This post is sponsored by The Home Depot. All opinions and text are mine.

If you have never met Zack before, let me start with introductions.

He’s my adventurer, my dinosaur lover, my athlete, my rock climber, my baseball player and the dodgeball champion of 12th grade.

Zack grabbed life by the tail with his first step in his light-up tennis shoes and T-rex hat and never looked back.

He saved a salamander when he was six and a kitten when he was eight and never met a stray he didn’t understand or try to save.

He is fearless.

And strong.

And plans on saving the world one day.

But my favorite thing about him? Under that fearless, tough exterior?

He has the softest heart you’ve ever met.

If you have been following along with the blog, when you first met Zack, he looked something like this.

And now?

He is in college.

And moving into his first house next month.

I know, right?

If I squint, I can still see the dinosaur hat.

With a first house comes big responsibilities.

So, we’ve been shopping and getting ready for this upcoming college year.

Do you have any idea how many things you need for a house?

It’s a little overwhelming.

That’s why I was so excited to be partnering with The Home Depot to shop for Zack’s new home. They have such a great online selection that makes shopping so easy!

 

I want to show you all the fun stuff I ordered for the house and here’s where it all started.

With a couple of clicks, it’s easiest shopping ever. They have free delivery on select orders over $45 and you can also make returns online and in the stores. It was fun shopping with Zack and planning for his first house (even though I had to remind him he needed a few basics that he was sure he wouldn’t need).

Want to see what Zack picked out?

Please act surprised that he started with a refrigerator.

This is seriously an amazing deal and I wasn’t worried about purchasing online because I know The Home Depot backs everything with 100% satisfaction guarantee.

It’s a 4.5 cu.ft. mini-fridge with two doors and tons of space for drinks and snacks. He was so excited because he could keep it in his own room. I’m sure this will help him study better.

We also made sure there were tons of towels and new sheets for the bed.

This is a StyleWell twin sheet set in faded gingham and the towels are oatmeal colored and are an incredible value.

It’s a StyleWell 18-piece hygrocotton set with hand towels and wash cloths.

Quick tip: if you are sending your son off to his first home—steer clear of white towels. They’ll never make it.

Next up are these super soft and comfortable pillows from StyleWell.

We ordered them oversized so he could line the edges of his twin bed and create a couch.

You know.

For all that studying he’s going to be doing.

For storage and flexibility, we found these round galvanized metal baskets with a wood top.

They come in a set of two and are perfect for storing extra linens or books or notes or sports equipment and lightweight enough that he will be able to move them around the room if he needs a small table for drinks or his computer.

They are super sturdy and each basket has metal and wood handles.

To maximize vertical storage in his room, we found two different options that look perfect for a college boy’s room and made both of us happy.

First, the StyleWell pipe shelf with wood shelving.

And then?

This smaller shelf that will work in the bathroom to hold washcloths, supplies and other toiletries.

I love the modern farmhouse look of both shelves.

To fill up the rest of the walls in the space, we found this set of StyleWell seven picture frames.

There’s one large frame and two medium frames and four smaller frames.

The frames are a light wood and very minimalist. He can fill them with friends and events and college memories.

Over the desk area, this StyleWell galvanized metal organizer will work perfectly.

It has two bins—one large and one small that you can move to different places on the grid.

Also, there are hooks at the bottom for keys and other office supplies.

Lastly, we found this StyleWell mirror.

Every room needs a mirror and it’s the perfect fit for his room.

The perfect combination of rustic style and classic details.

It’s a family affair getting Zack ready to head to his first house. I’m so happy with everything that we chose. The selection and brands that are available on the online website and in stores made shopping easy. And thanks to The Home Depot and the incredible delivery service everything showed up way ahead of schedule. As we continue to purchase items for his new home, we definitely have our eye on this StyleWell upholstered bed and this console table!

All the boxes came to the house and we all worked together and unpacked them and got everything ready for the big move.

Which takes place in two weeks, 5 days, 7 minutes and 45 seconds.

But who’s counting?

 

Want to know how to decorate your home for free?
Click here to get my FIVE BEST secrets.

Comments

    1. Image for Belinda Belinda

      I so agree! This whole family is as cute as buttons! And don't you love that dark blue textured wall in the back ground of the photos!

  1. Image for Linda Linda

    Such a handsome guy! We give them roots, then wings...it's never easy, but we wouldn't want it any other way. Such a big step. I have every confidence he will do well. Hugs to you!

  2. Image for Sandi from the Cape Sandi from the Cape

    What a handsome young man! I see you in all of your children. Here in MA we probably won't have college to attend, still virtual. I know you have packed several face masks for Zach as it's a necessity to protect everyone! Stay safe!

  3. Image for Nana Nana

    His heart is as big as his smile - such a special young man who is taking the world by storm and making his mark. He makes my heart so happy! Lucky me to be his Nana!

  4. Image for Barbara Barbara

    Zach is such a cute guy- watch out girls!! Love everything for his new home away from home. Big step....for son and parents♥

  5. Image for Mir Graham Mir Graham

    Congrats on the graduation, and I wish y'all the best with this new journey! Good job, KariAnne, on raising a smart young man. College is a fun, wonderful experience.

  6. Image for Heather Heather

    My second boy moves to college exactly one month from today! My oldest will be a junior. You are in good company! All the best to ya'll as yours moves into a house. We are dorm shopping now!

  7. Image for Mary Watkins Mary Watkins

    They grow up so fast! Glad Mom was able to participate in all his choices! Hoping he has a good year at school and stays healthy!

  8. Image for Marlene Stephenson Marlene Stephenson

    This is one of those thing that we know will happen but, comes way too fast. He's a fine looking young man and know you and his father have taught him all he needs and God will always be by his side. He's going to have a nice assortment for his new home.

  9. Image for Mary Pat Mary Pat

    Great ideas, but I have an issue with the towel color. I also have a son and we purchased him white bath towels so that he could add a bit of bleach to the towel load of laundry. College students are known to put off doing laundry and sometimes the laundry can get stinky and the bleach takes care of that problem,

  10. Image for Michael @ CraftyDad.com Michael @ CraftyDad.com

    Congrats to Zack for starting a new chapter in his life. Sounds like you have all the bases covered. Those are some great items you picked out. I hope and pray that the school year is a safe one for everyone. Best of luck to Zack! Does he know what he plans to major in?

  11. Image for Kris Kris

    I love seeing items aimed toward a young man's taste. Looks great! I gotta tell ya, I love his scruff. My 16 year old son tried growing out his (sparse) facial hair during our lockdown. Zach definitely has him beat! :)

  12. Image for Lynn W Lynn W

    It’s a super exciting time in his life🎉. Congratulations to Zack!!! All of these choices are timeless 👍

  13. Image for JC JC

    What a great son you and your husband have raised. He's going to have a great looking house too! It's never easy to let them go.....NEVER, but so wonderful to see them succeed, and follow God's plan for their lives. <3

  14. Image for Donna Marie Donna Marie

    So your son is moving into a house--new lessons to be learned--glad he has his own frig!!! Momma and daddy cannot tell him everything about life. He must experience most things on his own. Hopefully he has good roomates!!!

  15. Image for Michele M / Finch Rest Michele M / Finch Rest

    Oh what fun! Funny - my niece just moved into her very first house a few weeks ago at school. My sister had so much fun helping her with the move. And my niece sent me quite a few videos showing how it was all coming along. Zack is adorable - so handsome - and golly he has grown fast. They do that! My grand baby turned 4 today. ♥♥♥♥ Time, she is a flyin!

  16. Image for MARY-ANN (FROM CANADA!) MARY-ANN (FROM CANADA!)

    Zach is so handsome! He has picked out some amazing things for his new home. So happy for him. I know that you and your hubby have been busy getting everything ready for him. This is such an exciting time for Zach -- and you, too! I know this is not easy for you and you will certainly miss him while he's away. I pray that all will go well with his studies.

  17. Image for Lori H Lori H

    What an exciting time for your son! Thanks for sharing this - I had no idea that Home Depot had so much more than hardware. Note - the console table link at the end takes me to the window mirror.

  18. Image for Lorri Lorri

    First of all..what a handsome son you and yr husband have. Next isnt exciting and bittersweet when your children leave to go to school. As parents, you have done your best and now your teenager is leaving to pursue their life. Sniff, sniff. He sure is lucky to have all that cool stuff. I'm sure all the friends will be hanging around his place...oops maybe I shouldn't have said that.. 😉 Good Luck Zack..Enjoy!!

  19. Image for Rev. Suzanne Taylor Rev. Suzanne Taylor

    Congratulations to you all. Zach, if you keep God as the center of your life and check with Him every step of the way, you will do amazingly well through college and in life. I will pray for you.

  20. Image for Pam Pam

    Is he moving into a dorm or an apartment? I know this isn't what you usually blog on, but my oldest is a senior this year and we have so much to figure out and it is all new to me. Do you have any advise on finding scholarships? Any other college advise as the other items my son will need? If you can show the finished room that would also be nice to see. Thanks!

  21. Image for Teresa Teresa

    From his eyes and smile and your introduction of Zach's soft heart, my first thought was he sure favors your husband! What a wonderful season you are experiencing with you kiddos. My youngest graduated May 2019 from college and I sure miss getting her ready each year and decorating her college room. Would love to see more of your stories including your boys! Blessings to you!

  22. Image for Libby Libby

    Love this post! My son is 26 and in the process of buying his first home - sooo much fun for a mom who loves to decorate! And he's 5 miles from the beach, so it's really like I'm decorating my own vacation home, right??!! LOL!!

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