So your child has been accepted and chosen their college. Now cue the intense feeling of overwhelm.
It’s a roller coaster of emotions for both you and them, and you don’t quite know how to navigate it yet. On one hand, you are incredibly proud of them for making it this far, yet also sad they are leaving home. You’re excited for what their future holds, but at the same time terrified—because once again, they are leaving home.
You try to put on a brave face for them, but on the inside you’re thinking: How will they survive if they can’t even do their own laundry?
How are we ever going to afford this for four years?
How will I adjust with them being gone?
It’s all quite overwhelming, isn’t it?
Feeling overwhelmed is completely normal. I also put together a
👉 Grab the simple college prep checklist here:
>simple college prep checklist
to help you figure out what actually needs to happen first. to help you figure out what actually needs to happen first.
Take a minute. Stop and take a deep breath. You’ve got this.
Download 👉
my ultimate packing bundle to make the process feel manageable instead of overwhelming. https://livingblessedgoods.etsy.com/listing/4459112824
The First Step: Make a Game Plan
You and your child just need to break this process into manageable chunks. You need a game plan. Start planning as soon as you can, but don’t stress if you feel like you waited too long. You can still get everything done and set them up for success.
Sometimes you—or your child—delay starting the planning process because you’re terrified. That’s okay. This season is filled with mixed emotions, and everyone moves at their own pace.
Grab yourself a planner and your drink of choice, and let’s start planning.
The good news? School is already taken care of. That’s one big thing off your list.
👉 Want help breaking this into simple steps?
Grab my FREE Dorm Move-In Checklist so nothing gets forgotten and you don’t feel overwhelmed.
Roommates, Housing, and Shared Purchases
The next step should be your child’s responsibility: choosing a roommate.
Schools handle this in different ways. Some use questionnaires to match students. Others have Instagram pages where students post profiles and try to find someone they connect with—kind of like a dating app. Some schools assign roommates randomly and hope for the best.
Find out which method your child’s school uses and encourage them to start early so they have a larger pool of options.
Once a roommate is chosen and housing is secured, the real fun begins. Have them discuss whether they want a unified color scheme and what items they’ll share, such as a rug, refrigerator, or microwave. Decide early who is responsible for which purchases and whether anything can be rented through the school.
Divvying up these bigger items ahead of time saves stress later.
Create a Smart Dorm Shopping Timeline
Now it’s time to make a timeline so you’re not buying everything at once or grabbing the first thing you see. Spreading purchases out allows you to find better deals and stay within budget.
Start with the basics and save decorative items for later. To save money, we cash in credit card points and exchange them for gift cards to major retailers, then use those for dorm purchases.
Set up a staging area in a spare room or empty space in your home specifically for dorm items. Invest in large moving bags and label them—linens, clothes, bathroom, desk, kitchen supplies, and so on.
As you purchase items, check them off your list and pack them away. Wash towels, sheets, and comforters before packing them and zip them closed to keep pet hair off.
Summer Prep: Appointments and Car Checklists
By the time summer rolls around, you may have most of your shopping done. That frees up time to enjoy each other—or take care of important appointments.
Schedule eye exams, dental cleanings, and physicals. Make sure prescriptions are filled and contact lenses or glasses are updated.
If your child is bringing a car to campus, schedule a service appointment before the road trip. Check tires and make sure they have jumper cables, a tire inflator, and a basic emergency kit.
Don’t Forget These Important Legal Documents
If your child has turned 18, they are now a legal adult. That means there are a few documents you’ll want in place if you still want to be involved in certain decisions.
You’ll need:
- A medical power of attorney in case your child becomes incapacitated
- A signed FERPA form if you want access to academic information
- An updated passport or driver’s license if needed
We used Mama Bear Legal Forms for both of our kids—it was easy and affordable.
Also, don’t forget that your son will need to register for Selective Service unless your state automatically does this.
Enjoy the Summer—It Goes Fast
By breaking everything down and spreading preparation over time, it doesn’t feel quite as daunting, does it?
Remember, it’s okay if you forget something. Most college towns have a Target or Walmart nearby for last-minute purchases.
Take time to enjoy your last summer together. Plan a vacation, weekly lunch dates, or movie nights. Make memories while you can.
If you focus on the big picture, it can feel overwhelming. Instead, focus on what’s right in front of you. Put one foot in front of the other and keep walking.
You’ve got this—and so do they.
Once you’ve got your move-in timeline mapped out, I also created a simple printable packing bundle so nothing gets forgotten.
https://livingblessedgoods.etsy.com/listing/4459112824