Whether it’s your first child going off to college or your sixth, there is something that always gets left to the last minute – packing! No matter how much you anticipate this moment all summer long, packing always seems to get left until the very last minute. If you are a parent that falls into this trap every summer, here are some suggestions for last minute stress-free packing.
Separate the Wants from the Needs
The first thing you should do is make a list separating the wants from the needs. Some things can be shipped off at a later date, like winter clothing that just isn’t needed in the autumn. Other items may be needed from the very first day, like plenty of underwear! No matter how much your child has grown up, few will want to do laundry every few days so clothing that is worn daily should be packed, and plenty of it. School supplies can be bought on the other end, so why bother packing them? Unless you’ve gotten a really good deal, it isn’t worth the stress rounding up pens, pencils, paper and notebooks.
Order Online and Have It Shipped
If you find there are items missing from your ‘must have’ list, why not order it online and have it shipped to the address your son or daughter will be living at whilst in school? It is just too stressful running around to shops at the last minute looking for shoes, jackets, jeans and other items that are missing from your list. In fact, you may even be able to save a good deal of money doing it this way. You can buy cheap shoes online and they can be there by the time your child arrives on campus or at his/her flat.
Finding an Excuse to Leave Some Things Behind
So many parents are already stressed by the fact that their ‘baby’ is going off to university. They may be young adults but this is the first time your child will be living away from home. You don’t want to make it obvious that you’d like an excuse to drive up to visit in a few weeks because they will be embarrassed by your concern. This is one way to find that excuse. There is just too much to pack last minute and it would be too expensive to ship so why not jump in your economy car to drive on up to deliver those items that need to be left behind? You can covertly check on your kids whilst bringing those things they couldn’t pack. No one will be the wiser!
There is always a way to get the things your son or daughter will need to them so don’t stress! You are already stressing at the prospect of missing them terribly, so make it easy on yourself. These suggestions should help make the last minute packing easier on both you and your child/young adult. With the time and money you save you can go out for one more meal before they embark on the next part of their life’s journey. Enjoy these moments and remember, winter break really is just around the corner so you’ll see them soon.
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