Making an Organized Transition to College Dorm Living

I'm sending my son off to college today and we are in the midst of packing up the car. Are you sending a child off to college or do you know someone who's about to embark on this great adventure? Here are some tips for an organized transition to college dorm living:Weed Out. Eliminate what you can before you even begin packing. Of course, this is my favorite part. A thorough sweep of every little item that you've collected through the years. It's a great way to clear out all the things that have been collecting dust for too long, but also a great time to make a keepsake box of mementos.   Think clearly about what you'll need to bring to the dorm room, what can stay at home and what can be put into a memory box.Organize.  Organize the space you live in now. It will help with packing up properly and you'll be happy to return to a simplified and organized place during breaks.Prepare for small-space living.  Make the most out of every inch of space so that you won't be feeling cramped. Use vertical wall space and contain like things with baskets/containers. Here are some storage solutions perfect for dorm rooms.Financial. Make sure you are linked to the students debit card so money can be sent quickly. Chase QuickPay is a terrific option.Coordinate with your roommate. You don't need two coffee pots and 2 refrigerators. Get in touch and make a plan for who will bring what.Move with plastic bins. Pack up the car with plastic bins (you can see my son is using his in the photo). They can be packed and unpacked easily. Parents can also take the empty bins back home. They're reusable and great for packing and storing at home over the summers. These Sterilite storage boxes receive top marks from our organizers and were a Friday favorite.Shop before departure. Don't wait until you arrive on campus to complete your checklist. Avoid making last minute purchases. College towns know you're coming and hike up the prices accordingly.