Sending Your Kids Off to College: Tips for Organizing Their Space
I'm here to send a lot of love to those of you who are sending your kids off to college.I know how hard this transition can be, so I wanted to offer some tips on managing their space and your emotions. Here is a video with my tips for organizing their dorm And this blog is about organizing their space in your home.
When your child leaves for college, you might feel the urge to deep clean their room. It’s a therapeutic way to focus your energy, but remember to respect their belongings and how they organize their things. Even if they take the majority of their things with them, the items they leave behind might still be important to them. Childhood memorabilia and seasonal items are often stored at home. So consider how you can spend time IN their room in a way that allows you to process your emotions but doesn’t change an environment they aren’t ready to change. If you did not already tell them that you would be turning their room into an office or craft room, it’s best to just clean it vs. clear it.
If you did let them know that you would be reorganizing, be mindful about where you store their items, ensuring that you only discard things they no longer want. If you’re unsure, box up the items, take a photo before sealing the box, and text it to yourself with a note about where it’s stored (e.g., “This is in the garage on the second shelf”). Keep this information for yourself rather than overwhelming them with details right now. And, don’t store temperature sensitive itmes (electronics, musical insturments, candles, etc) in a non-climate controlled space.
While organizing your young adult's belongings, consider using storage boxes and clearly labeling everything. They have a lot on their minds—balancing dorm room setup, academics, extracurriculars, and more—sometimes from out of state or even abroad. A well-organized home environment makes their visits back much smoother and more enjoyable for everyone.
As your nest starts to empty, consider finding new activities or habits to fill the gap in your heart and your schedule. For instance, my husband and I set a weekly lunch date to reconnect and enjoy each other's company—something we couldn't do as easily when the kids were at home.
This respectful approach allows you to manage your home effectively while ensuring your child’s belongings are easily accessible. Give their room a deep clean and prepare it for whatever comes next. Sometimes, this process reveals a need to declutter other areas of your home, too. If you find yourself in need of help, remember that I’m here for you. Helping people declutter, organize, and celebrate is what I do best.
If you need assistance, don't hesitate to reach out for help. Visit pinkyjackson.com to schedule a free assessment. We would love to help you with our Onsite Organizing services if you are in the Louisville, KY area or our Virtual Organizing services if you are more remote or prefer to work online.
Pinky Jackson is an Organizing Expert and Decluttering Specialist. She and her team organize homes & offices in Louisville, KY. For more information about Pinky’s pricing & services or to schedule your free assessment, go to pinkyjackson.com
Photo: Element5 Digital @element5digital
