From Home to Hall: A Practical Guide for Parents Helping a Child Move into College

Summer’s here and the kids are out of school! Time for enjoying the warmer weather, taking a vacation (or two), and hopefully slowing down a bit. However, you just had a child graduate high school, which is likely going to make this summer feel a bit different. While you’re planning on some of the same traditions as years past, there may be a sense of anxiety creeping in.

When your child heads off to college, it’s more than just a move-in day—it’s a moment that marks a shift in your family’s story. You’ve spent nearly two decades preparing your son or daughter for this, and now it’s time to help them take their first big step into independence. It’s exciting, emotional, and, let’s be honest, a little overwhelming.

This guide is here to walk you through the experience—not just the logistics, but the heart of it too.

Before the Big Day: Planning and Packing

Start early. Seriously. The last thing you want is to be scrambling for extra-long twin sheets or a surge protector the night before move-in. Sit down with your child and make a list together. What do they really need? What can they live without? This is a great opportunity to teach them about prioritizing and planning.

Check the college’s housing website for what’s allowed (and what’s not). Some dorms don’t allow microwaves or extension cords, and others might already provide things like mini-fridges. Knowing this ahead of time saves you both time and money.

And don’t forget to connect with their roommate. A quick chat can help avoid duplicates—no one needs two coffee makers in a tiny dorm room.

Packing with Purpose (and a Little Sentiment)

Packing isn’t just about the stuff—it’s about the memories. As you help your child fold clothes and box up books, you’ll probably find yourself reminiscing. That’s okay. Let yourself feel it. This is a big deal.

Encourage your child to bring a few personal touches—photos, a favorite blanket, maybe a small keepsake from home. These little things can make a sterile dorm room feel like a safe, familiar space.

Move-In Day: Organized Chaos

Move-in day is a whirlwind. There will be carts, crowds, and probably a little chaos. Try to arrive early if you can, and bring your patience. Everyone’s in the same boat—nervous, excited, and maybe a little teary-eyed.

Let your child take the lead in setting up their space. Offer help, but don’t take over. This is their room now, and part of the transition is letting them make it their own.

Once the bed is made and the photos are up, take a moment. Maybe grab lunch together or take a short walk around campus. Soak it in. And when it’s time to say goodbye, keep it short and sweet. A warm hug, a few encouraging words, and a reminder that you’re just a phone call away.

After the Goodbye: Adjusting to the New Normal

The drive home might feel quiet. The house might feel a little emptier. That’s normal. You’re adjusting too.

Give your child space to settle in. Resist the urge to text every hour. Instead, agree on a check-in schedule that works for both of you—maybe a weekly call or a Sunday night video chat. Trust that they’ll reach out when they need you.

And don’t forget to take care of yourself. This is a transition for you too. Lean on friends, join a parent group, or dive into a new hobby. You’ve earned it.

Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This

Helping your oldest child move into college is a milestone filled with emotion, but it’s also a celebration of everything you’ve done to get them here. You’ve raised someone ready to take on the world—and that’s something to be proud of.

So take a deep breath. Let go a little. And know that this isn’t the end of your parenting journey—it’s just a new chapter.