All Things Dorm and Preparing Your Student for the Big Move
AGGHHHH! My son is heading to college and moving in the dorm. I’ve got to start thinking about the dorm essentials he will need. Having the right dorm essentials helps your student feel as if they have a home away from home. I hope this list helps answer some questions and eases your worry a bit. You’ve done a good job getting them to this place, they will be great. Time to let them fly!
AGGHHHH! My son is heading to college and moving in the dorm. I’ve got to start thinking about the dorm essentials he will need. Good news, I’ve done this once already. Easy peasy right? Not so much. In 3 short years things have already changed a bit. Not to mention, the girl versus boy thing is very different. (My son could care less about matching his bedding with his roommate’s bedding and doesn’t need the cutesy headboards, matching towels or monogrammed anything! Lucky me! ) So, I did what I do best and found good resources to gather information and advice. I already had a fabulous list given to me three years ago by a mom of four (Thank you Kathy!) so I had a really great baseline to start. Next, I contacted my parent friends with kids who did this just last year-very helpful! And my secret weapon, an LSU Resident Assistant who has been in the dorm for the past three years. Her job is to help dorm residents thrive and survive so this was really helpful!
My updated checklist is in PDF printable form on the Free Printable's section of our website. Here is the link to that.
In addition to that list, here are a few other tips.
Read your “Living on Campus” handbook for your school. Each school will have varying rules about what they allow.
GET A MATTRESS TOPPER! The beds are uncomfortable. If your student is going to be in a humid climate, the RA suggested getting one with a case or getting a waterproof mattress cover to put between the topper and the sheets. She said that there have been cases where the mattress topper absorbed water when the rooms were not climate controlled (Holiday breaks) leaving all of the students bedding wet for a period of time.
Command hooks are great. Some schools want you to use push pins instead. (Command hooks can pull paint off the walls if not installed correctly.)
2 power strips cannot be put together. (Power strip plus extension cord) because it’s a fire hazard. Order a power strip with a long cord if you plan on raising the bed high.
Get lightbulbs that stay cool to the touch to prevent fires.
Fairy lights are a great way to spruce up a room as well as gently light up a space without bothering a roommate who is sleeping. There are even some that sync to music or sound.
A first aid kit with cold meds, allergy meds, acetaminophen and other non-prescription medicine is important to have on hand. Living with new people and new germs means more minor sickness.
Tell your son/daughter to get to know the RA. This person can be a much-needed ally if there are roommate or neighbor issues.
A carpet or rug and a bulletin board of some sort to hang photographs can make the place feel much more like home. Rugs also give friends a softer place to sit when they visit.
Get a hanging bathroom caddy if they have a hall bathroom. That allows them to hang the caddy on a hook versus sitting it on the floor where it gets wet.
Collapsible storage or under bed drawers are great for holding food or extra clothes. If your child can’t come home to swap out seasonal clothing, these containers are extremely helpful for storage.
Steamers or wrinkle release spray to help when they need to look presentable.
Furniture with storage is also great. My daughter had a stool to climb into her bed that also stored her shoes.
Your son/daughter will want a card holder that sticks to their phone, so they don’t forget their room key! Here are a couple of options.
Some schools give these out free on the first day!
It’s a great idea to pack everything in large storage bins and label the bins. Bring a dolly and/or wagon to help get the bins from the car to the dorm room.
Patience is a MUST because things move slowly on move in day.
Pack water and snacks too.
Some other advice that might be helpful.....
Please don’t get your feelings hurt when they want to unpack and “nest” on their own. Remember, this is the first time they’ve had their very own space! It doesn’t mean they don’t love you when they push you out the door. (Can someone please remind me of this when I bring my son to his dorm? I have a lump in my throat already!) Kids let your parents help a little. It makes us feel better knowing there are sheets on your bed (even if you don’t sleep on them!)
Make a deal with your son/daughter that you won’t call them every day. Instead, set up a time and day that they check in and let you in on what’s going on. I was so relieved when my daughter would text me and just say, “I’m alive.” My son will most likely not check in as often as I would like so I’ll have to be satisfied with once or twice a week. We Mama’s worry....Sigh.
Leaving my daughter at school was the hardest part for me. Plan something fun to do that night such as a nice dinner out or visit with friends (if we can!) It helps ease you into them being gone. And trust me, when they come home for the holidays and bring their mess and laundry back with them, you will be counting the days until they go back to school. HA!
Having the right dorm essentials helps your student feel as if they have a home away from home. I hope this list helps answer some questions and eases your worry a bit. You’ve done a good job getting them to this place, they will be great. Time to let them fly!
Preparing our kids to move into their college dorm and sending them off on their own can be emotional and a hard thing to do. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, give us a call so we can help you get organized and prepared at 225-205-6400.
Remember to hug those kiddos a little tighter this weekend, and have a Happy Father’s Day!
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Cheers! Cocktails and Spring Cleaning with Chaos Organizing
Cheers! We are so glad you could join us. We hope you and your family are staying safe during this quarantine. How are your routines going? Mine went well for the 1st two weeks then Spring Break happened and it all went to hell in a hand basket. Trying to get back on schedule. Are any of you organizing and cleaning out spaces during this quarantine? Here are some of my Spring organizing tips!
Cheers!
We are so glad you could join us. We hope you and your family are staying safe during this quarantine.
Did you happen to see our Facebook live at my Bourbon Bar? Here is the link to the recipe for the Bourbon Smash.
How are your routines going? Mine went well for the 1st two weeks then Spring Break happened and it all went to hell in a hand basket. Trying to get back on schedule. Adjustments had to be made. The biggest adjustment for us was time. With a house full of college students, we are staying up later and sleeping in more than I have in years.
Meal planning is a must because of ordering groceries via Shipt. We only shop for meat and fruit because my husband does not trust other people to do that for us. Between my garden and my friends organic garden, we don’t need to buy much.
Spring Organizing
Are any of you organizing and cleaning out spaces during this quarantine? I started on my attic but haven’t finished that just yet. Totally procrastinating. I’ve been spending as much time outside as possible since the weather is so nice. My yard and garden are beautiful…I’ll get back to the attic…eventually.
Here are some of my Spring Organizing Tips:
When cleaning, put all cleaners in a bin or bucket that you can easily carry around. Don’t forget appliances, shower doors, air vents, baseboards or fronts of cabinets.
Go ahead and use all the left over paper goods from past parties so you don’t have to store them!
Toss magazines from the Fall or Winter.
Toss junk mail and flyers.
Check coats/jackets. Do they need cleaning?
Switch Fall/Winter clothes to Spring/Summer clothes if you need to.
Pack winter sweaters in sealed containers with cedar chips or blocks.
Check your boots. Do they need cleaning, polishing? Do they need to be stored in the top of your closet so your flip-flops and sandals have the prime real-estate spot?
Check your linens. Is it time to refresh, get new?
Check your towels (Beach towels included). Any holes or tears? Do they need replacing?
Do you need sunscreen or mosquito repellent? Check the expiration dates.
Clean and organize your garden tools. Here’s the link.
Make a list and order items needed for Spring projects. Does your house need washing? Do your windows need cleaning from the outside? I will be painting fences this year!
Clean or replace patio furniture cushions.
Power wash or hose your outdoor rugs.
Wipe down outside surfaces.
If you are cleaning out old towels-dog shelters and vets can use them.
Old baby blankets, burp clothes and bibs can help make masks for nurses. Message me about where to donate in Baton Rouge.
Want a more detailed Spring cleaning?
Check out our Spring cleaning guide
Make sure you are following us on Facebook, as we are going live in different areas around my house. Tonight at 7pm CST, we will be live in my closet making a Mojito Mocktail! (For those of us that need a little break from the alcohol or don’t drink!) You can see it on our Facebook page if you miss it.
Don’t forget Mothers day is coming! Gift certificates available.
If you are quarantined and needing a little advice, a Virtual Organizing Session is just what you need.
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Spring Newsletter 2020
Our hearts go out to those who are struggling during this COVID-19 pandemic. Springtime is normally full of family celebrations, crawfish boils, graduations, and fun. We are right there with you missing all of our friends, family, and our normal way of life! We thank those of you continuing to support small, local businesses via gift certificates, online shopping, drive through services, or virtual sessions. Thank you. We are here to support you in any way we can! We will get through this TOGETHER! Stay home and STAY SAFE!
Spring Newsletter
Our hearts go out to those who are struggling during this COVID-19 pandemic. Springtime is normally full of family celebrations, crawfish boils, graduations, and fun. We are right there with you missing all of our friends, family, and our normal way of life! We thank those of you continuing to support small, local businesses via gift certificates, online shopping, drive through services, or virtual sessions. Thank you. We are here to support you in any way we can! We will get through this TOGETHER! Stay home and STAY SAFE!
It's Chaos Organizing's 7th Birthday!!!
"No one will ever PAY someone to come into their private spaces and see their mess." "My wife wouldn't NEED that service!" These were quotes from 2 successful businessmen who I went to for advice before setting off on this new adventure. Neither had the vision that in our busy world of duel career families with busy kids running in a thousand directions, that having an organized closet, pantry or any other space in one's home would bring a sense of calm to the proverbial storm of life. Neither of them understood that chaos and clutter add to your stress and unhappiness, therefore leaving your home as a to-do list instead of a place of peace and respite. They didn't see a path of success. For a brief moment, I felt the wind go out of my sails. Then I looked at my husband and said, "I'm doing it anyway." and he looked back and said, "How can I help you?"
I've discovered that I'm apparently pretty stubborn lol. (My mother also apparently knew this about me and I'm sure she is laughing hysterically as I am now discovering my daughter has the same trait!) You see, I wasn't looking at my organizing from a business perspective. I was looking at organizing as a way to HELP people that are struggling just as I did at one point. Juggling a life with kids, a husband and a career is HARD and I had a gift that could help others enjoy their home. It wasn't always easy. When I felt overwhelmed, I had my sisters and mother showing me a path that I could now share with others. I don't see the mess as mess; I see it as possibility. It's a puzzle waiting to be solved. My stubbornness helps me keep that perspective. There is always a solution.
Well, here I am now with over 240 clients, countless new friends and an amazing team of women who organize with me. To say I feel blessed is an understatement.
Thank you! Thank YOU for following along with me on this incredible journey. I hope I have been able to bring you solutions that can make your life a little less weary and make your home a place of peace.
Due to the quarantine, we are not working in homes, but we can help via our virtual organizing sessions. As a thank you, we are offering a COVID-19 Special. See below for details.
Are you a "Do it yourself" kind of person? Are you bored during this quarantine and want to tackle some small projects around your home? Is there an area that has been driving you crazy but you don't know where to start? Virtual organizing might just be the right thing for you!
For $25 you receive:
5-10 minutes of consulting about your space. We ask a lot of questions so we can put together a plan that will work for you.
A written step-by-step plan with links to products we recommend for your space.
20-25 minutes of one-on-one coaching with a professional organizer to review your individualized plan.
Access to our "Chit Chat with Chaos Organizing" Facebook group where only our clients and organizers can ask questions, offer solutions and talk organizing!
This special discounted pricing will only go on as long as we are quarantined!
Chaos Kids
Easter Activity ideas
Hide and Seek the eggs
Pin the tail on the bunny
Draw a picture for the Easter Bunny
Bunny hop races
Easter Egg letter hunt-Hide letters in the eggs
Sort or match the plastic Easter eggs. (Sort by size or color. Match the colors)
Scavenger hunt
Egg and spoon races
Egg toss
Check Pinterest for Printables or other activities.
Card games
Easter books
Water guns or water play
Don't forget to take pictures! Have a Happy Easter!
Refer a Friend, Get a Discount!
Like us? Don't be stingy! Share us with a friend. When they book their organizing session, you get $50 off of yours!
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Coping with and Surviving the Coronavirus Quarantine
The Stewart family is doing our part to keep everyone safe! I have 4 college students and 1 high school student that have been quarantining here for the past two weeks (2 of the 5 are mine!). I was a bit nervous about this, but I must say, it’s going really well!
While organizing during this time may not be top priority, we know that chaos causes stress. Here are a few of our tips that might help ease you and your family’s stress during this time.
Hi Friends,
I’m hoping you all are doing well and staying safely quarantined. My heart is with those of you away from home and helping our community. I know many of you have it tough right now! Thank you!
The Stewart family is doing our part to keep everyone safe! I have 4 college students and 1 high school student that have been quarantining here for the past two weeks (2 of the 5 are mine!). I was a bit nervous about this, but I must say, it’s going really well! We have fallen into nice routines and everyone has been so respectful and helpful. They are learning all kinds of new skills as my husband is getting all of his “to-do“ list done with their help.
We are calling this Camp Corona-The Stewart Version!
While organizing during this time may not be top priority, we know that chaos causes stress. Here are a few of our tips that might help ease you and your family’s stress during this time.
• Set a routine. Consistency and routines help ease stress. The events may not happen at the exact time, but your goal should be to keep them in the same order. Predictability is comforting to children (and adults!) and may help us get some things done!
• Set up a workplace and homework place. This should be a quiet space with ONLY the tools that you need for work or homework. I moved my home office to my bedroom so that my office could be set up as a virtual classroom (If you are watching my live video’s on Monday’s at 10am, you already know this!). So far, it’s working!
• Create a cleaning schedule. Having everyone home 24/7 and not having housekeepers come (if you have them) during this quarantine time may have you drowning in “to-do’s” which can be exhausting. First, breathe, the neighbors aren’t stopping by anytime soon. Second, creating a list of chores and who is responsible for them may help alleviate some of the stress. If you have small children that means you (and any other adults) are getting the burden of all of the chores. As a former stay at home mom, I remember that stress clearly and want you to know you are not alone. So many parents are feeling the same way. Having a cleaning schedule for yourself may be key to keeping some order to your home and some of the stress at bay. An example of the one I created for the crew staying at my house is attached to this email. If you need help creating one, call me and let me help you!
• Rotate the toys. Your children do not need access to ALL of the toys right now. By rotating them weekly, it allows you to bring out something new and exciting when they get bored. If there is a toy that makes you absolutely crazy, it may be time to secretly put that in the donate box. (If they see it, it will instantly become their FAVORITE!)
Also, try new methods of entertainment for your kids. Have a friend or family member that’s not with you virtually read a book to your children so you can get the dishwasher loaded. Get creative!
• Get outside. If you can, go play in the yard. Not only is the fresh air and sunshine great at brightening your mood, they aren’t inside destroying your freshly cleaned house (lol).
• Be flexible. The best plans may work on paper and not in real life. THAT’S OK! Hold your theoretical ideas of what your day will look like loosely and find freedom in flexibility. There is grace for yourself and others when things don’t go as planned.
We hope these tips help keep your chaos under control. If you’re feeling like there’s more chaos than you can manage on your own, 30-minute virtual organizing sessions are available for $25 if that would help you.
Call us: 225-205-6400 Let us know if we can help you in any way!
Thank you
I truly appreciate all of my clients who have understood about rescheduling their appointments. Thank you so much for being flexible. My business is small, and we will certainly be affected during this time. By rescheduling, you are helping us keep our doors open and recover from this loss. THANK YOU!
LensArt Photography by Tobi Gomez • The Front Porch Project BR
Did you Know?
• Coffee with Martha-Carol is live on Facebook! Join us on Monday’s at 10am to answer your organizing questions or just to take a break from the people in your home!
• Virtual organizing sessions are now available. 30-minute sessions for $25. These will come with a written plan for your space including product recommendations. Call Now! 225-205-6400
• We were on WAFB this week. Watch Here!
• The Purple Cow Decluttering Challenge 2020 is still going strong on Facebook. We are in the kitchen this week! Here’s the link
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College Dorm Evacuation Tips and Solutions
“Mom, I have 24 hours to move out my dorm. They are closing school and moving classes online. What do I do?”
Did you get this call this week? My sister did and panic set in because my niece is in school 16 hours away. Quick decisions had to be made.
I know many of you are facing the same issues so thought I would share our solutions.
“Mom, I have 24 hours to move out my dorm. They are closing school and moving classes online. What do I do?”
Did you get this call this week? My sister did and panic set in because my niece is in school 16 hours away. Quick decisions had to be made.
Does she drive home with all of her things? Does she fly home and only bring the necessities? How long will she be home before she needs to head back? Weeks, months? There is so much unknown!
I know many of you are facing the same issues so thought I would share our solutions.
My sister decided to store my niece’s non-essential items in her college town. (In my barn!). We got lucky because my niece is at LSU and all of our family lives here giving her lots of options. I know many of you do not have a barn option so you may need to get a small storage unit, or a borrowed a garage, attic or basement.
The storage unit might seem extreme, but you can rent these by the month. They typically cost around $100 a month for a climate-controlled unit.
For storing and transporting items, I recommend 56-66 quart bins. If your child is packing and moving on their own, they might want to choose smaller bins that they can easily carry, but they will need more since less will be stored in them. Plastic is a better option than cardboard because cardboard attracts bugs. If you use portable plastic drawers in the dorm, wrap them in plastic wrap (available near packing supplies in stores.) or use painters’ tape to make sure they stay closed during transport.
Here is our advice on how to pack those bins:
Pack items that will not be used at home separately from the essentials they will need. Essentials mean clothes, makeup, hair items, shoes and any perishables. (If your child is flying home, have them give perishables to a friend.) Text books, notebooks and the outrageously expensive calculator need to be easily accessed when classes begin again.
Separate what you put into the bins by use:
Linens (Bedding, curtains, towels.)
Kitchen items(coffee pots, dishes, utensils, pots, pans, plastic ware.)
Accessories and decor
Clothes and personal items that they will bring home.
If your child isn’t returning to the dorm, they might consider selling or giving the dorm items to someone that will need it. (Dorm fridge, twin xl bedding, etc.). We have been passing dorm items down from one cousin to the next. My son is next on the list and we are so appreciative to already have these items!
Please let us know if you have any questions or if we can help you in any way during this difficult time. Your student will be stressed and possibly anxious. We hope this helps give you some guidance and a little peace in the chaos.
We can be reached at info@chaosorganizing.com
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