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	Sending Your Kid Off To School
	By Ramona Creel

Feel free to use this tip sheet / checklist as you tackle your own ""do-it-yourself"" organizing projects. If you would like to REPRINT or DISTRIBUTE this information, please click here for reprinting instructions.

• get copies of vital records (birth certificate, SS card, etc.)
• update your address book and list of birthdays
• get copies of medical / dental insurance, records, and prescriptions
• verify coverage and claim procedures if out of state
• check parent's homeowners insurance for coverage policies
• get copies of warranties for electronics, computer, and appliances
• open a checking account near campus and order checks
• set up a cell phone and / or long-distance plan
• set up internet and email address (if not provided by school)
• pack up off-season clothes to be shipped or picked up later
• pack clothes and living necessities for your new dorm / apartment

• backpack or book bag
• bathroom supplies (towels, toilet paper, shower curtain, etc.)
• bedding (sheets, pillows, comforter, blankets, etc.)
• books and magazines
• camera and film
• cleaning supplies
• clock radio, desk lamp, and a fan
• closet supplies (hangers, belt rack, over door storage, etc.)
• clothing (including appropriate winter wear and rain wear)
• computer equipment (including ink cartridges, paper, and supplies)
• cork board and / or dry erase board
• decorating items (pillows, accent rug, pictures, etc.)
• desk organizer, school supplies, mailing supplies
• dictionary and thesaurus
• electronics (calculator, PDA, mini cassette recorder, etc.)
• extension cords and adapters
• first aid, sewing, and shoe care kits
• flashlight and extra batteries
• games (board, computer, video, etc.)
• kitchen supplies (dishes, cooking, and food)
• laundry supplies (basket, drying rack, detergent, iron, etc.)
• luggage
• microwave and small refrigerator with freezer
• phone card and lots of quarters for laundry
• stereo, TV, VCR, etc.
• telephone and answering machine
• toiletries and prescription medications
• tool kit
• trash can and bags
• umbrella
• wall calendar and portable planner

• date of availability and requirements to reserve
• length of lease and penalties for breaking
• deposit and pet deposit
• rent amount, date due, and late charges
• utilities included
• rules about pets and subletting
• number of bedrooms and baths
• amenities (fireplace, balcony, laundry facilities, etc.)
• pool and recreational facilities
• additional storage space
• appliances (dishwasher, garbage disposal, microwave, etc.)
• safety features
• public transportation options
• proximity to shopping, school, work, etc.
• feel of the neighborhood
• internet and satellite dish hookup

 

Copyright Ramona Creel, all rights reserved-- you are welcome to reprint any article, but you MUST include this resource box.

Ramona Creel is a modern Renaissance woman and guru of simplicity -- traveling the country as a full-time RVer, sharing her story of radically downsizing, and inspiring others to regain control of their own lives. As a Professional Organizer and Accountability Coach, Ramona will help you create the time and space to focus on your true priorities -- clearing away the clutter other obstacles and standing in the way of that life you've always wanted to be living. As a Professional Photographer, Ramona captures powerful images of places and people as she travels. And as a travel writer, social commentator, and blogger, she shares her experiences and insights about the world as we know it. You can see all these sides of Ramona -- read her articles, browse through her photographs, and even hire her to help get your life in order -- at www.RamonaCreel.com. And be sure to follow her on Twitter and on Facebook.

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