Adulting 101: Life Skills Every Teen Should Know Before They Move Out

Last year, I shared a College Dorm Move-In Checklist to help families navigate the often-overwhelming task of getting ready for move-in day. (If you missed it, it’s still a must-read!) But as another class of students prepares to leave the nest, there’s more to think about than just twin XL sheets and shower caddies.

In these next few weeks of summer, families can focus on setting their teens up for true independence, not just by packing the right things, but by teaching the right skills. This applies to kids and teens who are still at home too.

Can your child confidently do a load of laundry (yes, including sorting whites)? Do they know how to clean a bathroom, sew a button, or boil pasta without setting off the dorm fire alarm? Now’s the time to show them, before their first “real world” test is 500 miles from home.

Here are Some Basic Adulting 101 Skills to Keep in Mind:

• Financial basics: How to manage a budget, use a debit card safely, avoid credit card debt, and understand how to pay bills or set up autopay.
• Medical readiness: Do they know when to go to urgent care vs. student health? Can they fill a prescription? Do they have a copy of their insurance card and know how to use it?
• Wardrobe planning: Dorm life might be mostly hoodies and flip-flops, but college also comes with clubs, conferences, presentations, and formals. Pack a few essentials—blazer, dress shoes, simple dress or suit—for those “adulting” moments.
• Handling grown-up tasks: Making appointments, waiting on hold, and filling out forms may not be thrilling, but they’re everyday essentials. Have them practice now to build patience and confidence in speaking up for themselves.

Download the checklist here!

Think of this season as a soft launch into adulthood. Use this time to coach, not just prepare. Empower your student to leave home not only with the right gear, but with the confidence and life skills to thrive on their own. Then, take a deep breath and enjoy your empty nest.

Need a place to start? Download this simple Adulting 101 Checklist and revisit last year’s College Dorm Move-In Checklist.

If you’d like help getting it all organized, I’m just a message away—reach out anytime!