Packing for your first off-campus apartment near USC is different from packing for a dorm. You have more space, a real kitchen, and shared common areas — but you also need to think about what's already furnished and what you actually need to bring.

This list is built around fully furnished co-living units near USC, where the big stuff — bed, desk, wardrobe, kitchen appliances — is already there.

What's Already in Your Unit

If you're moving into a fully furnished co-living house near USC, you don't need to bring:

• Bed frame and mattress
• Desk and chair
• Wardrobe with hanging and storage space
• Refrigerator (with pre-assigned storage section)
• Microwave and toaster
• Gas stove and oven
• Sofa and living room furniture
• WiFi router

Don't buy these before you arrive. Check with your leasing agent exactly what's included in your specific unit before purchasing anything.

What to Bring

Bedding & Sleep

• ✅ Fitted sheet, flat sheet, pillowcase (Twin XL or Full depending on your unit — confirm size first)
• ✅ Comforter or duvet
• ✅ Pillow (1-2)
• ✅ Mattress topper (optional but recommended)
• ✅ Extra blanket for LA's cooler winter months

Bathroom

• ✅ Towels (2-3 bath towels, 1-2 hand towels)
• ✅ Shower caddy or toiletry organizer
• ✅ Shampoo, conditioner, body wash
• ✅ Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
• ✅ Skincare and personal care items
• ✅ Hair dryer (most units don't provide one)
• ✅ Shower flip flops for shared bathrooms

Kitchen & Dining

• ✅ Plates, bowls, cups (2-3 sets)
• ✅ Utensils — fork, knife, spoon, chopsticks
• ✅ Cooking pot and pan (1 each is enough to start)
• ✅ Cutting board and knife
• ✅ Dish soap and sponge
• ✅ Food storage containers
• ✅ Reusable water bottle
• ✅ Coffee maker or electric kettle (if you use one)

Laundry

• ✅ Laundry detergent
• ✅ Laundry bag or basket
• ✅ Dryer sheets (optional)
• ✅ Hangers (20-30)

Study & Work

• ✅ Laptop and charger
• ✅ Laptop stand and external keyboard (optional but good for long study sessions)
• ✅ Desk lamp
• ✅ Notebooks, pens, highlighters
• ✅ Backpack
• ✅ Portable charger / power bank
• ✅ Extension cord or power strip with USB ports

Room Comfort

• ✅ Command strips and hooks (for hanging things without damaging walls)
• ✅ Small fan or portable AC for September heat
• ✅ Curtains or blackout curtains if not provided
• ✅ Rug (optional — makes the room feel more like home)
• ✅ Small mirror if not already in room

Documents & Admin

• ✅ Passport and visa documents
• ✅ USC student ID (BruinCard equivalent — TrojanCard)
• ✅ Lease agreement (printed or digital)
• ✅ Health insurance card
• ✅ Emergency contacts list

What to Buy After You Arrive

Some things are cheaper or easier to buy in LA rather than bringing from home or shipping:

• Groceries and pantry staples — Trader Joe's on Figueroa or Food 4 Less on West Jefferson
• Cleaning supplies — broom, mop, all-purpose cleaner
• Extra storage bins or organizers
• Printer (if needed — USC has printing facilities on campus)
• Bike or scooter (for getting around the neighborhood)

Target, Walmart, and Amazon deliver to USC-area addresses within 1-2 days, so don't stress about bringing everything at once.

What NOT to Bring

• Furniture — your unit is fully furnished
• Full-size appliances — microwave, toaster, rice cooker are usually already there
• Excessive clothes — closet space in co-living units is limited, bring what you actually wear
• Valuables you don't need — keep irreplaceable items at home

Move-In Day Tip

Pack a first-night bag separately with:

• Bedding
• Toiletries
• Phone charger
• Change of clothes
• Snacks

This way you can sleep comfortably on night one without unpacking everything.

Moving Into a Moo Housing Unit Near USC?

All Moo Housing co-living properties near USC come fully furnished — bed, desk, wardrobe, kitchen appliances, and WiFi are all included. Units are available from August 10, ahead of fall semester.

Current offer: 1 month free rent on select units.