Essential College Packing Tips from a TikTok Mom: Must-Haves for Your Freshman’s Dorm Experience

The Ultimate Guide to Packing Your Kid for College: Tips from a TikTok Mom

Packing a kid up for college is no easy feat. It’s a whirlwind of emotions, excitement, and a seemingly endless list of items to buy, pack, and haul off to campus. As your child embarks on this new chapter of their life, you want to ensure they have everything they need for the best college dorm experience possible. Recently, one TikTok mom, Sandy DiTullio, a self-proclaimed “working Housewife that shares great finds/hacks,” went viral for her impressive college packing haul, and she’s here to share her wisdom with us all.

The College Packing Challenge

Sandy’s journey began with her daughter preparing to become a freshman at LSU. In her now-viral video, she humorously shares, “Okay, so my daughter’s pile continues to grow.” The excitement is palpable, but so is the pressure to make sure her daughter is fully prepared for dorm life. From bed sheets to medicine to monogrammed towels, Sandy has it all covered, and her followers are taking notes.

Must-Have Items for College Freshmen

So, what exactly is on Sandy’s packing list? Here are some of the standout items that she believes are essential for any college student:

1. Air Purifier: A must-have for maintaining a fresh and clean living space.
2. Hand-Held Steamer: “You got to get one. Those are amazing,” Sandy raved, and we couldn’t agree more. Wrinkle-free clothes are a must for those early morning classes!
3. Vacuum: Keeping a dorm room tidy is crucial, and a compact vacuum makes it easy.
4. Laundry Setup: Sandy’s daughter has a monogrammed laundry bag filled with all the essentials, including detergent, stain remover, dryer sheets, and even shoe cleaner wipes. She’s not a Tide Pod girlie, preferring liquid detergent for its scent and cleaning power.

Listening to the Community

What makes Sandy’s approach even more impressive is her willingness to listen to her followers. After receiving feedback on her previous video, she went out and grabbed every item that her audience suggested. “Let me just tell you, I read every single comment and went out today and got every single item that I was missing,” she shared, showcasing a massive container filled with every conceivable medicine a college student might need.

Tips from Fellow Parents

Sandy’s video sparked a conversation among parents, with many sharing their own tips and tricks for packing their kids for college. Here are a few gems:

• Unpack Before You Go: One user advised, “Unpack as many packaging boxes as possible before you get there—dumpsters will be full and will be hard to get rid of her trash when you’re getting her settled.” This is a great way to streamline the moving process!

• Be Prepared for Anxiety: Another user reflected on their own experience, saying, “You’re such a loving mama. I hope you guys both transition well. I surely did not 😅 I wish my mom set me up this well because my anxiety would have done better.” It’s a reminder that the transition to college can be tough, and a well-prepared student is a more confident one.

• Consider Additional Items: Some users suggested adding a small tool set, flashlight, and sewing kit to the packing list. These items can be lifesavers in unexpected situations.

The Takeaway

Packing your kid for college is more than just a logistical task; it’s a rite of passage filled with love, support, and a touch of nostalgia. Sandy DiTullio’s viral video serves as a fantastic resource for parents navigating this journey. Remember, it’s okay to go above and beyond to ensure your child feels at home in their new environment. And if they text you saying, “I ran out of XYZ!” don’t hesitate to hit that Amazon Prime button!

As you prepare for this exciting new chapter, take a page from Sandy’s book: be organized, listen to advice, and most importantly, enjoy the process. Your child is stepping into adulthood, and with your support, they’ll be ready to take on the world—one dorm room at a time!