Whether you are helping your eldest child get packed and ready to go to college or this is several kids down the line, most of us wait until the very last minute to start organising what to send. If one of your kids is getting ready to head off to school, here are some tips that just might make the job a bit easier for you.
Don’t Bother Yourself with School Supplies
One of the things which many mums spend too much time thinking about is in the area of school supplies. Of course your son or daughter will need pens, pencils, paper, notebooks and an assortment of other supplies, but why spend money transporting things which can be purchased on the other end? Most universities have book shops or are close to shops where these items can be purchased just as cheaply as at home. Don’t bother yourself with school supplies because there is so much more to bring from home.
Bedding Is a Must
If you’ve never sent a kid off to school, one thing you may not be aware of is the recent rise in bedbugs almost everywhere around the globe. The first thing you may want to buy is a mattress cover that is designed to protect against bedbugs. Next, you’ll surely want to send warm quilts or comforters but you don’t need to go out and buy totally new sets. Of course your son or daughter will want to bring something along that looks new but going to all that expense just now may not be in the budget. Shop online at sites like Threel.co.uk for cotton duvet covers that can be placed over their favourite quilts and no one will ever know they aren’t packed off with completely new bedding.
Kitchen & Cooking Supplies
Some dorms have communal kitchens where students can fix meals or a quick snack. Whether or not the university your child will be attending has a kitchen, there will be times they will want to fix a quick bite to eat. By this time you should know if the college has a kitchen your son or daughter can use. A few pots, pans and utensils would be a nice addition to your packing list but if no cooking facilities are available, what about a small microwave oven? Send a few dishes and glasses or give them an allowance to buy disposable goods. In any case, it gets expensive eating out so make kitchen and cooking supplies a priority on your list.
Mums, you really don’t need to worry about clothing for college as your children are old enough to know what they need. Take time to make sure they have packed warm clothes for the winter months, but any other items they can choose for themselves. The best advice when making a packing list is to stay away from items that can be purchased just as cheaply on the other end. Don’t spend money transporting goods that aren’t necessary and you’ll have abbreviated your college packing list significantly. If this is your first child off to school you’ll be tempted to send everything but the kitchen sink. Send only what you must and your job will be so much easier.