It’s right around the corner for many, and it’s a learning curve, at best. Our basement has once again become a slow but steady organizational station for items that need to be washed, labeled, and ready to go. Last year was our first experience, and there are a few things we would have done differently, as well as a few things we’re glad we did do. We’ll be moving in two kiddos next year, and it’s always an extra punch to the gut, as this year will also be our oldest’s birthday ON moving day. I need a break from my feelings, okay? It’s always bittersweet and a little stressful. But it can mostly be fun if you let it. So, today, I thought I’d share a few of our favorite tips for college move-in day. 

• Talk About Expectations Beforehand. 
We have a boy. Things are different with each kiddo. I never want to overwhelm him, though I’m sure I do anyway. I get excited and try too hard, and I know the boy moms out there can relate. This year, we rented a storage unit between the spring and fall semesters, as this will likely be his last year on campus, being a sophomore. We have a plan. However, it helps to discuss things with them first. Do you want us to help you move in, or are you good? Do you want to go to dinner after that, or would you like us to say goodbye? These things can also change depending on how the day goes. Open communication here with your baby is key—that, and not dragging out those goodbyes too much. You’ve got this… just talk about it. 

• Dress Comfy + Bring a Fan
This day can be fun. But it’s not for the well-dressed or weak of heart. Be prepared with comfy shoes, a sports bra, and deodorant. Let’s keep this real. It cracks me up how move-in day always consists of just one suitcase and a box, as depicted in shows, while they move into Finch College and meet their new besties. And the parents do a drop-off like summer camp, waving from the sidewalk. OKAY, Belly, but you’re going to need a shower caddy + some fit changes before you tear a family apart, amirite?! I’m the extreme, but we have some serious art, rugs, some pillows, and… just dress so you’re ready. 

The youngest stayed behind because of football practice. He was able to say his goodbye before we even left.
That was the first tears I saw from Jamin. And then I cried… again. Sheesh. 

• Familiarize Yourself with the college-specific move-in day info that they’ll provide. You’ll likely need to schedule a move-in time of your own, as well as familiarize yourself with the map and parking details. It can be a little chaotic if you aren’t familiar, so it’s always good to check it out ahead of time. The more prepared you are, the smoother this will go. 

• Pack a “Moving Bag”
{Or two, once you see what’s on this list} Basically, think of this as your go-to bag, to assist you in everything. 
• Small Fan
• Snacks + Waters 
• Pedialyte, smart water, or other hydration help
• Sharpie 
• Scissors 
• Garbage bags 
• Cleaning supplies: paper towels, Clorox wipes, garbage bags, cleaning spray, Windex, Swiffer duster
• Toolbox of some kind that includes: Measuring tape, level {optional but handy} mallet {for those beds – thank me later}, hammer, screw driver
• Tiny nails for hanging things or whatever you’re using for walls that the dorm allows 
• First Aid kit – the one you packed for your kiddo – keep it handy, especially things like Advil, Imodium, acid reflux meds, bandages, etc. 
• Furniture sliders – something to consider with moving heavier pieces 
• Risers – we used these for his headboard last year. 
• Phone charger 
• Door stopper
• Rug tape or Alien Tape – it’s my new favorite go-to for just about anything. 
• Kleenex

I snagged a pic of my “move-in bag” in this video – it’s my bog bag, so it would be hard to lose {snacks and first aid kit were packed separately} but keep these immediate-need kind of things with you the entire time. 

• Communicate With Your Roommates 
As parents, we’re hands-off with this one. Just encourage them to communicate. For some reason, this is particularly challenging for some individuals. Communication here is a life skill, guys. But hey, let’s do Parallelograms in high school instead of taking basic life courses + learning about taxes.} If you can, reach out to your roomie{s} and coordinate a few things. 

We didn’t listen to Waze because sometimes they lie, or account for the massive traffic jam that morning.
So the earlier you can leave, the better. Trust. 

• Go Early + Bring Help 
I’d recommend reserving as early a time as possible. The sooner you can get in, the more time you have to make that space theirs. That little sibling who wants to tag along? Bring them + put them to work. Discuss ahead of time what they can do. Divide and conquer. You won’t regret all the help you can get. Oh, and expect traffic. 

• Do What You Can, Ahead of Time
I realize not everyone has the luxury of driving in. However, take care of whatever you can ahead of time. You’ll be really glad you assembled that nightstand before you even moved in. Washed those sheets before you left, etc. 

• Expect Mass Chaos and Be Okay With It. 
Move-in days are hard. ESPECIALLY the first time. Lower your expectations for the day. Now take them lower. Something will go wrong, and that’s okay. If you can be ready to set aside your nerves and roll with the punches, it will be a better day for all involved. Be ready to laugh. Be ready to cry. Wear big sunglasses. Everything is actually going to work out. 

• Bring a Dolly + Little Bungee Cords
Unloading is the second most challenging part {next to saying goodbye}. They will probably have help + carts available, which is terrific. But those carts come with a waiting list. Bring a dolly if you can for toting loads. Our friends have a giant cart, which is fantastic. Whatever you have that you think will help… bring it. The sooner you can just get their stuff to the space, the more time you have to put it all together. 

• Divide + Conquer
We find it works best if one person gets up there and wipes the room down / cleans, while the other unloads. The spaces are cleaned beforehand, but also, it just makes this mom feel better to wipe down that bed before we throw his stuff on top. Then, from there, divvy it up for what is most efficient. 

• Label Everything + Keep Hanging Clothes Hanging
With their name and room number. Last year, our bestie was green frog tape on easy-to-spot bags {and some boxes}, but it was easier to keep up with it all as we went. 

• Secure your Paperwork – Total side note, but you should secure your medical power of attorney. Not to get dark, but stuff happens. If your kiddo is 18, you lose medical rights to your child. That means you can not speak to doctors, etc., without the correct sign-offs on paperwork. Secure that now while you can. Many universities offer these, and you can also source them online. Do not pass go, do not collect 200 dollars. DO IT. 

• Saying Goodbye is Oh So Hard. 
I get it. Been there. Will be there again too soon. But they’ll also be back before you know it, with a load of laundry for you to handle as soon as they walk in the door. When he moved in that day, his birthday was the next day. We wanted to do something small on his birthday. Jamin suggested we spend the night and bring him and his roomies the next day. Yes, it was more for me than for him because I’m pretty sure the kid could have cared less. But we spent the night in a fun local hotel, with our middle, who was just as devastated as I, and did the fun tourism thing that night as a little reward to ourselves. I think if you look at it like a fun little trip, it definitely helps to some degree.

My point? THIS IS HARD. But pat yourself on the back for a job well done. You’ve gotten them here! All while it feels like you’re being stabbed in the heart. However, it’s really just the beginning of a great new book and chapter that you get to be a part of. Well done, mamas and daddies and guardians and people who love their kiddos. You have done it. The next few weeks will feel hard. Take some time to acknowledge those feelings. But you’ve got this. Onward. 

Let us know if we left anything out. I’m oh so sure we did. And we’d love to hear your perspective! Happy move-in day!