As parents get ready to send their children off to college, Laurin Collar, founder of The Collar Find, shares advice to help save time, money, and reduce stress.
About The Collar Find
Laurin Collar, a Charleston native and mom of two college-aged daughters, created The Collar Find to help busy moms with smart and stylish solutions for every season—from school prep to empty nest life.
Adjusting to the Empty Nest
Collar says saying goodbye to your kids is tough. Her daughters, Bates (21) and Laney (19), have moved out, and the change was hard on her family.
She suggests starting new hobbies or activities before your child leaves, so you have something to focus on when the house feels emptier.
Getting Ready for College
College requires many essentials like dorm supplies, clothes, toiletries, and school items. Collar advises parents to pick one trusted source for their shopping and avoid getting overwhelmed by advice from too many places.
The Collar Find offers a detailed college-bound guide with packing lists, move-in checklists, and closet ideas to make shopping easier.
Must-Have Dorm Items
Based on her daughters’ experience, Collar recommends a quality mattress topper, an air purifier, twin XL sheets, good towels, a fan, and a multi-charger as important dorm essentials.
Organizing Small Dorm Spaces
Most dorms are small and shared. Collar suggests using vertical hangers, stacking shelves, and focusing on seasonal clothes to maximize closet space.
Lofted beds are perfect for extra storage underneath.
Budgeting for the School Year
To save money, Collar says parents should coordinate with roommates to avoid buying duplicate items.
Start by buying only the essentials, then wait to see if your child needs more after settling in.
Tips for Move-In Day
Move-in day can be hectic. Collar suggests packing a “move-in box” with essentials like snacks, cleaning supplies, scissors, a tool-kit, and water to have on hand when arriving.
For emotional goodbyes, she recommends keeping it short on move-in day—either share advice beforehand or wait a few days after to talk more.
Also, be mindful of how many people help with moving, so you don’t crowd the space or overwhelm your child’s roommate.
Supporting Your Child’s Emotions
Leaving home for the first time is emotional for students, too. Collar says making the day easy for them helps a lot.
For parents who want to stay in touch but respect their child’s space, sending a photo of the family pet is a great way to get a quick response.
