There are so many things to remember when you move your child to college.  The reality is that with amazon, anything can be there quickly.  And most likely, a trip to Walmart or Target becomes an activity with friends.  But, we still fill our minivans and SUVs with everything that they could possibly need or run out of in the first six weeks of school.

As former dorm parents, we felt like we knew the drill about dorm life. We have also moved eight times, so move-in day was an old trick!

Here are five things that have made the college move-in easier for us.

#1. Box One.

This is not my idea.  This is my friend Danyelle’s idea.  Box one is the thing that comes out of the car first.  It is your command center for the day. Box one is your livelihood.

What’s in box one?

Cleaning wipes, Febreze, Sharpie, Scissors, Measuring Tape, a variety of command hooks, sticky notes, pen, pencil, box opener. Before we put a single thing down in the room, I wiped down everything and sprayed anything made with fabric.  I also wiped down the drawers, the windowsills, the bed frame, and the doorknobs.  Start fresh!

#2. A Fan.

This is essential.

You’ll be everyone’s hero on that hot, sticky day.  And, a lot of kids like the fan to drown out the dorm noise.

#3. A Tool Box.

We bought a fairly inexpensive starter tool kit at Home Depot for about $25.  It had a screwdriver, hammer, and other basic tools.  We used it more than we thought we would, especially for assembling shelves and other dorm items.  We left it in his room, and it did come in handy a few times throughout the year.

#4. A cooler with waters, ice, and gatorades.

Always bring more than you think you’ll need so you can share.  Moving in is hard work, especially if you don’t have a dorm with AC.

#5. A change of clothes and some deodorant.

Often after moving in your student, there is a lunch or a parent reception.  Having a change of clothes is a lot better way to meet other people than if you are covered in sweaty clothing.

And bonus!  Don’t forget to take the photo of your college student in his or her room and at the college sign, as well as another photo with the parents and siblings somewhere on campus.

Hang in there, parents. Milestones are hard!

Cara Parker is a Groton, MA photographer for busy families, seniors, and couples in New England.

Contact Cara for photography services.
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