Kids Going Off to College: What to Bring, How to Organize, and How We Can Help
It sneaks up on you, doesn’t it? One minute you’re tripping over toy bins in the hallway, and the next, you’re shopping for twin XL sheets and wondering how your child is already heading off to college. Whether it’s your first time sending a kid to college or your third, the emotions hit just as hard—and the planning never seems to get any easier.
If you’re a busy parent trying to juggle work, life, and the whirlwind of getting your teen ready to leave the nest, you’re not alone. We work with families across Los Angeles and Orange County to make this transition smoother—emotionally and logistically. Here's how we help, what to bring, and how to create a calm, organized dorm space your student will actually want to come home to (well, sort of).
The Emotional Side: A Rollercoaster You Didn’t Ask For
Let’s be real. Watching your child leave for college is a mix of pride, excitement, and, yeah… a little heartbreak. You’ve spent 18 years building a life together, and now you’re packing it into cardboard boxes and duffel bags.
If you're feeling:
Overwhelmed by how much there is to do
Guilty about feeling sad when you know it's a good thing
Totally unsure where to even start...
That’s all normal. Deep breaths. You don’t have to tackle it all at once, and you don’t have to do it alone. We’re here to help shoulder the load so you can focus more on the memories and less on the mess.
What to Bring to College: The Essentials (And What to Skip)
Dorm rooms are tiny. Like, really tiny. The trick is packing smart—not just light. We help families sort through what stays home, what goes, and what’s truly useful.
Dorm Room Must-Haves:
Bedding: Twin XL sheets, comforter, pillows
Storage solutions: Under-bed bins, closet organizers
Laundry setup: Hamper or laundry bag
Bathroom gear: Shower caddy, towels, flip-flops
Desk supplies: Laptop stand, small lamp, power strip
Comfort items: Photos from home, a favorite blanket
Cleaning supplies: Just a few basics—wipes, paper towels
Things to Leave Behind:
Full-size appliances (not allowed in most dorms)
More than 2-3 pairs of shoes (trust us)
Too many clothes (they wear the same few outfits anyway)
Decorative stuff that doesn’t serve a purpose
We help pare it down so nothing goes that doesn’t need to, and nothing gets left behind that should’ve made the trip.
How We Help You Sort It All Out
Every family is different, and every kid heading to college has their own personality and needs. Some are minimalists. Others want to bring every hoodie they’ve ever owned. That’s where we come in.
We’ll sit down with you (or your student) and:
Go through their room to figure out what’s going with them
Create a checklist based on the school’s requirements and your student’s lifestyle
Pack everything up in a way that makes unpacking easy
Label and organize boxes by category (yes, it makes a huge difference)
Our team is used to working with tight timelines, full schedules, and busy households. We’ll keep it simple and calm, so you don’t feel like you’re living in a packing tornado.
Setting Up the Dorm Room: Creating a Home Away from Home
Unpacking a dorm room is more than just getting stuff out of boxes. It's about setting up a space that feels like theirs—somewhere they’ll feel comfortable, focused, and grounded.
We can travel with you to help:
Unpack and set up the room
Maximize space with vertical storage and smart layout
Create zones (sleeping, studying, relaxing)
Troubleshoot those awkward furniture placements that make no sense
Even if you're hundreds of miles away from campus, we can guide you virtually or assist in-person in the SoCal area, depending on what works best for you.
We’ve worked with families who’ve told us, “I didn’t think this would matter, but it made all the difference.” When everything has a place, your student starts their college journey feeling supported, not overwhelmed.
You’ve Got This—And We’ve Got You
Sending your child off to college is one of those big life moments. There’s excitement, stress, and maybe a few unexpected tears—but there’s also so much possibility. With the right support and a little planning, you can help set them up for success without losing sleep over the logistics.
If you're feeling unsure about where to begin, overwhelmed by the piles of stuff, or just want someone to take the mental load off your plate, you can reach out to us. We’d be honored to walk this journey with you.
Until next time,
Elissa
Can't Seem to Fit Decluttering into Your Schedule? Let's Fix That!
Download your Free 10-Day Declutter Dash guide to quickly get rid of clutter.
