Moving Your Child into College: Tips for a Smooth Transition

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It’s been a few years since I had to do this the first time, but with Esther’s son going to college for the first time next month, we’re both mentally preparing for this back-to-school season. Moving your child into their college dorm or apartment can be a whirlwind experience, but like with anything else, staying organized can make the process much smoother. Here are some of my top essential tips and reminders to help you prepare:

Pre-Move Preparation

• Create a Checklist: Draft a detailed list of items needed for the dorm or apartment, including categories such as clothing, bedding, toiletries, and cleaning supplies.

• Label Everything: Clearly label all boxes and bags with their contents and the intended room. This will save time during the unpacking process.

• Logistics: Consider using a collapsible wagon or dolly to make transporting items easier or find out if the school has wagons or trolleys that students use for moving in.

Clothing

• Garment Bags: Use Hefty (unscented) SteelSak bags as garment bags to contain clothes that will hang in the closet. This keeps them neat and wrinkle-free.

• Suitcase Packing: Pack folded clothes into a suitcase with wheels. Roll clothes to maximize space and minimize wrinkles. Packing cubes can also help with organization and can be used when students travel back and forth to home through the year as well.

Bedding

• Wash Before Packing: Wash all bedding (sheets, blankets, comforters) before packing. This way, your student won’t need to worry about laundry right away.

• Mattress Topper: Unpack the mattress topper first to give it time to expand and settle.

• Setup Tips: Do any necessary cleaning and hang up pictures before putting fresh bedding on the bed. Command strips and hooks are great for this. (Be sure you’re allowed to use command strips in the dorms)

Toiletries

• Essential Kit: Prepare a kit with basics such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and other personal care items.

• Local Shopping: If you're near stores like Target or Walmart, consider buying toiletries locally to lighten your load. Keep receipts for any items purchased ahead of time in case you need to return unused items.

Cleaning Supplies/Tools

• Cleaning Kit: Pack essential cleaning items like Clorox wipes, paper towels, and a duster. Even though dorm rooms are cleaned before students arrive, a quick wipe-down before unpacking is helpful.

• Tool Kit: Include a small tool kit with screwdrivers, pliers, and other basic tools.

Final Touches

• Snacks and Essentials: Pack plenty of snacks, water, and Advil to handle any miscellaneous aches and pains (and maybe a pack of tissues for yourself!). It will be a busy day, but one you and your child will never forget.
  
  Wish us luck!