I knew this day would come. I’ve been bracing myself since the toddler tantrum days, the middle school mood swings, and the high school chaos. But nothing, and I truly mean nothing, quite prepares you for actually getting ready to move your kid to college for the first time. It’s a beautiful, emotional, and borderline chaotic ride. And believe me, you are not alone if you are feeling all the feels at the exact same time. But, let’s talk about what really happens when you’re packing up your kid and launching them into the next chapter…the dorm room move.
*This adorable image was created through prompts I gave to ChatGPT
*This post may contain affiliate links
Dorm Room Packing
If you are a Type A person like I am, you have already been making lists, both in your head on paper. Each list is organized into categories of things you need to bring and what blue dorm room bag it needs to be packed in. And get the bags. Trust me, they are supposed to be the holy grail of move in essentials. Every single dorm mom page recommends them!
The Emotional Packing List
- Pride: You’ll feel so proud that it physically hurts. They worked so hard. You worked so hard.
- Nostalgia: Suddenly, that crumpled art project from preschool feels like a priceless artifact.
Please take a moment to admire the prized preschool art project. This art project will forever be my most favorite art project to ever come home!
- Panic: Will they be OK? Did you teach them all that they need to know to successfully live on their own?
The Real Packing List
- Shower Shoes: Because dorm bathrooms are used by everyone on the floor. No one wants to come home with a plantar wart!
- Power Strip: Outlets are rarer than sleep in a dorm room. I’ve heard they only have two!
- Medicine, laundry stuff, and all the “I’ll get it later” things. Be sure to also check the packing list provided by the school. Our school does not allow laundry pods.
- Snacks: Meal plan, schmeal plan. They will want their favorites at their fingertips.
- Tissues…lots and lots of tissues…for you.
Start making your list now, if you haven’t already. Every time you think of something, add it to the list. Helps with the chaos later. I’ve listed some essentials below that you will want to pick up.
TICONN 6 Pack Extra Large Moving Bags with Zippers & Carrying Handles, Heavy-Duty Storage Tote Moving Boxes for Space Saving
IRIS USA WOOZOO Air Circulator Fan with Remote, Oscillation, 3 Speeds, 52ft Max Air Distance, Adjustable Tilt, Quiet Motor, Small Fan for Bedroom, Office, Dorm, WhiteBunk Bed Holder For Woozoo Desk Fan(8.27FINLEOO Shower Shoes for Women Men, Quick Drying Shower Sandals with Drain Holes Non-Slip Pool Slides Comfortable Lightweight House Slippers-BlackJiatuA Plastic Storage Basket with Handle Portable Shower Caddy Tote Organizer Basket Bin for Bathroom Kitchen Dorm Room Bedroom, GreenOne Beat 10Ft Extension Cord with Multiple Outlets,Flat Plug Power Strip Surge Protector with 10 Ft Long Cord,6 Outlet 3 USB Ports (1USB C),Multi Outlet Wall Plug for Travel,College,Dorm EssentialsOzzptuu Bedside Storage Caddy/Bedside Hanging Storage Bag for Headboards Bunk Beds Dorm Rooms Book Phone Magazine Holder (Grey)
Move-In Day Madness
According to the orientation we were at a month ago, move-in day is crazy! It sounds like a mix of summer camp drop off and a competitive game of Tetris. Parking is a nightmare. Elevators are overworked (which scares me. Her dorm room is on the 8th floor). Everyone is sweating, and I will probably be pretending not to cry. Mama’s, you’ll be tempted to make the bed, hang up the lights, and color-code the closet. But eventually, we will get the look from our kid. You know the one. The one we have been dreading all summer. The “can you please go now” look. And that is when our hearts will crumble just a little.
LINENSPA Memory Foam Mattress Topper – 2 Inch Gel Infused Memory Foam – Plush Feel – Cooling and Pressure Relieving – CertiPUR Certified – Dorm Room Essentials – Twin XL SizeNestl Reading Pillow with Shredded Memory Foam, Luxe Cut Plush Back Pillow for Sitting Up in Bed, Back and Arms Adjustable Support for Adult & Teens, Backrest Pillows with Washable Cover Dark GreyPremium 100% Waterproof Mattress Protector,4D Air Cooling 300GSM Queen Size Mattress Pad Cover,Breathable All-Round 360° Bed Mattress Topper Protection Noiseless Vinyl Free (White,Queen)
Letting Go (Without Falling Apart)
Here’s the part no one ever tells you. The hardest part isn’t moving all the stuff (it’s a close second though, especially if we have to walk up all 8 flights of stairs). It’s moving your heart into a new space where you’re cheering them on from afar. You’re not losing your kid…you are gaining a young adult who is going to do amazing, messy, and powerful things. Let yourself cry on the way home. It’s OK if you do. Then stop for dinner or dessert and start planning those epic care packages for your child and their roommates! I already have my care packages planned out. I can’t wait to send my first one!
One Final Thought
Moving your kid to their dorm room isn’t just a rite of passage for them…it’s one for you, too. It means that you have raised a human being ready to take on the world. That’s no small thing. For them or for you. So go ahead…bring the snacks, the surge protectors, and all the tears. College dorm room move-in day is the beginning of a brand new adventure for them and for me too.
Now tell me, what is one thing YOU wish someone told you before college move-in day? Drop it in the comments below!
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