It’s safe to say that as you transition into college, you are about to enter one of the most exciting chapters of your life. College is usually the time when students move out, with many of them choosing to live in a dorm. What you should pack will depend on how far away from home your dorm is. Here are a few packing tips and tricks to help save time!
1. Plan ahead
You will need to put aside time to figure out what you need and when the most ideal time to move is. This can help you narrow down what you will actually need and prevent you from bringing things that aren’t useful, saving space and preventing clutter in your new dorm. Writing a list can help save time. Have a checklist of the what you need to bring, and don’t forget to include some pieces that remind you of home.
2. Visit your new dorm
Visiting your dorm can provide some insight into the size of your new space. You also might get a glimpse into who your future roommate will be. Knowing how much space you have to work with can help trim down your packing checklist. Focus on the basic necessities first. Once you get through that, you can start thinking about extra items such as decorations for your side of the room to make it more homey.
3. Pack smart
You’re moving into a dorm room, which means it’s probably a small space that might even be smaller than your room at home. You’ll have little to no room for unnecessary items. With limited space, you have to be smart about what to bring. Here are a few tricks to help with packing:
- Pack clothes that are versatile and can be mixed and matched.
- Not only will this save closet space, it also gives you the opportunity to get creative with your outfits. If your dome is relatively close to home, you can always bring clothes back and forth to avoid having to pack clothes for every single season.
- Organize your possessions according to type of item and priority.
- Keep all of your books together; ensure that your school paperwork is all together in a folder or envelope; fold and neatly pack your clothes; and sort bags, shoes, and any other belongings that go together. This way you’ll have all of your items sorted, organized, and ready to go before you move into your dorm. It makes unpacking a breeze!
- If you want to bring something that reminds you of home, remember to stick to smaller items.
- That means leave the humongous teddy bear your parents gave you for Christmas at home. Remember, you can always head home if you get a little homesick. The holidays are never that far away.
- Avoid spending money on moving boxes that you’re only going to get rid of after.
- Use reusable bins or bags whenever you can. Consider luggage, backpacks, or gym bags that you can use around campus.
4. Ask your family or friends for help
Getting help from family and friends can make packing a lot easier and save some time. Use it as a bonding opportunity before you head off to college. If no one can help out, you can always choose to hire a moving company to relieve some of the stress of packing.
Moving into your new dorm to start a new chapter in your life can be both exciting and stressful. Use these tips to help you get started, figure out what you have to bring, and how to save time when packing and moving.
If you would like to read some more great college tips, check out the other College Basics blogs.
