Dorm Ready: How to Help Your Kid Get Organized for College Life

Getting ready to send your kid off to college comes with a lot of emotions—and usually
a lot of stuff. Between what they want to bring, what they actually need, and what will
realistically fit in a dorm room, it can be hard to know where to start.

Over the years, I’ve worked with a lot of families during this transition, and the biggest
thing I’ve learned is that starting early makes a huge difference. It gives everyone time to sort
through what’s truly necessary, and to let go of what won’t serve them in this next phase.

Decluttering is a big part of the process. I often walk clients through those “keep or leave” decisions, especially when space is tight. Dorms aren’t big, and every item that goes in needs a purpose. It’s not about stripping away comfort—it’s about making sure what they bring actually supports them in their daily routine.

When it’s time to pack, I like to think ahead to how the dorm will function. I’m not just filling bins—I’m thinking about layout: where will things go, how will they access what they need, and how can we make it easy to stay organized once they’re there? Packing with that in mind saves a ton of time (and stress) on move-in day.

Organizing a dorm doesn’t have to be complicated. With some planning, smart storage, and thoughtful packing, it can be a smooth and even fun process. And best of all, it helps students settle in quicker so they can focus on making the most of college life.

A Few Tips to Keep in Mind While Packing:

• Less is more. Dorms are small, and they’ll be sharing the space—only bring what’s essential or truly useful
• Think in categories. Pack by function: clothes, bedding, school supplies, toiletries. It helps with both packing and unpacking
• Label everything. Especially if you’re using bins or bags. It makes setup much easier
• Use soft, flexible bags. Laundry bags or duffels are easier to squish into tight car spaces than big boxes
• Plan for zones. Think ahead about where things will go—study area, sleep space, storage, etc

Want a Stress-Free Packing Experience?

To make things even easier, I’ve put together a Printable College Dorm Packing Checklist you can use as a guide while you prep. It covers all the essentials—plus a few things you might not have thought of—and helps keep the process organized from start to finish.

Reach out if you’d like me to send you a copy!