Sammom, I have sent 4 kids off to college over the years but never across the country..the furthest away one of mine went was 4 1/2 hours...I don't know which college your son is attending..but all of the dorm rooms are furnished.. and most of them are small...so really all he will need beside his personal belongings, clothes , toiletries and computer will be...bedclothes..sheets, comforter, eggcrate and mattress pad and pillows...towels, a desklamp, alarm clock ..on move in day most colleges sell room size carpets and rent little fridges and microwaves...also...there is always a Bed bath and Beyond or WalMart nearby..have him call his roommate a few weeks before move in day and they can figure our who can bring what...for example...if the roommate lives close to the school perhaps he can bring a tv and your son can offer to pay the rent on the fridge...it's an exciting time for both of you...enjoy...