora of lists detailing essentials and must-haves, it can be relaxing to entertain a rather frivolous thought experiment: what don’t I need? The following items are not necessary or essential; though most can be considered useful, by and large they lean toward what one might call luxuries. But sometimes it’s the little comfortable extras that make a place feel more like a settled home and less like a makeshift shelter. So, if you’re tired of rehashing the items you absolutely must have, here’s a low-stakes look at what you don’t need (but might still like to have around).

1. Full-Length Mirror

Though it might seem impractically large, a thin, lightweight mirror is surprisingly easy to tuck into a car trunk or backseat, and is easily cushioned by a blanket or two. Installing the mirror can be as simple as leaning it against a free section of wall. It pays off daily, providing a quick way to check your appearance, while also helping to visually expand a smaller space.

2. Extra Pillows

It is true that only one pillow is strictly necessary, but when a bed and a desk chair may be your only furniture, a few extra pillows can quickly transform a bed into a comfortable couch or a floor into impromptu extra seating. And while it may seem like a needlessly redundant waste of space, pillows can provide invaluable cushioning for transporting more delicate items, such as desk lamps. Some pillows can also be made out of blankets, performing double-duty when necessary. 

3. Throw Rug

In most dorm rooms the floor is a bare utilitarian material that, while easier to clean than carpet, can have a cold, clinical feel to it that viscerally reminds you you’re not at home anymore. A small, colorful rug by the bed is a simple yet comforting little luxury for the beginning and end of the day, particularly during the colder months of the school year. It can be easily rolled up and stowed for transport, and a vigorous shake is often sufficient for keeping it in good condition. 

4. Wall Art 

If physically comfortable objects can make a place feel more like home, art can make a place feel more like you. Nothing is quite so individual as artistic taste: maybe it’s a poster of a favorite movie, a print from the masters, or a sketch you’re particularly proud of. All of them speak to your interests and your pursuits, and college is the perfect place for refining and exploring these aspects of your personality. Plus, they don’t take up any floor space.

5. House Plants 

There is something compellingly cheerful about another living thing sharing your space. Plants have a habit of grounding us to our surroundings – a useful gift in any new environment. They can also provide and instill a sense of stability, as their need for water and light can remind you of your own needs for replenishment and growth. Plants that are easier to keep alive in dorm conditions include Sansevieria (snake plant), which has a statuesque presence and grows well in low light, and Pothos, which prefers more light and has a lovely trailing habit. 

However you furnish and decorate your space, have fun with it and don’t stress too much about everything you’ll need – discovering your own particular must-haves and comfortable extras is part of the journey!