Packing Your Student for Dorm Life - Part Two

Moving On Monday

Packing Your Student for Dorm Life—Part Two

Last week, we began a series of articles on transitioning your high school graduate to life in a college dorm.  We looked at the basics a student would need for his/her dorm room.  This week, we'll look at personal care items they should purchase and pack.  Of course, some students have special needs, so their list will be different.  But this is a good starting point. 

PERSONAL CARE

·         Robe, slippers, flip-lops for shower

·         Shower Tote

·         Shampoo, conditioner, hair styling supplies

·         Hair dryer, curling iron, hair straightener

·         Hair brush, comb

·         Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash

·         Deodorant

·         Shaving cream and razors

·         Nail clipper and file

·         Moisturizers

·         Soap and soap container, mesh sponge

·         Cologne/perfume, after shave

·         Cosmetics and make-up with case

·         Cotton swabs, cotton balls/squares

·         Mirror

·         Pain reliever(s) and vitamins

·         Cold/allergy medication

·         Prescription medications

·         Glasses or contact lenses with necessary cleaning supplies

·         Ear plugs, eye mask

·         Night light

·         Bandages, tweezers, antibiotic ointment or cream

·         Hot/cold pack

·         Tissues, toilet paper

·         Laundry bag or collapsible hamper

·         Quarters for laundry (many colleges now have prepaid cards for laundry facilities)

·         Folding drying rack

·         Detergent, softener

·         Hangers

·         Towels (bath and hand), face cloths

·         Iron, compact ironing board

·         Sewing kit

·         Umbrella

·         Clothes appropriate for the environment

As always, check with your college/university for some of these items (curling irons, for example), because they may not be allowed in the room.

Moving With Children

Moving on Monday

Moving is stressful enough. But add children into the mix, and the days leading up to and including the move can be horrendous. The most important thing to remember is to include them in the process. You don't want to make them feel that they are being left out or ignored.

Even at a young age, they can help. Children should go through their own possessions, and help decide what to keep and what to give away. Have them help with packing up their rooms.

They should help decide which room they have in the new house, and how they want it arranged and decorated. Look for compromises if their requests are outrageous. For example, they want red walls with a black bedspread. Compromise with light walls, and a red and black bedspread with red curtains and pillows.

Help them through the process of saying good-bye to friends if you are moving out of the area. Host a party and take photos of each of their friends as mementos.

If the children are young, arrange for a babysitter the day of the move. You will have enough to do without having to change diapers or carry around a cranky toddler. If the children are older, enlist their help. They should be able to pack, carry light items and clean up after a room is emptied.

Pack bags for everyone. Include clothes for a few days, and a few things to keep them entertained if there is a car trip or plane ride involved. Make sure their favorite stuffed animal or blanket are accessible throughout the process.

Finally, they should help in the unpacking process. Don't worry if they throw things haphazard into drawers and closets. You can always tidy things up later. If they are involved, they feel happier in their new space.

Saving Money on Kid's Clothing

Frugal Friday

We love our children, but they can really put a drain on our bank accounts. It costs a lot of money to raise them--food, clothing, education. So we try to save money wherever we can. One way to save money is on their clothing. Here are some tips to keeping them clothed and still have money to spare.

• Buy clothes slightly larger than their size. You can hem sleeves and pants, then let them down when your children grow.
• Find friends and family with children older than yours. Ask for hand-me-downs. Then find a family with children younger than yours and return the favor.
• Dress them for the occasion. If your children will be outside playing, dress them in darker colors to hide the dirt/stains.
• Don't wash their clothes as often. They will last longer. This may mean not letting them change their outfit several times a day, and not letting them throw something in the hamper that they only wore for a few hours.
• Bleach will wear down fabrics. Use detergents with non-chlorine bleach instead.
• Don't cave into the pressure of designer clothes. They are overpriced.
• Search clearance racks at the end of a season and purchase clothes in a larger size for the next year.
• Shop at consignment stores. You can find great deals on nice clothes.

Safety During the Holidays--Children & Pets

Tips for Tuesday

The holidays are fast approaching. Along with them, are the stresses for preparations. Part of the holiday tradition is entertaining family and friends, whether it's a cozy cookie exchange with the ladies or a formal dinner with the boss.

While these are fun times, there are some hazards associated with entertaining. Take cautions so you aren't a victim.

• Keep decorations at least six inches above a child or pet's reach. They may cause a hazard if broken or be poisonous if ingested.
• Avoid using tinsel. Loose pieces that fall on the floor are tempting choking hazards.
• Ribbons on gifts should be no longer than 7 inches so a child doesn't wrap it around his neck and pets don't get tangled up in it.
• Avoid using small package decorations or ornaments on young children's packages, as they may present a choking hazard. Also check gifts from others for small pieces and other age-appropriate items.
• Store scissors from wrapping away from little hands.
• Watch children and pets around fireplaces or stoves.
• Some holiday plants are poisonous to pets. Check the ASPCA web site (http://www.aspca.org) for a list of plants and foods harmful to pets.