Alex leaves for college, but gives her parents false information about her move-in day so they can't make a big production out of it. Meanwhile, Luke tries to get out of helping Phil at his open house; and Mitch and Cam feel the stress of being landlords after deciding to rent out their upstairs unit, and the family's excuses for missing Lily's soccer game don't make their lives any easier.

Claire has ideas for closets, but is apprehensive about pitching them to Jay and his creative team. Meanwhile, Phil creates a habitat for ducks while waiting for his eggs to hatch, though no one else shares his enthusiasm; Gloria and Manny help out with each other's crushes; and Cameron becomes overly friendly with the fraternity guys who are renting their upstairs unit.