Super excited for him. He’s got some great experiences coming. Also glad to see him beginning the process of determining what he wants to take with him and plan to leave him to that. He doesn’t really care about matching this or that - just the essentials so my plan is to let him see what he needs. Just kinda a reality check for mom 
(and yes he’s my oldest)
Assuming this means for the first year of college?
Yes. All is good. Just a bit of an odd feeling after all those years of him preparing, planning, working towards college - it’s about to happen.
It is such a process. Teared up a bit reading your post. Next summer that is me and mine. Best of luck to you and your son!
Ah - brings back memories from last summer. I have a D who was into clothes and room deco, so that’s slightly different than a minimalist S, but something about the packing process really makes it all hit home. One of my favorite days, was the one spent helping her go through her closet and deciding which clothes to bring. There sure were a lot of memories in that closet and we had some good laughs. It seemed every piece of clothing conjured up a memory of an event or stage in her life. Would have made a good college essay - lol.
Our son packed and left with just a duffle bag; the Army took care of the rest. I can’t believe that was two years ago. Still a bit resentful that we aren’t getting a normal college experience. Good luck to all of you who are.
@ChoatieMom - is he still serving? I am sure that was an even harder experience that sending them off to college! A friend of mine’s son is doing the same and leaves next month. I imagine it is a mixture of pride and anxiety.
I think @ChoatieMom’s S is at West Point…college, but not.
After having that “first” send off three times, I am excited for you and the rest who will be doing this for the first time in a few short weeks. Best of Luck! It is bittersweet, but ultimately, very exciting!
We assembled Dorm Mountain in our living room and I would get a little teary every time I passed by it. With my oldest, I was a wreck for about a month after he left. It was like a glaring hole was left in the soul of our family. But it got easier and became the new norm.
Now, my living room is again the site for Dorm Mountain, sophomore year, for my youngest. Competing with that pile is Apartment Mountain - older S just moved home and is leaving for grad school and taking only two suitcases. I have fully adjusted to these comings and goings, and am excited for their next adventures.
You’re in for a great experience. Enjoy everything…
but it’s July!
@3kidsMultipleSports: He is a rising junior at USMA. As @runnersmom said, “college, but not.” You don’t get to do the normal college things, and they are completely independent of you, including being paid while attending school. It’s just not the same at all. I read here and enjoy others’ posts, but our son hasn’t left us with much relevance to add. So, carry on.
@bgbg4us - at this point it is more going through his room and getting rid of old stuff and figuring out what things he might want to take/might need. He’s got 3 weeks yet. Kinda a “back to school/before moving out” cleaning… although I think watching him pass along old things he used to play with and do is tough.
I’m really just super excited for him. I know it will be a tough not seeing him daily, but we will look forward to when we get to.
I took my son shopping yesterday to get all the things - it was funny watching him decide, for the first time in his life, what scent of hand soap he likes!
@threebeans - I bet it will be the same for us. I told him to think about the things he shares with his brother right now because we will likely need a 2nd of that stuff.