What the heck do I buy? bring? and how to get ready.

CLICK HERE FOR SUGGESTED DORM ESSENTIALS LIST

I am writing from experience as I am a single mom who moved both kids into college myself in under 5 hours. Most friends we ran into took 8+ hours with 2 parents helping and in some cases a host of other people. Prep work is essential here as well as being organized. Use this handy dandy checklist to purchase what you need ahead of time.

Amazon has moving bags with zippers and handles-I recommend HAPPY CHEERS brand XL size. I used 2. These are great for bedding, towels, pillows, rugs, non-breakable decor, school supplies and plastic storage. For clothes we simply packed a large suitcase. Home Depot has storage totes-2- twenty-seven-gallon HDX BLACK AND YELLOW-good quality close, easy and durable. We put breakables in here -and kitchen appliances-dishes.

The key to moving in quickly is to get as much done as possible before moving day.

-Wash all bedding, towels and dishes ahead of time.

-Unpackage everything you have purchased so not dealing with any trash-only exception here is TV and fridge as they are safer and easier to carry in the box.

-Check into room/move in procedure as well as rules as most colleges and universities will require student to pick up college ID ahead of time before they pick up keys and then give you a certain time allotment to unload.

Moving supplies may be scarce so see what and how much moving equipment the school provides. Home Depot has a PACK-N-ROLL HAND TROLLEY with a foldable handle that holds up to 330 pounds for $39.99. Extremely helpful as you want to make as few trips as possible.

If you have anything that needs to be put together vanity, cubicle or small dresser-do that before moving day too! Of course, anything that could easily fall apart when not stationary will have to wait. I advise against purchasing a lot of furniture that needs to be assembled unless there are things your student really needs or wants. My daughter for example was dead set on the vanity.

This can be an extremely emotional day, so it helps to have it go as smoothly as possible.

Most colleges and universities give layout of dorm room with measurements-check this ahead of time-do not buy more than will fit! Have a plan on where things will go including wall decor.

I recommend moving big furniture type items in first, bedding next, then clothes, accessories, dishes, miscellaneous and leave decorating until last. UNLOAD THEN ARRANGE- most schools have time allotment for unloading but will give you prime spots to do it and then have you move your vehicle.