Shopping and Packing Tips

Does shopping and packing to go away to college feel like an overwhelming task? It's a good idea to start early and be as organized as possible. Use our Off-to-College Checklist to keep tabs on your child's progress. Read the tips below for ideas to keep your preparation for college sane and productive.

Shopping Tips

Get shopping done early—it minimizes stress and promotes family harmony. You don't want to spend your child's last few weeks at home racing around doing last-minute shopping. Here are some other shopping tips:

Be a Savvy Shopper

First rule: Make a budget and stick to it. Shop-smart coupons, warehouse clubs, and frequent-buyer cards can help you stretch your buying power. Discount houses or consignment shops can also be bargain gold mines. Try these places first and then fill in as needed. Have your child arrange with roommates to share certain items, such as televisions and refrigerators. This way they can avoid duplication.

Keep in mind that not everything your child takes to college needs to be new—your child may already have many of the things that he will need, such as an alarm clock and a computer. Older brothers and sisters or friends may be able to pass along some of the necessary items, as well.

Take Inventory

What do you have? What do you need? Before you start shopping, take an honest inventory of your child's belongings. Separate out the "nice-to-haves" from the essential items—if your child still needs them, he can retrieve them during homecoming breaks. If you've still got more than you can manage in a single trip, separate out some of the nonessentials and arrange to have them shipped to your child after he arrives at school.

Getting Your Child's Things to the Dorm

If your child is flying to school, not driving, there are a few options to consider to get his stuff to campus. Your child can shop at home, and ship items to school via UPS or another shipping service. Airlines may also let you pay extra to air freight your child's packages. That can be an expensive option, so compare prices before making a decision. Your child may also want to go shopping once he gets to school. This might be easier if he has a way of getting all his things back to the dorm. It can be hard juggling multiple shopping bags on public transportation.

Packing Tips

Even if your child is going to college down the street, it's important to anticipate feelings of homesickness. Your child should remember to bring things that will make the dorm room feel like home—photographs of family and friends, and important mementos. Here are some additional packing tips:

Let Lifestyle Dictate Clothing Choices

Your child should consider his lifestyle when planning a wardrobe. If he doesn't want to spend time and money at the dry cleaners each week, the majority of his clothing should be conventionally-washable.

If your child isn't the laundry-doing type, then pack plenty of socks and underwear. 21 pairs of socks may seem like a lot to your child, but three weeks will fly by when he is busy settling into college life.

Take Room Size into Account

Remember that most dorm room closets are fairly small. Your child doesn't need to bring a full four-season wardrobe. He will be able to swap warm- and cold weather clothing at home during breaks.

Another way to conserve space (and precious electric outlets) is to have your child arrange with roommates to share certain items, such as televisions and refrigerators. This way they can avoid duplication.

Duffle Bags vs. Suitcases

Your child can save loads more space by packing a duffle bag instead of a suitcase. Duffle bags can be folded and placed in a drawer or stored under a mattress when not in use.