This is a sponsored post. However, all opinions about my Dorel Home Products Mainstays Mattress and how to decorate the perfect dorm room on a budget for under $300 are all mine.

Empty Nest Syndrome Already?

How did my baby girl become a college student already? Wasn’t she starting Kindergarten a few minutes ago?!

This is an exciting time for us. Caitlin will be the third person in our family to go to college. And this is over a span of many generations. That is something to celebrate!

How To Decorate A College Dorm Room For Under $300

Now that the excitement has subsided, it is time to focus our attention to getting Caitlin set up at school. We have had a lot of fun shopping for the dorm room necessities. I had no idea how much stuff she needed!

Do you have a kid who is college bound? Before you start shopping, here are my top tips on how to decorate the perfect dorm room on a budget.

Inventory Before You Shop

Take Stock Of What You Have: There is no need to shop for things you already have. Caitlin found several items in her room she could transfer to her dorm room. When you do this step, be sure your child has everything they need back at home when they come back for visits.

Visit The Dorm Room: Before you start shopping, know what you are working with. Take your measuring tape and something to take notes with when you visit the dorm room.

If you know who your kids roommate is, contact them. Check to see what they are bringing. This can save you time, money and effort. No need to buy an area rug or fridge if the roomie already has one!

Shop At Thrift Stores: My daughter loves anything vintage. We found some great thrift store decor that was perfect for her dorm room. We save a huge part of the budget with these treasures.

Choose A Good Mattress: Your child needs to get the proper amount of sleep in college. They need a good mattress to ensure they get a good night’s rest. But mattresses can be hugely expensive. We found a great option with the Mainstays 8″ Memory Foam Mattress from Walmart.

It is well made, affordable and perfect for Caitlin’s dorm room. If you are short on space in your dorm, you may want to consider purchasing a platform bed.

Bring Out That Glue Gun!

Get Creative: Save on store-bought decor when you can make your own. Making your own shelves can save you a ton. Take a bright metal trash can and flip it upside down. Now you have an eclectic side table!

Make A Snack Station: College kids need to keep up their strength. Instead of buying expensive cafeteria food, set up a snack and drink station for them.

Kids Need Their Rest

We all function better when we’ve have had a good night’s sleep. I slept poorly for many years because I had a bad mattress. Once I replaced it, I was sleeping better than I had for a long time.

Did you know you should replace your mattress at least every 10 years? According to the National Sleep Foundation, you should. They also said you should replace it earlier if you don’t sleep well.

Finding The Perfect Mattress

When we shopped for Caitlin’s mattress, I had several things I wanted. It had to be comfortable and a good value for the price.

When we found the Mainstays 8″ Memory Foam Mattress, we knew it was perfect for our needs. You can have your mattress shipped to your home or it is also available for Walmart pickup.

Unboxing Your Mattress Is Half The Fun!

The box the mattress comes in is well sealed. Once we got the mattress from the cardboard, we opened the plastic covering.

Once the mattress is “free”, it is like it takes a breath! It expands as it unfolds onto the bed. Super cool! It was like watching a magic trick!

A Mattress For Many Needs

I love that the Mainstays 8″ Memory Foam Mattress from Walmart is so versatile. You can use it for your dorm room, the kid’s or your room or the guest room.

It is great for a bedroom update or to keep up with your growing family! And it is affordable with a price of $88 for a twin to $199 for a queen.