If you or someone you know is preparing to begin a year of higher education this fall, summer is the perfect time to get organized. Follow our tips to help your high school graduate get organized to leave the nest and go to college. Here are a couple of things they can do now so that when it comes time to pack up and go, its smooth sailing.

Always sort first. Sort the items to be organized for the move into the college dorm, apartment or house into the categories that make the most sense to you. Next, put like items together, this will allow you to take inventory of what you have and prevent you from buying too many new items for the school year. Sort and separate school supplies, books, reference materials and personal items. See how many of each type you have and decide how many you need for the school year ahead.

Eliminate the clutter. Once you’ve sorted the items that are heading to school with you, you can see what you have and what you’ll need. Now you’re ready to get rid of what you don’t need. With the increased cost of checked baggage, taking “clutter” with you can be a useless expense. Instead, pack essential items and consider buying most of what you’ll eventually need after you arrive and have time to plan your space.

How do you get organized for college or help your son or daughter prepare? We want to hear about it!