In the Meantime…
PREPARING FOR COLLEGE LIFE – by Audrey Cupo, Professional Organizer
This month, Audrey Cupo, Residential Professional Organizer, is here to provide helpful tips to save space when preparing our kids for college life.
Many of our sons and daughters are starting college so now is the time to get them ready to transition into college dorm life:
Remember when your son or daughter was born and you held them in your arms, fed them, cared for them and protected them from harm? Where did the time go? Now, they are ready to go off to college. They still need you. They need you to help them make a smooth transition to college life.
Preparation is key. Here are some ways to have A Better Space in the dorm:
1. OBTAIN A PACKING LIST FROM THE COLLEGE – Read the list and then make your own packing list, which will serve as an inventory for future reference. Determine what is needed; the “wants” come later. Coordinate with their roommates to make sure duplicates are not being purchased unnecessarily.
2. LABEL EVERY BIN OR BOX – Keep a list of the contents that came within each labeled bin or box for yourself and your student. This will make it easier to set things up and when it’s time to return home. Bins can be dual purpose. Use a bin with a lid as an end table or end of bed storage. Collapsible crates will transport easily and when faced sideways in the dorm create instant storage shelves.
3. PREPARE DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO DO THE LAUNDRY – Don’t assume your student will know how to separate his or her clothing so their white t-shirt doesn’t turn pink. Don’t forget to supply them with rolls of quarters to use at the laundromat. Have them use concentrated detergents so they will last longer and save storage space. There are washing machine laundry sheets available that really save space!
4. ONLY PACK WHAT IS NEEDED UNTIL THEY RETURN HOME FOR THANKSGIVING – Don’t overpack. You can always send care packages. Think small and efficient. Use bed risers to create extra space under the bed for additional storage if your student will have a single bed. Use a collapsible mesh laundry bin and a rolling cart with drawers for extra storage. Think vertical! Zone out the space available for specific functions, such as sleeping, eating, studying and relaxing. Aim to contain!
Lastly, remember to relax and breathe. This is an emotional and exciting time for both of you. With some organizational tools in place, it will be a much calmer atmosphere for them to live in. Enjoy the experience.
If you are feeling overwhelmed with any aspect of organization, do yourself a favor and reach out to A Better Space, your expert for professional organizing services, for assistance.
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Audrey Cupo has been working with your neighbors since 2004 to help them declutter, organize their homes and create customized systems to meet their specific needs. This includes any room in the home, paper management, time management coaching, space planning and interior redesign. With just one phone call, you too can have A BETTER SPACE.
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Audrey Cupo
Professional Organizer
A BETTER SPACE
(215) 491-5193
betterspace@comcast.net
www.4abetterspace.com
www.facebook.com/abetterspace
WINNER – BEST OF BUCKS 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020
