Heading off to college in the fall?  Now is the time to start making a list of all the things you will need to bring with you.  There are lots of sites to help you know what to pack, so I thought I would give you some tips on how to pack!  As many items that can serve double duty the better.  For example, you will need to bring towels.  Instead of packing them, use them as packing material to wrap around your breakables.  Any picture frames or jewelry or glassware can be protected in this way.  Or your laundry hamper, even if it is a pop-up can be used to pack your clean clothes in.  A milk crate container that you bring things from home in can be turned upside down as a bedside table.  Or turned on its side in the closet to keep T-shirts or sweaters organized.  Since most dorms, and some apartments as well, frown on holes in the wall, use over-the-door storage as much as possible.  These simply hook over the door.  www.containerstore.com has some great ideas and products.  And remember, even if an item is advertised for a kitchen pantry, the same product could be used in the bathroom to hold all toiletries.  

Are you an adult going back to college?  This is exciting!  I did this myself some years ago.  There are going to be more time management issues for you, especially if you have kids.  If you can, carve out a quiet space in your home/garage/basement to study.  Communicate to everyone in your life that this will need to be your time to concentrate.  If this is not possible, get familiar with your college's library and computer lab.  Certain colleges also have a lounge in your department specific to your major.  These will be your places to study.  Make time every day for your family, especially if you have children, and you must continue working.  These are the precious years, remember to hug and kiss and laugh!  Learn to grab study time when you can.  Your lunch hour will become your lunch/study hour.  Or do all of your errands during that time.  If your kids have practice, bring your books!  Remember that this much business is only for a season.   Write out what your goal is and why you chose higher education to fulfill it.  Post it up in your study area.  This will help you get through any rough times.

Be Organized, Be Happy!
Kay