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Challenge: Back to School

7 Things to Do before Sending Your Kids Off to College

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Getting your kids ready for college can be a hectic and stressful time. There are so many things to do, and often, some things are forgotten about until the very last minute. The trick is to make note of everything that needs to be done, making sure that the most important things are at the top of the list. Here are seven things that should be at or close to the top of your to-do list for sending your kids off to college.

  • Get Storage Bins – If your kids are going to be living in dorm rooms, they are not going to have a lot of closet or storage space. Invest in a few storage bins that they can use for extra clothing and other items that they will need throughout the year. Look for under-the-bed storage bins that will give them storage space without taking up any floor space.
  • Buy New Bedding – Bedding isn’t going to be supplied, so you will have to make sure that your kids have their own. Most college dorm beds are longer than average, to accommodate taller students. Make sure that you buy extra-long sheets. Don’t forget pillows, pillow cases, a couple of blankets, and a nice, warm comforter as well. For added comfort, you may also want to get them a mattress pad. While you are at it, pick up some towels and wash cloths as well, as these items aren’t usually supplied.
  • Buy Cleaning Supplies – The room isn’t going to clean itself, and your kids will need to have an assortment of cleaning supplies. Make sure that they have everything they need, including laundry detergent, bathroom cleaners, scrub brushes, rubber gloves, etc. They will also need a supply of quarters for the laundry facilities. They won’t be able to use the excuse that they didn’t have the supplies or money to clean their rooms and do laundry.
  • Take Advantage of Wall Space – If there aren’t enough places to store everything, start using the walls. You can get a supply of pull-off hangers that won’t leave any marks on the walls. Your kids can use these hangers for jewelry, clothing, artwork, photos, or anything else that they don’t have desk or dresser space for. Walls aren’t just for posters, and this is a great way to keep things off the floor.
  • Upgrade their Tech – Today’s students rely on their technical devices. Make sure that your kids have the most recent technology that you can afford. If necessary, sell Macbook or other old, unused electronic gadgets to make money that can be used to buy new ones that your kids need for college, including a new Macbook. Selling gadgets online is easy. Just find the item you want to sell, get a quote, send it in with free shipping, and get paid.
  • Pack Clothes for All Weather – Make sure that your kids have clothing for all seasons, especially if they are going to a campus in an area where the weather changes during the seasons. They will need to have summer clothing, as well as a winter coat, boots, hats, gloves, scarves, etc. Make sure that they also have a rain coat and an umbrella.
  • Pack a First Aid Kit – There are always going to be times when anyone needs first-aid items. Often, this is something that college students don’t even think about, until they need a bandage or antibiotic ointment. Make sure that you pack a kit that contains bandages, gauze, painkillers such as Tylenol, a thermometer, scissors to cut gauze and bandages, antibiotic ointment or cream, etc.

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