Beginning college life is just as exciting and fun as it is challenging and scary. For many, it’s their first time living away from home. Between balancing your class and social life, you likely have a lot on your plate.
One of the newest things you might experience in college is a shared bathroom. Most colleges have communal showers on every floor of the dormitories. Others will have bathrooms built right in the unit but you’ll still have to share with two or four other students. Either way, sharing a bathroom with strangers can be quite challenging.
You’re probably used to keeping shower items and cosmetics wherever you want at home. But since you’re going to share a bathroom with others while at college, you just can’t leave your belongings anywhere, especially in the bathroom.
Showering without hassle in college, in a communal bathroom, will depend on how well and easy you can organize, transport, and store all your shower accessories. That is where getting a shower caddy comes in –to help solve this problem.
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Why Do You Need A Shower Caddy For College?
A college shower caddy is made specifically for college students, keeping in mind the ease of use and portability issues. This item will allow you to keep everything you might need during shower time in one place so nothing gets lost or mixed with your roommate’s stuff.
On top of that, it will save you a lot of time as it can keep all the shower essentials well organised and within reach. With everything in place, you won’t have to run around looking for them when it’s time to shower, hence getting late. It will also keep your bathroom products clean and ready for use at all times.
Most importantly, they are portable so you can carry your stuff along after a shower or even bring it to other places you might need to take a shower like after having a great workout at the campus gym or swimming pool.
Shower times can be quite daunting in college with shared bathrooms and it can be worse when you forget something you need in your room, forcing you to go back and forth for them. With a shower caddy, you can take showers on time so you are not late to begin your day. Needless to say, a shower caddy is a must-have with a shared bathroom and a pretty smart decision, to say the least.
So, what is the best shower caddy to buy? There is no definite answer to this question as it all depends on one’s preference and needs. The good news is there are a wide variety of shower caddies in the market to choose from. A lot of people buy the first shower caddy they see during their last-minute college shopping spree only to end up with an item that doesn’t really fit their needs. While they serve the same purpose, different shower caddies have different features that can make your shower time easier and much more convenient.
Finding the best one should be the least of your problems, which is why we’ve researched everything you need to know about this item so you can make an informed decision. In this text, we are going to cover:
Features to look out for when buying a shower caddy for your college lifestyle
Shower caddy essentials
How do I make my shower caddy stay up?
Why do shower caddies rust?
Tips for the best shower caddy, and so on
Be sure to get something that will serve your purpose, which shouldn’t be difficult once you’ve read this entire text. Without much delay, let’s get started:
What to Consider When Choosing a College Shower Caddy
As a college student, you need to save every bit of your time for studies, meaning you can’t spend hours taking a shower. You need an efficient way of completing your morning showers on time and managing your shower products as well.
With so many shower caddy options available on the market, making a choice can be overwhelming. Here a few things to keep in mind when shopping so you can find the best possible solution for your needs:
Type of Shower Caddy
These items come in different designs, styles, systems, shapes, sizes, and are used in different ways. It’s important to consider these distinctions so you know which types are suitable for what. Let’s take a look at the different variations of shower caddies:
Overhead hanging shower caddy
These shower caddies are designed to hang from the showerhead as you shower. Among all kinds, hanging caddies are the most popular and for good reasons. For starters, they are less likely to get bacteria or mould in them since water doesn’t stay on the caddy and it dries down quickly. Secondly, showering is made easier with this item. You don’t have to keep bending or reaching out for your shower items, simply grab them from the showerhead.
On the cons side, if you have a large hanging shower caddy it will disturb the waterfall, making it unsuitable for a low water pressure showerhead. The design of your shower also determines how suitable this item is for you. For instance, some showerheads don’t have enough space to hang anything on them; as such, getting an overhead hanging shower caddy isn’t the best idea.
Additionally, these caddies cannot be used with handheld showerheads. The tube of the showerhead will likely collide with the shower caddy, making it a nuisance.
Over the door shower caddy
These caddies are meant to hang over the shower door. These kinds of caddies will catch the least amount of water, thus keeping them from rusting. That being said, this design will not work for everybody since some showers don’t have an actual door and use curtains instead.
If your try to set up this caddy on a shower curtain, it will prevent the curtain from closing completely. Secondly, bathrooms come with different designs with some having a door at a far distance from the shower.
This means that you’ll have to stretch over time and time again to reach your shower items, which can be very frustrating.
Suction cup shower caddy
These caddies are equipped with vacuum suction cups that allow users to mount them on the wall. They are, however, not effective on porous walls. You’ll need to ensure the suction cups are strong enough to support the caddy’s loaded weight.
Keep in mind that shower caddy suction cups tend to get overpowered and even become damaged with soap and water over time. Therefore, ensure the shower caddy you plan on buying has an alternative mounting method.
This is not a heavy-duty item and might require replacement in nine or so months but it’s a great fit if you’re on a small budget and are very careful.
Freestanding shower caddy
Hanging shower caddies come with a number of problems. For instance, they tend to fall over when you put too many shower essentials on them. Instead of wondering, “how do I make my shower caddy stay up” there are impressive shower caddies that don’t need to hang on anything.
Freestanding shower caddies are designed to stand alone but you can still stick them on the wall if you wish to do so. If your bathroom essentials are tall and heavy, you should get a caddy that can stay on the floor and not one that hangs from somewhere. These caddies are a bit costly but the kind of sturdiness they offer makes the cost worth it.
Corner shower caddy
This is another great choice for a shared bathroom. The corner shower caddy is the perfect choice for those who are keen on utilizing the entire caddy’s space to its fullest potential. They are known to house all kinds of showering items, including shampoo, shaving razor and cream, washing towels, bathing soap, and so on.
The corner shower caddy is usually affixed with suction cups, which are designed with extra hold so the moisture from the shower doesn’t loosen their grip on the tile and send your showering items down the floor. This makes them one of the best shower caddies for tiled showers.
Shared caddies
This is a shower caddy that you can keep in the shower with each person having their own section. It saves the hassle of having to carry it to and from the bathroom, although it can’t function as a gym shower caddy or be transported to another place for use if need be. A shared caddy is worth considering if you have a trustworthy and semi-permanent roommate like in a shared apartment off-campus.
Unisex shower caddies
Many think that shower caddies are a thing for girls but nothing could be further from the truth. This item offers convenience, effectiveness, and saves time, all of which can never be gender-based. If you are a guy looking for this item, you might want to consider neutral colours and designs.
Material shower caddies are made of.
Shower caddies are made from a variety of materials. The materials used to make a particular caddy have a crucial effect on its durability. Also, different materials work best in different circumstances. Here’s a look at the common shower caddy materials:
Plastic Material made shower caddy
Plastic shower caddies offer the perfect blend of style and functionality. They are sturdy, durable, easy to clean, easy to install, can handle water well, and can be hung or made to stand alone. Plastic shower cadies tend to be more rigid, meaning they can hold their shape better for increased durability.
They are available in a variety of designs and colours to suit every taste and have options for both male and female students. Since plastic doesn’t corrode, they are the ideal choice if you want a never rust shower caddy. They do, however, attract bacteria easily so you should change them regularly. They are also not flexible and hence prone to breakage and not easy to store.
Polyester or mesh Shower Caddies
These shower caddies are like tailor-made for college life. Polyester fabric is durable (but not as steel or plastic), lightweight, and often less cumbersome than their counterparts. Their compact design makes them easy to carry and incredibly easy to store. They are available in multiple colours to suit both male and female.
They are more adaptable as they can typically hang over a shower caddy hook, bathroom door, or showerhead. They are, however, a little harder to clean but dries quickly. Another downside is mesh caddies tend to fall over when you set them down on the floor; plus, not all are mildew resistant.
Since they attract a lot of bacteria, you may have to disinfect your showering tools regularly to avoid infection. They are also prone to tear and not suitable for use over a long period.
Metal caddies
Stainless steel and aluminium are the most common metals used to make shower caddies. Metal is more durable and provides strength to your shower caddy so it can carry more stuff. The major downside is they are prone to rust given the bathroom’s humid environment. But why do shower caddies rust?
Well, rust occurs as water and air corrode the metal over time, and there’s a lot of that going on with metal shower caddies. The good news is you can put anti-rust on your aluminium or stainless steel shower caddy but this only makes it a no rust shower caddy for a while.
Shape and size of the shower caddy.
Shower caddies are available in various shapes and sizes to suit every buyer’s preference and needs. Since you’ll be using it alone, smaller size is much preferable. The size of your caddy will also depend on the number of items you intend on carrying with it. If you use many shower essentials, you’ll obviously need something spacious.
Aesthetics
Shower caddies come in different colours, designs, and have different finish technologies. These aesthetics appeal to people differently. You should get one that appeals to you the most without compromising on quality.
Storage space of shower caddy.
One shower caddy is more than enough to carry your bathroom essentials while in college. But storage space is more than just the size of your caddy. A shower caddy should do more than just storing all your bathroom essentials and also keep everything properly arranged.
The best shower caddy will have several compartments so you can store items separately for showering, washing hair, brushing teeth, and other care activities. It helps to keep everything organised so you can reach them easily during a shower.
It can be frustrating when you have fumble around during a shower looking for your shampoo. Some even come with zippers for each section to hold items securely. Keep in mind that the compartments feature different adjustability levels.
If you have tall showing items like long bottles of shampoo, they may not be able to fit in compartments that are not adjustable. An adjustable shower caddy with fewer compartments, on the other hand, will comfortably accommodate large-sized items.
Additional features
Add-ons can make your product way better, more functional, and even increase its lifespan with good use. So, does your shower caddy have a handy strap that you can use to hang it from a shower caddy hook or showerhead?
Is it water-resistant? Is it a rust-resistant shower caddy? Some additional features will be crucial to your product’s overall quality if you take full advantage of them in a shared bathroom setting.
Durability
One of the annoying things for a college student is finding time and money to shop for worn-out accessories. These items are usually subjected to a lot of tear and wear but a high-quality one will be able to last you throughout your college years.
Portability
With shared college bathrooms, you’ll have to take your showering items outside of the bathroom once you are done. A portable shower caddy will come in handy in such situations.
This will allow you to even carry bathroom items that you may need in other places like at the gym or swimming pool. Make sure the caddy you go for has a sturdy material that will not wear off easily from being carried time and again.
Price
Shower caddies differ widely in price ranges, depending on the materials used, sizes, shapes, and several other features
Prices usually start at $10-15 for the on the lower-cost side while high-quality shower caddies cost from $40. Cheap caddies are usually made of cheap materials like portable mesh caddy and may need replacement more often.
Pricy caddies are typically more durable with greater convenience. That being said, it’s best to look at the features of a particular shower caddy and not base your decision solely on cost. This will ensure you get value for your money.
Shower Caddy Essentials
Now that you have all the right information to get the right shower caddy for your college needs, let’s look at the essentials items you should have in your shower caddy to make showing time much convenient:
Flip flops
The chances of finding a super clean and well-maintained bathroom in your college dorm are very slim. It goes without saying that a pair of flip flops is the first essential item you should have in your shower caddy. This will prevent you from athlete’s foot or picking up other harmful organisms/bacteria, as well as make it easier to get in out of the bathroom. Go for synthetic shower shoes so they don’t soak up much water.
Shampoo and conditioner
While you may not need to wash your hair every day, it’s good to have a bottle of shampoo and conditioner ready to clean your hair now and then. If your hair allows it, you can get a two-in-one shampoo & conditioner to save on space. It will also decrease shower time by combing shampooing and conditioning, while still getting the job done.
Shower cloth
This can help get the grime off your body. And, unlike a loofah that can easily harbour bacteria, a shower cloth has antibacterial additives to avoid bacteria.
Body wash/soap
A good smelling shower gel or bar of soap is one of the items you’ll need the most during a shower. They lather up to prepare your body for easy cleaning; smelling nice and fresh is an added perk.
Razor and shaving cream
You need a razor in your shower caddy so you can maintain a clean-shaven look on your legs, armpits, and private parts. A razor goes hand in hand with shaving cream. Keep in mind that the shared bathrooms in college leave you with very little space so you might have to get creative to be able to shave in such a restrictive space.
Moisturizers
Moisturizing regularly is the key to healthy skin. And, it’s best to do so just after showering when your body is still damp. We recommend buying smaller bottles of moisturizer that can work for your face and body.
Hair oil
If you use this, it’s important to keep a small bottle in your shower caddy so you can apply it in your hair after showering.
Body and face scrub
A shower alone isn’t always enough to clean your pores and generally care for your skin. You will need to exfoliate once or twice a week to remove dead skin, dust, and dirt off your entire body. In that case, a face and body scrub is a must-have shower essential.
Shower cap
Most people, especially ladies, don’t wash their hair daily. You will need a shower cap to protect your hair as you shower.
Makeup remover
Removing your make-up is much easier when you are in the shower, so why not include a make-up remover in your shower caddy?
Deodorant
Forgetting to apply deodorant really sucks. By keeping one in your shower caddy, you’ll be able to apply it right after a shower and not run the risk of forgetting.
Toothbrush & toothpaste
By keeping a toothbrush and toothpaste in the shower caddy, you will be able to get your teeth and body clean in a single go, thus saving you precious time.
Toothbrush protector
A toothbrush cover will keep your toothbrush from collecting germs, especially in a shared college bathroom that is likely not as clean as your home bathroom.
Mouthwash
You will need this to give your mouth a deep clean. Flossing and mouth washing is just as important as brushing your teeth.
These shower caddy essentials may seem like a lot of stuff but you’ll likely use every one of them throughout the school year. So try and have most if not all of them for convenient and easy shower time!
Tips for Having the Best Shower Caddy
Now that you know how to find the best shower caddy for you and all the bathroom essentials you need, coming up with great organisation and storage bathroom caddy ideas is essential for maximum functionality of these items. In this part of the text, we are going to discuss a few tips for ensuring the best shower caddy experience. Let’s get right into it:
Use products you trust
Shower caddies for use in college are generally small in size and with all the bathroom essentials you might want to put in, there’s no room for products you don’t use or don’t like. Therefore, consider buying products that you actually like and trust. Go for trustworthy products that offer more than one benefit because they are a great use of the limited space you’re likely to have in your college dorm room and bathroom.
Consider having two caddies
It’s a good idea to have two caddies if you can. You can use one for storing dental items and the other for facial care tools. This makes it easier to carry just what you need when you head to the bathroom.
Organise your shower caddy
Enjoying a nice shower is such a treat. The last thing you want is to have to start searching for a product during shower time because your bathroom essentials are all mixed up. This can be really frustrating, not to mention time-consuming.
So, how do you organize a shower caddy? The key is to keep things minimal for an elegant look. Start by putting only the shower caddy essentials that you will actually use during a shower to maximise on space. When buying these bathroom essentials, consider multifunctional products like a creamy body wash that can also function as a shaving cream.
Consider having a washcloth for each day
Your washcloth is likely to attract dirt like your toothbrush and even grow mould due to dampness. A stock of at least five wash clothes ensures you have something clean and dry to use every day.
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