This website contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Some posts are in collaboration, guest, and partnered in efforts to bring YOU great information and inspiration to your life..

Getting ready to send your child off to college can feel overwhelming. There are dorm shopping lists, Pinterest boards, TikToks telling you what you absolutely must buy, and before you know it, you’ve spent more than you planned and your SUV is packed to the roof, or you’re renting a U -Haul.

Ask me how I know.

I’m getting ready to send my third daughter off to college, which means I’ve had a couple of practice rounds.

And I’ve learned a few things.

When my oldest headed to college, I stocked her dorm room like she was preparing for the apocalypse. Laundry detergent? YEP! Cleaning supplies? Plenty. Toilet paper? Enough to survive a national shortage. Paper towels? Let’s just say she wasn’t running out anytime soon. It actually took me back to when people were stocking up for COVID.

Looking back, I probably overdid it. When you have an endless supply of something, there’s not much incentive to be mindful about using it. Plus, dorm rooms are tiny. Every inch of storage matters.

By the time my second daughter left for college, I had learned to scale things back.

Now, as I prepare for daughter number three, I’ve settled on a system that has worked really well for our family.

I call it The Rule of Three.

It’s simple, practical, saves space, and gives your college student enough of a buffer without turning their dorm room into a warehouse.

The Rule of Three

Whenever it makes sense, I pack everyday essentials in groups of three.

Not because they need all three immediately, but because college life gets busy and it allows a buffer before they need to restock and it teaches planning. And yes, I shop this way for my house, although my husband often believes in doubling up on his autoship items from Amazon (that’s a whole other discussion). But anywhoo…..

Laundry gets delayed. Shopping trips get postponed. Life happens. Having a backup built into their dorm room means they’re less likely to call you in a panic because they’re completely out of something.

Towels

I recommend sending three bath towels.

One is in use. One is in the laundry. One is clean and ready to go.

No one wants to step out of the shower only to realize every towel they own is still sitting in the washing machine.

And while we’re talking towels…

Please send washcloths. Yes, plural!!!! And while you’re at it, encourage your child to actually use the washcloth to wash their a$$.

You’re welcome, and their roommate will appreciate it.

Bedding

Sheets are the one place where I think two sets are usually enough.

One stays on the bed while the other is ready for laundry day. When it’s time to wash the sheets (weekly), the clean set goes right back on the bed while the dirty set heads to the washer.

Toiletries & Everyday Essentials

Instead of buying oversized bulk containers that take over precious dorm space, I send three regular-sized bottles (or if I do buy in bulk from Costco I do NOT go overboard) of essentials like:

• Laundry detergent
• Body wash
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Lotion
• Deodorant
• Toothpaste

Here’s why.

When they finish the first bottle and open the second, it’s a reminder to add that item to the shopping list. That third bottle gives them plenty of time to make a Target or Walmart run before they’re completely out. Or make that Amazon Prime order. And hey mom! In case you didn’t know, your student can save money with an Amazon Prime for Young Adults account.

It’s a simple system that teaches planning without Mom having to manage every purchase from miles away.

Don’t Forget the Household Supplies

When I say toilet paper and paper towels, I’m not talking about a single roll.

I’m talking about buying at least a six-pack or larger of each. The same goes for disinfecting wipes and a basic all-purpose cleaner.

And here’s a little bonus tip…

If your child has a roommate(s) and each student shows up with a six-pack (or more) of toilet paper, paper towels, and a few basic cleaning supplies, they’re probably set for a good portion of the semester.

Just saying.

If you happen to have a Costco or Sam’s Club membership, one package of many of these household essentials is actually a FABulous place to start. Split larger quantities if needed or simply send one unopened package with your student. It’ll likely last much longer than you think.

This Is More Than Packing… It’s a Life Lesson

One of the biggest adjustments to college isn’t classes.

It’s learning how to manage everyday life. Knowing when you’re running low on laundry detergent. Remembering to buy deodorant before you’re completely out. Budgeting for the things that aren’t nearly as exciting as concert tickets or late-night pizza.

As parents, we’ve spent years reminding our kids about these little things. College is where they begin learning to remind themselves.

If your budget allows, consider giving your student a small monthly “essentials budget.” Let them be responsible for replacing their toiletries, laundry detergent, paper towels, or cleaning supplies as they run low. It’s a simple way to introduce real-world budgeting and responsibility while still offering a little support.

Eventually, they’ll be managing a household of their own. College is the perfect place to start practicing those everyday life skills.

One Last Mom Tip

You don’t have to buy everything in one weekend.

Watch for sales throughout the summer. Pick up a few items each shopping trip. Before move-in day arrives, you’ll have a college stash ready to go without feeling like your bank account just survived a natural disaster.

After sending two daughters to college and preparing for my third, I’ve learned that the goal isn’t to send them with everything.

• It’s to send them with enough.
• Enough to feel prepared.
• Enough to build confidence.

Enough to learn.

And if you ask this mom, that’s the real lesson behind the Rule of Three.

Did you enjoy this article? Useful? Entertaining? Your support is appreciated in helping us continue spreading our message and sharing content. The cup of coffee you buy is greatly appreciated. Do you want to join a fun, supportive group of women? Come on over to our supportive, loving and fun facebook group. Mamas and Coffee® is all about the REAL of womanhood. Join Us.