Packing for College: 3 Tips to Help Your Incoming Freshman
Packing for college is an overwhelming task. It’s maybe the closest thing to moving your child has ever experienced.
While it may be easier to take over the packing process, this likely doesn’t help your freshman feel part of the process (nor does it help them take ownership of their college experience).
It also may be easier to take a completely hands-off approach, but this isn’t likely to help your freshman with the stressful and challenging task of packing.
Finding the middle ground between these two extremes can help guide your freshman without taking over. Below are 3 tips that help you find this balance as your freshman packs for college!
Take stock of currently-owned items
Why buy items your freshman already owns? Taking some time to make a list of what they currently own can help take the pressure off you both financially and time-wise.
So what kinds of things could you or your freshman already have that they can use for college?
Thinking through these categories of items can help identify what you don’t need:
Bathroom items (e.g. towels)
Kitchen items (e.g. bowel, mug, etc.)
Decor items (e.g. lamp, fan, etc.)
Storage items (e.g. shoe organizer, bathroom tote, etc.)
Clothing
Going through each category helps you focus your budget on what is most needful. It also helps your freshman get a clearer picture of the task ahead.
Consult lists provided by your freshman’s college
During freshman orientation, most college’s provide a brief overview of what you do and do not need to pack for college.
They may even send you a printable list of items to pack and give you a tour of the dorms.
This information is incredibly helpful as you and your freshman think through the space available.
Another great resource is student groups found on Facebook or through the college’s intranet. Here your freshman can get the inside “scoop” from current students or recent grads.
As you and/or your freshman look through these resources, take special note of details like these:
Banned items (e.g. microwaves, candle warmers, etc.)
Storage space allotted for roommates (e.g. one closet, one desk, etc.)
Items provided in each room (e.g. chair, desk, etc.)
Amenities provided (e.g. floor bathroom, dorm kitchen, etc.)
Layout information (e.g. wall space, space under the beds, etc.)
These details can help you from having to bring items home after move-in day. They can also help your freshman prevent living in an overcrowded space due to overpacking.
Utilize delivery or pick-up options
Pick-up and quick deliveries were not an option when you or I were in college, but they are for your incoming freshman.
Take advantage of being able to utilize same-day delivery or pick-up at the local Walmart, Target, etc. And don’t forget to utilize Amazon Prime membership 2-day delivery.
So what kinds of things should you save purchasing or getting until arriving on campus? Here are a few ideas:
Toiletry items (e.g. extra shampoo, extra contact solution, etc.)
School supplies (e.g. pens, notebooks, etc.)
Side note: I would suggest holding off before classes start before purchasing most school supplies. Your freshman doesn’t really know what they will and will not use until they receive their course syllabi.
Food items (e.g. snacks, breakfast foods, etc.)
Large boxed items (e.g. a mattress topper, bedspread/duvet, etc.)
You can prepare for many of the details, but you won’t remember everything or catch every detail. That’s okay.
This time shouldn’t be about stressing out about the details but about helping your incoming freshman step into a new stage of life and get some experience moving.
