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Learn Something New Every Day: Ten Things to Keep at a Parent’s House

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at WMU chapter.

First of all, I wanted to say Hi! Hello! I’ve missed you! Sorry about my absence.
Life got in the way of my writing… Within the last few weeks I’ve had to travel back and forth between Kalamazoo and home, but it did spark an idea for some advice. I realized a few things were just dumb to continue to bring with me back and forth all the time. I’ve finally completed this list, and has been tested over the years, to become the perfect “travel guide” for home visits.
 
I remember packing into whoever had a car and driving home with a backpack of four nights worth of stuff, and I do not remember it ever being comfy in that car. Hopefully this list will make it so you can go home with only a small bag and avoid awkward shoulder squishing.
 

  1. Feminine Products

Do I even need to explain this? Surprises happen, even when you’re at home. My mom had a hysterectomy, so she doesn’t even keep that kind of stuff in the entire house anymore! I have to fend for myself! Eeek!
 

  1. Pajamas

My favorite sweatpants and giant t-shirt are at home and it’s a treat to wear them. Even some of the old stuff I don’t like seems to be extra comfy!
 

  1. Razor, Toothpaste, and Toothbrush

CONVENIENT! Because I always forget the little things. A razor comes in handy when you get that phone call… “Its super warm out! The boat is in! Come over!” … and you haven’t shaved your legs or anything. Disaster adverted, and a trip to the pharmacy is avoided.
 

  1. Lotion

For when you shave your legs and you need some lotion! I always crept into my parent room and used my moms, but I didn’t really like using different lotion than I’m used to. So I bought my own to keep at home.
 

  1. Underwear, Socks, and a Bra

My dog likes to eat my undies, I always forget socks, and bras are cool to have extras of anyway.
 

  1. Shoes

Because you never bring home the right pairs.
 

  1. Blanket and Pillow

Unfortunately, I do not have a bedroom at my parent’s house anymore, which means I don’t have a bed. I do, however have a closet. In this closet is where I keep everything I need plus all the stuff I still have from high school (prom dress, graduation cap, varsity jacket, blah blah). So since I have my pillows on my bed in my apartment, I keep a pillow at home too.
 

  1. “Good Jeans” and “Bad Jeans”

Going out? Good jeans.
Cleaning your car out? Bad jeans.
 

  1. Hoodie Sweatshirt

For when you get into an argument with your parents, or when that blanket you normally keep at home isn’t warm enough. The one I keep at home is a WMU hoodie, so I’ll even wear it out (bonfires? Perfect).
 

  1. Makeup

This one completed my list. I was getting ready for my cousin’s wedding and my mascara ran out. Luckly, I had another one (an old one, but it still had some in it) under the sink in the bathroom. Another time when I didn’t freak out or have to run to the pharmacy (and it’s also a great way to keep the old stuff when you buy some new stuff!)
 
I hope you think this list is accurate. I sure do.
Concentrate on those final papers and tests!
 
Until next time!
-Alyssa


Edited by: Katelyn Kivel

Katelyn Kivel is a senior at Western Michigan University studying Public Law with minors in Communications and Women's Studies. Kate took over WMU's branch of Her Campus in large part due to her background in journalism, having spent a year as Production Editor of St. Clair County Community College's Erie Square Gazette. Kate speaks English and Japanese and her WMU involvement includes being a Senator and former Senior Justice of the Western Student Association as well as President of WMU Anime Addicts and former Secretary of WMU's LBGT organization OUTspoken, and she is currently establishing the RSO President's Summit of Western Michigan University, an group composed of student organization presidents for cross-promotion and collaboration purposes. Her interests include reading and writing, both creative and not, as well as the more nerdy fringes of popular culture.