Cleaning Out a College Student's Bedroom

When your son or daughter leaves for college you and the remaining family members may be tempted to take over the deserted space. Before you can do that, you will need to work with the college student to clear out clutter, organize and pack memorabilia, and clean out closet spaces. While this should be started before a student leaves for college, the process may also be done when the student is home on weekends, holidays, or extended school breaks and vacations.

Do's and Don'ts When Cleaning Out a College Student's Bedroom

Clean Up Clothes

DO help the college student clean out and donate old or out-of-style clothes along with any items she no longer uses.
DON'T take it upon yourself to clear out the clothes in the dressers or the ones hanging in the closets.

Memorabilia

DON'T automatically assume because your child is now in college that she will no longer want her high school memorabilia.
DO spend time with the student on the weekend or holiday to create memory boxes or scrapbooks. This is a useful and respectful way to clear up stray papers in desks as well as photos on bulletin boards. It's also a way to help the college student move forward emotionally.

DON'T remove all personal items from the bedroom. The college student, upon her return may seek the comforts of home, including personal items.
DO: Minimize what's there, but incorporate the student's personality back into the room by keeping framed photos, stuffed animals or favorite items visible and dispersed through the room.

Painting Spaces

Do you even remember the last time you painted your college student's bedroom? Once personal items have been safely stored and organized, move everything out of the room. Give the room a thorough cleaning.

Repaint the room a more neutral color if the previous color was bright or dark. Using a more neutral color will make it easier to transition the room to other purposes in the future.

Envision the Space

Once the room is painted, sit in the room before bringing back any furniture. Envision how the space could look. While you want to leave a space for the college student to sleep, study and have private time, while she is away you can maximize the space in your home.

Minimize the Furnishings

Bring back only the furniture that is essential for the returning college student. A bed, desk, dresser and bookshelf should be returned to the room.

Take Back the Closet

If closet space is sorely needed, consider how much of what is in the college student's closet needs to be there. An old Barbie Doll collection, a box of trophies, Skis or seasonal items may all be properly packed and stored away, in a different location in the home.