To the Parents Heading to College Move-In

There are so many different kinds of moves in life.

I’ve helped families buy their first homes, find more space as their families grow, move into the home they’ve always dreamed about, and downsize as they enter a new season of life.

But there’s one move that feels a little different: helping your own child leave home for college.

The Move You’re Excited for — and Not Quite Ready For

College move-in is one of those milestones you know is coming for years. You spend so much time helping them prepare — choosing a school, making lists, buying everything they could possibly need for a dorm room, packing the car and making sure nothing gets left behind.

And then suddenly, it’s time to actually leave them there.

It’s exciting because you know they’re ready. You’re proud of them, and you can’t wait to see what this next chapter holds.

But it’s emotional because, as a parent, you’re not sure you’ll ever be quite as ready as they are.

A Little Advice From Someone Who’s Made the Drive

If this is your family’s season, give yourself permission to feel all of it.

Be proud of the person you’ve raised. Take the pictures — even when they roll their eyes. Soak up the phone calls, the texts and every visit home. And when their room feels a little too quiet, remember that sending them off into the world is exactly what you’ve been preparing them for all along.

Home will still be home. It may just look and feel a little different now.

When College Comes With a Move

For some families, sending a child to college also brings another decision: where are they going to live?

Depending on the situation, buying a home or condo while your student is in college can be worth considering. Instead of paying rent for several years, some families choose to purchase a property their student can live in, potentially add roommates, and hold onto as an investment.

It isn’t the right fit for every family, but it’s a conversation worth having — especially if your student will be in the same city for several years.

And if college brings your family to Texas Tech or Lubbock, we’d love to help you explore your options. Whether you’re looking for a home for your student, considering an investment property, or simply trying to decide whether buying or renting makes the most sense, our team is here to help you navigate it.

A New Chapter for Both of You

As someone who works in real estate, I talk about “new chapters” all the time. Usually, I’m talking about a new house, a new neighborhood or a fresh start.

But some of the biggest transitions in life don’t require us to move at all.

Sometimes, it’s watching someone we love pack up and start a new adventure of their own.

So to all of the parents making the college move-in drive this year: soak it in. Be proud. And remember, this isn’t the end of a chapter — it’s the beginning of a new one for both of you. ❤️

About The Stacey Rogers Real Estate Group

The Stacey Rogers Real Estate Group at Keller Williams Realty helps families buy, sell and invest throughout Lubbock and the surrounding communities. Whether you’re buying your first home, moving up, downsizing, investing or relocating to Lubbock, our team is here to help make your next move as smooth as possible.