Well friends… we’ve hit the stage of Summer Break where the panic starts to set in. We’re two weeks away from Sloan moving back to college, and I can feel the days slipping through my fingers. And while the anxiety isn’t as high as it was her first year leaving, it’s definitely still there.
I’m just happier having her home, under my roof, at my dinner table, next to me in the car… and not just because I worry less, but because she’s one of my very favorite people! I miss her when she’s gone because I enjoy her company so much!
The lump in my throat is a little smaller this summer than last, and the tightness in my chest doesn’t feel like it’s going to choke me. I’ll call that progress. And that’s thanks to the experience of seeing her soar last year, and the excitement to watch her grow even more this year. How lucky are we as parents to have a front row seat to such joy!?
For those of you planning your own send-off, today I’m sharing the essentials we lean on for an organized and stylish dorm room! Sloan was fortunate her freshman year to have a private room (with a shared bath and living area), but we were still working with a very limited amount of space. I think we made the most of it, without breaking the bank!
College mattresses (if you can even call them that!) are notoriously puny, so we put a lot of focus in creating a comfy bed. Layering a 2-3″ foam gel topper, plus this incredibly plush topper, made her bed feel like home.
We also got her new sheets and comforter, and of course washed them in our favorite detergent before moving (so everything smelled like home).
Memory Foam Topper | Mattress Topper | Sheet Set | Long Bed Skirt | Charging Nightstand (Similar HERE) | Framed Art | Headboard
We added some fun and color with these inexpensive (and super lightweight) prints. They come in a ton of designs and color palettes, and really pack a big style punch.
Having lots of pics of friends and family helps the new space feel homier, and she had so much fun printing these out. I just ordered this at-home printer to easily have more photos on hand.
Photo Holder | At-Home Photo Printer | Neon Sign (Similar HERE) | Throw Blanket
Adding style and personality to the room is the fun part, creating storage for all their things is where things get tricky! Try to find the dimensions of the closet prior to move-in to help plan, but expect you’ll have some things that just didn’t fit, and things you’ll want to add later.
That’s why ordering much of it on Amazon is clutch… free returns!
Over Door Organizer Rack | Similar Rug
These over-door storage hangers come in a range of sizes, are super lightweight, and hold a surprising amount of stuff! We used this for accessories, steamer, umbrella, bags, slippers, and of course, the freshman must-have… Dorm Doc!
Over Door Hanging Storage | Medical Kit | Similar Steamer
She had a very narrow closet, so we used these space-saving felt hangers, plus these genius hangers for skirts HERE and tanks HERE. This hanging shoe holder let us optimize vertical space, while these rolling drawers took advantage of the floor space.
Felt Hangers | Tank Top Hangers | Tiered Skirt Hanger | Similar Hanging Shoe Organizer | Stackable Storage Bins | Plastic Drawers
Tiered Skirt Hanger | Tank Top Hanger
These stackable shelves were amazing for using the tall vertical space, and sturdy enough for heavier things like denim, sweatshirts, and sweaters. Bonus, they fold flat for easy transporting.
We added this desk topper to create a study/vanity area. The desk was a uniquely narrow size, so we had to splurge on a topper from Container Store, but there are tons on Amazon if you have more than 29″ to work with, ha!
Faux plants are inexpensive, and an easy way to add a little warmth to the room. The faux fur is a fun color pop, and makes the plastic chair a little comfier.
Foldable Desk Shelves | Vanity Mirror | Faux Fur Chair Cover | Jewelry Holder (Similar HERE) | Faux Plant
Foldable Desk Shelves | Jewelry Holder (Similar HERE) | Faux Plant
This compact vanity mirror made the desk a great spot to get dressed, but didn’t take up too much space. It was also added light when she needed it.
And I can’t forget the true MVP of college move-in… these collapsible bags with backpack straps! They stack easily in the car, hold an absolute ton, are easy and lightweight to transport, and fold down to nothing for easy storage.
Sugarplum Moving Tip: The fewer loose things the better! We packed literally everything either in the moving bags, or left in their original packaging. Most things take up far less space in their original package, so we saved much of the assembly for once we were in the room. Just be sure to bring any necessary tools!
Dorm Room Essentials //
Each room layout and size is different, but the goal is the same…. optimize the small space!! So we’ve got lots of organizational products to help make the most of it.
Dorm mattresses are notoriously flimsy and thin, so double down with both this 3-inch foam topper and our go-to mattress topper… they’ll be sleeping like a king/queen! This tank top hanger was a cool find, and these hanger extenders help make better use of vertical closet space.
And these bags are an absolute MUST for moving day! They hold so much, are easy to carry and store, and can even be checked on an airplane.
1. Hanging Closet Organizer // 2. Stackable Storage
3. Over Door Hanging Storage // 4. Memory Foam Topper
5. Oscillating Fan // 6. Over Door Organizer Rack
7. Collapsible Moving Bags // 8. Folding Hanger Rack
9. Space-Saving Hangers // 10. Power Strip
11. Medical Kit // 12. Shoe Rack
13. Velvet Hangers // 14. Laundry Hamper
15. Sheet Set
Dorm Decor for the Girls //
Wayfair is another great spot for affordable dorm decor, I’ve ordered a few of these things for Sloan’s new room.
1. Stick n Peel Wallpaper // 2. Botanical Art
3. Botanical Art // 4. Compact Fridge
5. Tassel Pillow // 6. Rattan Table Lamp
7. Neon Sign // 8. Comforter Set
9. Ottoman // 10. Tassel Throw Blanket
11. Single Serve Keurig // 12. Area Rug
Dorm Decor for the Guys //
My son popped a Bob Ross poster on his wall and called it decorated, but he still needed the essentials!
1. Single Serve Keurig // 2. Rolling Plastic Drawers
3. Bulletin Board // 4. Faux Mini Tree
5. Desk Lamp // 6. Collage Kit
7. Hanging Mirror // 8. Eddie Bauer Comforter Set
9. Bean Bag Chair // 10. Ottoman
New Apartment Essentials //
For those of you with kids moving into their own space, stocking a house or apartment is pricey!! Here are some great deals on essentials.
1. Cookware Set // 2. Air Fryer
3. Knife Block // 4. Dinnerware Set
5. Cordless Vacuum // 6. Headboard
7. Storage Basket // 8. Waffle Comforter Set
9. Towels
The pain of letting them go is best described as devastating joy. I felt heartbroken to leave another chapter of motherhood behind, but so incredibly proud and excited, too.
There is no harder job than parenting, and this is the most selfless sacrifice we make… but selfless sacrifice is something we’ve been doing for them every single day of their lives. And truly, is there anything you won’t do for them?
Sugarplum Tip: The best thing we did last year was book a weekend getaway a few days after drop-off. It gave me something to look forward to, and space to process my feelings and get excited for what came next. Plus, crying in a beachside margarita beats crying at home anyday!
I look at this photo often, it was the day we dropped her off for the first time. She was positively radiating excitement and readiness, and I was trying desperately to keep it together. The last thing we want to do is rob them of joy, or burden them with our feelings.
I’m not saying don’t show emotion… they definitely want to know they’ll be missed… but I’m encouraging you to focus on the joyous part. The part they’ve worked so hard to achieve. Then stand back and prepare to be awed! You did a great job, mom!!
As for move-in day… dress comfy in cool clothes because it’s a long, hot day! I also pack a bag of moving day essentials that stays with me for quick access during the chaos… water, protein bars, scissors, toilet paper, paper towels, hand soap, trash bags, and tools for assembling.
I hope this post is helpful for those of you sending off your sweet babes… or making your babes at home feel more comfortable. Just know that it’s okay to be devastated and gutted by their departure, but also know that you’ll be okay, and there is so much joy ahead!
Also, don’t feel pressure to get everything before moving in. Those last-minute Target runs are fun, and of course there’s always Amazon Prime… which is fun for them because it means mail!
