Happy Wednesday, friends! Yesterday was the two-week mark until Sloan moves in to her dorm and officially becomes a college student! To say I’m unwell is a bit of an understatement.
The lump in my throat has taken up permanent residence, and the tightness in my chest grows a little each day. I was foolish to think this would be easier the second time… but with her being my last, not to mention, a girl, it’s a whole new set of emotions!
I’m equal parts excited for her and devastated for me… odd that two opposing emotions can occupy the same heart. But while these feelings are big and hard, I also know everything will be okay. Having gone through this with my son taught me that missing her will ease with each day, and be replaced by so much joy at watching her soar. (You can read about my goodbye with him HERE.)
We’ve already planned several weekend visits this semester, plus a handful of weekend getaways to celebrate Empty Nest life… so I have much to look forward to. I just have to get through the next two weeks and move-in… the anticipation truly is almost worse than the leaving itself!
Fortunately, all the dorm planning has been a big distraction, and I discovered very quickly that moving a girl to college is significantly different than moving a boy! Jackson tacked a Bob Ross poster over his bed and called it done… Sloan wants a little more, ha!
For those of you planning your own move, today I’m sharing the essentials we’ve been buying for her room, plus several fun design boards and teen styles.
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 we’re doubling down with both this 3-inch foam topper and our go-to mattress topper… she’ll be sleeping like a 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.
Over Door Organizer Rack | Stackable Storage | Hanging Closet Organizer | Over Door Hanging Storage
Folding Hanger Rack | Laundry Hamper | Medical Kit | Shoe Rack
Hangers | Collapsible Moving Bags | Memory Foam Topper | Oscillating Fan
Sheet Set | Power Strip | Mattress Topper | Space-Saving Hangers | Shop All HERE
Dorm Room Designs //
Sloan is fortunate to have her own (very small) space, so she can choose any colors and decor. She wasn’t sure what she wanted, so I put together these fun designs for her to get a better idea of what she liked.
I love that everything is affordable, and all the color will make the basic room more vibrant.
Slim Dresser & Charging Station | Framed Art | Hanging String Lights | Lumbar Pillow | Rug
Headboard | Lumbar Pillow | Comforter Set | Duvet Cover | Ruffle Bed Skirt
Sheet Set | Memory Foam Topper | Mattress Topper | Throw Blanket | Shop All HERE
Wall Tapestry | Rolling Cart | Quilt Set | Pillow
Lap Desk | Alarm Clock | Rug | Shop All HERE
Neon Light Sign (Similar HERE) | Lumbar Pillow | Tassel Pillow
Charging Nightstand | Comforter Set | Rug
Wipe Board | Desk Organizer | Power Strip | Shop All HERE
Dorm Room Rugs //
Bedding and rugs are the easiest places to add personality, but chances are, both will see a lot of wear-and-tear, so I rounded up these affordable options for a range of room sizes and styles.
Rainbow Rug | Yellow Rug | Dotted Rug
Blue Rug | Striped Rug | Pink Rug | Shop All HERE
Gray Rug | Zig Zag Rug | Trimmed Rug
Beige Rug | Woven Rug | Blue & White Rug | Shop All HERE
Affordable Teen Styles //
We’ve also been stocking up on closet staples, updating her tees, pajamas, and undies… these are all incredible quality and under $20. Plus, teen approved!
Racerback Tank | Henley Crop Tank | Undies | Pajamas
Sweatpants | Belt Bag | Shorts
Slip-Ons | Sneakers | Shop All HERE
We’ve also grabbed her a few new pieces for class and weekends, and she loved these…
Rolling Stones Tee | Tie Dye Sweatshirt | Nashville Tee
Cargo Skirt | Abbey Road Tee
Sneakers | Cowboy Boots | Shop All HERE
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. We made a last-minute Target run after we got Jackson unpacked and saw the space. And of course there’s always Amazon Prime… which is fun for them because it means mail!
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Kitchen Essentials, Vol. 1 | Vol. 2
Let’s Get Organized, Vol. 1 | Vol. 2 | Vol. 3
We have a little over 2 weeks before Carly moves to OSU and just finally received her dorm assignment last week. She also has a private room so the shopping has begun! I am super excited to help her decorate since the last time I moved a kid to college in 2020 I was not even allowed to go see his room. :(. Hope your girl has the best year!
So glad you get to have a better experience this time, Shelly!!! Same to you, friend! xo, C
Oooh, Lady! This post! I see useful, smart things for me. : ))
The little bed desk, brought back memories. I swear my kid never sat at a desk at home all thru high school or college, ha,ha! XO.
That’s more wishful thinking, isn’t it!? Ha! xoxo, C
Love this post! I was waiting for your dorm room design sense before getting my daughter’s room together haha. So many great ideas that I hadn’t thought of. She’s picked out bedding but that’s about it. And we’re less than three weeks away from her leaving, please pass the tissues!
Girl I know!!! Refusing to believe the time is almost here. Hugs to you as you navigate this new part of life! xo, C