Last year's shopping, checklists, and bedding threads.

[emeraldkity4]

ohok
damprid is probably that chemical stuff that you can use in areas that are damp and don't get used much like vacation cabins
we do use it sometimes, the liquid is toxic so make sure animals or little kids won't get into it

[cangel]

Damp-Rid is calcium ..., the husband knows what it is exactly. It is extremely hygroscopic, and can be "renewed". It comes in a 2 layered cup which you put up on a shelf in a closet, and it soaks up excess humidity. Every so often (fairly frequently down here, it is amazing how much water there is in the air) you pour off the accumulated water, until the crystals completely dissolve. If he has a place to put it, it will help.
Buy some baseball caps and lots of sunscreen and flip-flops. Anything damp or wet will mildew rapidly (24 hours if his room is a little too warm) - my kids are well trained to hang up towels, and not mix towels with other clothes in case of dampness. A roach motel (aahh, palmetto bug establishment) might also be a good room accessory. We have giant roaches down here that actually live outside, but come in when the weather has either been unusually dry or unusually cold. Ants, also come in when the rain is heavy.
He doesn't need to slather on sunscreen to walk to class, but any exposure over about 20-30 minutes - he'll need it until he gets a good tan. Baseball caps and good sunglasses will comein handy, too

[wish_it_was_april]

Thanks, C! The good advice is much appreciated. We are now off to get the meningococcal vaccination, on the first day of no school. Your good advice was helpful for that, too! Wanna come help pack?

[cangel]

Only if you return the favor in August - now what is the best brand of long underwear?

[emeraldkity4]

I really like patagonia- capilene- also some newer kinds out that self adjust, more for outdoor sports though.
REI has some nice ones, I like silk but it really doesn't last that long but then again synthetic ones can hold odor.
Smartwool makes long underwear as well as really nice socks that I may be trying out this year- reputed to be soft and washable as well as easy to care for.

[cangel]

Does a kid really need the high tech, heavy duty synthetics for walking back and forth to class, or is that more for outdoor sports, with presumably sweating? What I remember about briefly living in colder climes, and wearing long johns, was always being "too" - too warm inside, too cold out.

[emeraldkity4]

I don't think you would need long underwear for back and forth to class- a good coat/jacket with wind and rain protection ( and a hood) would be first list
then good boots with good soles- can be all weather boots if room for wool socks
jeans are fine-llbean has fleece lined ones I think
I often go out cross country skiing with just a pair of nylon pants and maybe some long underwear on underneath if I am planning to be out a really long time.
I would get a pair of bottoms and some great socks- but he also can wait and buy them online.
keep the feet and head warm and most of your bodyheat will stay in ( and hands)

[wish_it_was_april]

Cangel, EK gave you great advice. My D (was at Grinnell) dressed in layers because the buildings were always hot while the outside temp was in the single digits. Save the long johns for outdoor activities as they won't be necessary to go between buildings. But send a few hats and extra pairs of mittens since they often seem to get up and walk away!

[cangel]

Thanks guys - I bought her a couple of sets of silk long johns on sale last March, and I will get her to look at the fleece lined jeans. She doesn't wear jeans much (she's 4'9", and it's hard to find jeans that fit properly), but I'm thinking she will like wearing cords - do people still wear corduroys or is that totally beyond the teen fashion pale, up north? I was thinking she would need a pair of those waterproofed "tennis shoes" - they look sort of like sneakers but they are waterproof (what do you call them?), and a pair of boots.

[jmmom]

cangel - I really think (if you can stand it) that it's best to wait for this warm winter gear and clothing. She won't need it when she arrives or for at least a couple months after. Then she can see what is "in" at that time at that place. Boots, in particular, kids are very fussy about what they will and won't wear (S spent this entire winter NEVER wearing anything but regular athletic shoes, except when actually skiing/sledding). I know it makes no sense,but that's what they do. The winter shoe of choice for some is a kind of slipon/well-treaded suede looking kind of moc (I, too, forget what it's called), but if her peers are not wearing it where she ends up, she probably won't either. She can either shop when she's there, or if she's disinclined or hasn't got the time, you can order online and ship to her.

[cangel]

Oh yes, Jmmom, we've already passed that point - no jackets, no boots, no waterproof shoes, no cold weather gear beyond what she already owns until she gets there, plus a month. If for no other reason than choices here are so limited. She really needs to try things on, if possible, and get used to the idea of wearing thick socks, vs no socks.
She has an almost new fleece, and the last time we talked about it, while cruising the after season jacket sales, she was leaning toward just using her fleece and layering a waterproof shell over it, and not worrying about buying a zip in 3 in1 jacket. If she doesn't care about it matching, that would be the cheapest and most flexible. She's more into hats, gloves and mittens - there will be a whole cute wardrobe of those. I of course want to get her one of those fitted parkas with the faux fur hood - they are so cute.

[suzinfla]

Wish_it_was_ April, I agree with all the good advice above. Damp Rid is a mainstay in the south, you can pick it up anywhere, supermarket, drugstore etc. The preferred flip flops are Rainbow or Reef. Also you might want to stock up on shorts at the end of summer, he will probably wear them year round.

[citygirlsmom]

bumpdebump since another thread was merged into this one

[mizsic]

Thanks for all the grat advice!

[aroundthecorner]

Hmm, I remember reading somewhere about this great type of tape to use for putting posters and boards up on the wall. What was it?