How can I help my high schooler get organized before going to college?
Wendy’s Answer:
Preparing a high schooler for college isn’t just about packing boxes — it’s about building systems they can actually maintain once they’re on their own.
For many teens (especially those with ADHD, Autism, Executive Functioning challenges, or low energy), organization struggles often show up in very specific ways:
Forgetting to take medication
Skipping meals or forgetting to eat
Feeling overwhelmed by to-do lists
Not knowing where to start with decluttering
Running out of energy (“not enough spoons”)
This is where hands-on, done-with-you support makes a real difference.
Here’s how I help students prepare for college in a practical, supportive way:
1️⃣ Medication & Daily Routines
We work together to create simple, visual systems that fit the student’s natural habits — not rigid schedules. This may include:
Pairing medication with an existing routine
Using visual reminders instead of alarms alone
Reducing steps so the routine feels doable, even on low-energy days
The goal is consistency without overwhelm.
2️⃣ Eating & Nutrition Support
For students who forget to eat or don’t feel hunger cues, we focus on:
Easy-to-grab food systems
Visual reminders and routine-based eating
Organizing food so it’s visible and accessible
This supports independence while honoring limited energy and spoon theory.
3️⃣ Tracking To-Do’s & Deadlines
Instead of overwhelming planners or apps, we build one central system that tracks:
School assignments
Home responsibilities
Chores
Creative projects (such as writing groups or animation tasks)
We break tasks into smaller steps so the student knows what to do next, not just what needs to be done.
4️⃣ Decluttering the Bedroom (With College in Mind)
We don’t declutter randomly.
We declutter with intention by:
Identifying what truly matters to the student
Sorting items by function and use
Practicing decision-making and prioritization
As we declutter, we visualize the dorm or apartment-style setup, so the transition to college feels familiar instead of stressful.
Whenever possible, we begin setting up the bedroom like a small apartment, helping the student practice:
Where things live
How shared spaces work
How to maintain their environment
5️⃣ Laundry & Clothing Systems
If laundry gets done but doesn’t get put away, we adjust the system — not the person.
That may include:
Simplifying drawers
Reducing clothing volume
Creating a “good enough” folding or placement system
The goal is progress, not perfection.
6️⃣ Energy & Spoon Management
We talk openly about spoon theory and help students:
Identify where their energy goes
Decide which tasks deserve priority
Plan rest and recovery intentionally
This teaches self-awareness — a critical college life skill.
7️⃣ Cooking & Family Responsibilities
We organize cooking routines by:
Assigning a consistent day
Planning simple, repeatable meals
Creating clear steps and expectations
This builds confidence and prepares the student for shared living environments.
8️⃣ Finishing Projects & Managing Ongoing Tasks
Unfinished project often need:
Clear next steps
Defined stopping points
Support breaking the project into manageable phases
We work side by side so projects move forward without pressure or shame.
Final Thought
College readiness isn’t about being perfectly organized — it’s about having systems that support real life.
I work with students, not on them, helping them build confidence, independence, and skills they can carry into college and beyond.
💙 Want to learn how decluttering can support life skills development?
Visit my Life Skills Decluttering for Homeschoolers page to learn more.
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Submit it to the Ask Wendy column.
