Moving out of the dorms.

Kasia helps Elsa move out of the dorms.

Our family grew quickly; Matt and I had four girls in five years. Now, all grown and flying, this past weekend we moved Number Four out of the dorms as she has completed her freshman year of college.  

All chose out of state schools, eager to experience different parts of the country while young and curious. All lived in the dorms.

All had just a few hours to transform a cramped square box into a home.

Here is what I’ve learned…

Pick the old, decrepit, high-rise building with the slow elevator, coin laundry in the basement, communal bathrooms; any and every opportunity to see more faces and meet more people.

Room with someone new. It’s better to escape TO who you know, than to escape FROM who you know.

Yes, a dorm room is small. Yes, they have to share. Important life skills are developed when deciding what fits in a 12x12. Force them to live without to understand what’s essential; to learn the difference between need and want.

Get out of the way. Let your student own his space without you deciding which drawer is for socks. Our kids are smart, resourceful; allow them to problem solve or to ask a new friend for help.

Skip the fancy head board. Skip the wallpaper.

Skip the rug… gross, just gross!

Get a TV. An open door and a TV invites hall-mates to stop by and check the score, watch a movie, or see who gets voted off the island.

Nature nurtures the spirit!

Live plants, natural fibers, pictures of the great outdoors, a UV light to stave off depression – bring the outdoors in to boost moods and create a homey atmosphere.

Never let anyone block the window. Fresh air, a view outside, sunlight are all essential.

Collegiate swag exponentially multiplies. Bring an extra suitcase (or two) for move-out.

Here’s to Number Four moving out of the dorms! Remember… in three months she’ll be off again…