Preparing your child to head off to college is an exciting and emotional season for any family. At Top Shelf Home Organizing, we understand that a smooth transition starts with thoughtful planning and organization. From packing essentials to preparing for new routines, taking the time to get organized now will ease the stress of move-in day and help your student start their college journey with confidence. This list will guide you through the 15 most important things to organize before your child moves to campus this fall.

🧳 1. Dorm Essentials Checklist

Make a list of must-haves like bedding (XL twin), storage bins, toiletries, laundry supplies, and a desk lamp. Coordinate with roommates to avoid duplicates.

🧾 2. Important Documents Folder

Gather and organize items like:

• Driver’s license/state ID
• Health insurance card
• Immunization records
• Financial aid documents
• Banking info

🏦 3. Banking & Budget Plan

Open a student-friendly bank account (if needed), and talk about a monthly budget—include meals, gas, entertainment, and emergency savings.

📦 4. Packing Plan & Storage Solutions

Create a packing schedule and storage strategy, especially if they’re far from home. Consider vacuum-seal bags or collapsible crates.

🛏️ 5. Dorm Room Layout & Rules

Review the college’s dorm policies (what’s allowed/not allowed) and review floor plans to help plan what to bring.

🗓️ 6. Academic Calendar & Deadlines

Note key dates like:

• Move-in day
• Orientation
• Registration deadlines
• Holiday breaks
  Sync with your family calendar.

🩺 7. Health & Wellness Plan

Schedule medical/dental appointments, refill prescriptions, and discuss how to handle illness on campus. Consider a basic first aid kit.

🧼 8. Laundry & Cleaning 101

Teach how to sort clothes, use a washer/dryer, and manage basic dorm cleaning. Provide supplies like detergent pods and disinfecting wipes.

💳 9. Meal Plan Strategy

Go over campus dining options, meal plans, and how to plan for snacks or grocery shopping. Include food allergies or dietary needs.

📱 10. Tech Setup

Ensure their laptop, phone, and chargers are ready to go. Set up campus Wi-Fi, school email, and any academic platforms or apps.

🚗 11. Transportation Plan

Figure out how they’ll get around:

• Will they bring a car?
• Need a bike?
• Use public transit?
  Also, make sure they know how to get home for breaks.

📦 12. Shipping or Move-in Logistics

Confirm how to get everything to campus:

• Are you driving together?
• Are you shipping items in advance?
• Do you need a cart or move-in time slot?

💬 13. Communication Expectations

Discuss how often you’ll check in—text, calls, or FaceTime—and find a balance that respects their independence.

📚 14. Course Materials & Supplies

Buy or rent textbooks early and stock up on school supplies—backpack, notebooks, calculator, pens, etc.

❤️ 15. Emotional Prep & Support System

Talk openly about homesickness, mental health resources, and how to ask for help. Create a list of support contacts—RA, counseling center, roommates, advisors.

Organizing kids’ school materials at the end of the school year helps reduce clutter and sets you up for a smoother start next year. Here’s step-by-step guide Top Shelf Home Organizing has put together to do it efficiently.

✅ 1. Gather Everything

Collect backpacks, binders, folders, notebooks, art projects, and loose papers.

Empty out desks, cubbies, and any “homework zones” through out your home.

🧹 2. Declutter Ruthlessly

Sort into categories:

• Keep (report cards, standout work, art)
• Recycle/Trash (doodles, used-up notebooks, old handouts)
• Donate (unused supplies in good condition)

🔸 Tip: Let kids help decide what to keep so they feel included and learn decision-making.

📁 3. Create a Memory File

Label a file box or folder with your child’s name and school year.

Save only the best or most meaningful items:

• One or two writing samples
• Favorite artwork
• Awards or certificates
• Class photo

📦 Optional: Use an expandable accordion file to store year-by-year.

✂️ 4. Digitize the Rest

Snap photos or scan large artwork, bulky projects, or extra papers.

Store in a digital folder labeled by child and grade (e.g., Ava – Grade 3).

💡 Consider apps like Artkive, Keepy, or Google Photos to organize.

📝 5. Inventory and Store School Supplies

Test pens, markers, glue sticks, etc. (great job for kids to do)

Store usable items in a “school supply bin” for next year.

Donate extras or store in a community donation box.

📦 Optional: Find an organization accepting school supply donations. In southeast Wisconsin, Gals on the Go is hosting a school supply drive this June. Details here.

🧼 6. Clean Backpacks and Lunchboxes

Empty completely and vacuum crumbs.

Wash according to label instructions.

Store them or replace if needed for fall.

🗂️ 7. Store and Label

Use labeled bins or folders for:

• Memory keepsakes
• Extra school supplies
• Summer learning materials

🎒 Optional: Set aside a few workbooks or reading materials for summer practice.

🔄 8. Reflect and Reset

Talk with your child about the school year—what they liked, learned, and look forward to next year.

Reset their study area to be clutter-free for summer activities or reading.