Sending your child off to college for their first year can be filled with excitement and chaos. Shopping for dorm supplies and planning the move-in day can easily become overwhelming. The best thing you can do to get your student organized for college is to help them get organized before they leave home, and once they arrive at school. This will definitely help them start their college journey smoothly.
I’ll walk you through how to help your student declutter before they go, what essentials they’ll need, and how to set up a dorm room that functions well for them.
Start with a Pre-College Declutter
Before the packing even begins, let’s purge. This is the perfect opportunity for your student to let go of what they no longer need and make room for new items.
1. Sort Through Clothing
Encourage your student to go through everything in their closet and donate anything that no longer fits or doesn’t match their current style. Focus on comfortable clothing and a few business-casual outfits for presentations or interviews. Be sure to consider the weather conditions and pack appropriate layers.
2. Purge Old School Supplies
Don’t bring too many high school notebooks. Recycle old papers and only keep what’s still useful. Invest in a few compact and multipurpose supplies, such as these mesh desk organizers or a notebook and pen set, for easy note-taking. Laptops and tablets are also excellent for taking notes and staying on schedule.
3. Minimize Sentimental Clutter
Help them choose just a few small keepsakes or framed photos to decorate their dorm. Everything else can stay safely at home.
Mama Bear Legal Forms-Young Adult Power of Attorney
There’s one thing many parents forget: Once their child turns 18, parents can’t automatically help in a medical or financial emergency. This means that if a medical emergency happens to your child while they are at school, you will not be given any information. That’s where a Young Adult Power of Attorney comes in. It gives you the legal ability to step in if your college student needs help.
I was not aware of this until someone from my daughter’s school notified me of Mama Bear. For only $79, you and your student can complete the forms and be prepared in any emergency. You’ll receive a Health Power of Attorney, a Finance Power of Attorney, a HIPAA Release & FERPA Waiver, free documents for a second state, and a complimentary app to store the forms for easy retrieval.
Let’s make sure your student is protected and can access the help they need. Complete your forms on Mama Bear and receive a 20% discount for a limited time!
Must-Have Dorm Essentials
Once they’ve decluttered, it’s time to shop smart. Dorm rooms are usually tiny, so most items should serve multiple purposes.
Dorm Room Basics
These items help your student make the most of a tiny space:
- Twin XL Sheet Set: Be sure to check the school’s bed size, which typically is a Twin XL.
- Mattress Topper: Dorm beds are not comfortable. A good topper makes a huge difference.
- Under Bed Storage Bins: Store off-season clothes, extra sheets, and towels.
- Clip-on Bed Shelf: Essential for lofted beds without a nightstand.
- Command Hooks and Strips: Perfect for hanging towels and fairy lights.
Desk and Study Area
Here’s how to set them up for academic success:
- Desk Lamp with charging ports: Saves space and keeps devices charged.
- File Organizer: For syllabi, mail, and paperwork.
- Noise-Canceling Headphones: For much-needed quiet while studying.
Bathroom & Laundry Needs
Shared bathrooms require some thoughtful planning:
- Shower Caddy: Keeps their toiletries organized and portable.
- Shower Shoes: A must-have for dorm bathrooms.
- Quick-Dry Towels: Lightweight and easy to wash.
- Laundry Hamper with Wheels: Makes hauling clothes to the laundry room easier.
I’ve created a College Move-In Checklist to help your student get organized for college. Click here or on the image below to download your free copy.
How to Organize the Dorm After Move-In
The dorm may look like a hurricane hit it during move-in, but a little structure goes a long way.
1. Create Zones
Divide the dorm into functional zones:
- Sleep Zone: Keep it minimal, a bedside shelf, and cozy lighting.
- Study Zone: Desk, supplies, and a whiteboard or calendar to track assignments.
- Chill Zone: A small rug, a bean bag or floor cushion, and a snack bin.
2. Use Vertical Space
Encourage your student to make the most of wall and door space with over-the-door hooks, hanging organizers, and shelves. This over-the-door organizer is perfect for shoes, accessories, or snacks.
3. Set Up a Daily System
Encourage them to designate a place for everything:
- Find a space for a catch-all bin for keys, wallet, and ID.
- Set up a command center for their class schedule and reminders.
- Create a routine to reset their space each evening: straighten the desk, prepare items needed for the next day, and tidy up.
Bonus Tip: Sign Up for Amazon Prime for Young Adults (6-Month Free Trial!)
Help your student save both time and money by signing them up for Amazon Prime for Young Adults before they head to campus. With a 6-month trial at no cost, they’ll get free two-day shipping, exclusive college deals, and access to Prime Video. Additionally, for a limited time, they will receive 5% cash back on purchases made in the following categories: clothing, electronics, beauty, and personal care products. Amazon Prime for Young Adults is a great way for them to stay stocked up without constantly running errands. Sign your student up here!
Final Thoughts
Preparing for college is all about setting your student up for success. When they take the time to declutter ahead of time and organize their essentials, they can settle in with confidence and calm in an exciting new chapter.
Encourage them to personalize their space and establish simple routines. Remind them that home is always a phone call away.
And don’t forget to fill out the Power of Attorney forms on Mama Bear and download your College Dorm Packing Checklist to make sure your student is organized and ready for college! 🙂
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