Tips for Sending Your Child to College Prepared and Organized for Success

Heading off to college can be an exciting and nerve-wracking experience for both parents and students. As a parent, you want to ensure that your child has everything they need to succeed while away at school while also feeling comfortable and relaxed. One of the best ways to help your child prepare for college is to help them get organized.

Read below for our favorite tips to help your child head to college in an organized way and get settled into their dorm room and set up for a successful school year!

1. Create a packing list

Before your child leaves for college, it's essential to create a packing list together. This list should include everything they need for their dorm room, such as bedding, towels, toiletries, and school supplies. Having a checklist will help ensure that nothing is forgotten and make the packing process more manageable. Then pack in an organized way so that everything for each category is all in one box together to make unpacking easy!

2. Use storage containers

Dorm rooms are notorious for being small and cramped. To maximize space, use storage containers to organize items such as clothing, shoes, and school supplies. Under-the-bed storage containers are a great option to save space. Another great tip is to utilize vertical space in the dorm room. Hanging organizers can be used to store shoes, toiletries, and other small items. Command hooks and strips are a great solution for hanging items on walls without damaging them.

3. Label everything

Labeling is an effective way to stay organized. Labeling storage containers, drawers, and shelves will help your child quickly find what they need and keep their dorm room tidy. You can find out favorite label maker here. Additionally, creating a designated spot for everything in the dorm room, such as a spot for keys and a spot for backpacks, can help your child stay organized and prevent items from getting lost. Finally, encourage your child to regularly declutter their space and donate items they no longer need to maintain a tidy and organized dorm room.

4. Use a calendar

College can be a busy time, with classes, extracurricular activities, and social events. Help your child stay on top of their schedule by using a calendar to keep track of important dates and deadlines. Have them practice following a calendar before they head off to school to get the hang of things!

 5. Create a study space

Having a dedicated study space is crucial to academic success. Encourage your child to create a comfortable and organized study nook in their dorm room with a desk, chair, and adequate lighting. We love keeping things tidy on their desk with consolidated organizers like this one. 

As you help your child organize their dorm room, don't forget to enjoy the time together and make it a memorable experience. This transition to college is a big moment for both of you, and taking the time to appreciate it can make it all the more special. Consider taking breaks together to explore the campus or surrounding area, or simply sitting down for a meal and catching up on each other's lives. These moments will be cherished memories for both of you!