If you're an incoming freshman like me, you must be counting down the days until you leave your mom and dad's nest to move into your new home-away-from-home.
My university actually moves in a lot earlier compared to the other universities in the state. I am going to be moving in on August 17th at 10AM. While that seems like its such a long time, it actually isn't. I have a month and 6 days left to clean out my room, take down all decorations, put away things I'm leaving behind, etc.
Most people just leave their room whole when they leave and just make it super neat. However, my case is a little different. I share a room with my little sister. And if you've ever shared a room with an older sibling, you know how exciting it is when they move out because you FINALLY have your own space. I'm really trying to make it go as smoothly as possible for both my sister and I. She and I have been cleaning out our room and preparing old furniture for disposal for the past week.
Enough about my personal story! I'm here to give you some tips and tricks I learned along the way to make moving as smoothly as possible! I'm still in the LONG process of packing up, so I haven't been able to take pictures of the process, but I will list everything out in a way that's pretty simple and gets right to the point. I even thought up of some tricks I'm going to use when packing the car (but that'll be a later post). Here we go!
Make a master checklist
I recommend making it on a Word Document or Google Docs Document just so you don't lose a paper copy and so it's much easier to edit. Here's an example of mine and how I wrote (typed) it out:
- Break everything up into categories. I have 11 categories: Bedding, Laundry, Cleaning Supplies, Technology, Storage, School Supplies, Health/Beauty, Bath/Shower, Kitchen, Life Essentials (debit card, ID cards, etc.)
- List what you NEED first. Then put down the things you want.
- Do not cross anything off until it is packed up.
- Mark where it's going to be packed. Label all of your boxes with numbers/acronyms/etc. For instance, I have two big Hefty Bins, 4 Ikea Bags and a couple of smaller shopping bags; each one is labeled with a number. After packing something away, I will mark where it is to avoid any freak-outs later on. For example, my shower caddy is in Hefty Bin #1, on the list I will mark HB1 next to it.
- Print out the list one day before you leave and review it. It'll come in handy when you unpack so you can pinpoint exactly where it is and if you brought it along. And if you keep it somewhere during school and use it to help pack up at the end of the year.
Use space management
Sometimes it's better to pack things up based on their size rather than by category. Pack small things with other small things, and large with large. It'll prevent anything from breaking when you move.
When it comes to bedding: invest in a Space Bag. Fold up sheets neatly and place pillows on top. Then use the vacuum cleaner and suck out all the air. I recommend this just for bedding since it is really bulky and almost impossible to refold it to its once neat state when it was in the packaging.
Wash everything that can be/should be washed before packing
Honestly, the smell of new items is gross. Once you buy your sheets, towels, duvet cover, etc - WASH IT AT HOME. And if you're like me, new cloth items really irritate skin when they aren't washed. This also saves you from having to clean things after moving in instead of hanging out with people.
This also applies to clothes. Do not pack clothes until the week before move in. Wash all of your clothes you're bringing along -- even if it's already been washed and has been sitting in your closet for a while. And when you fold the laundry, instead of going back into your closet, you can place it right into your luggage.
Use duffel bags to transport clothes
Unless you live hours upon hours from your school, there really is no need for a new 5-piece luggage set. Instead, opt for a duffel bag (or a couple) with wheels. I highly recommend duffel bags because they're collapsable, so you can store it right under your bed -- even if they aren't high off of the ground.
Also, don't overstuff your duffel bag. Do not limit yourself to only one. Duffel bags are pretty affordable (here is
one from Walmart that has outstanding reviews for its price -- I got it and I think it's pretty amazing) and there is no need for you to pack until the seams are ripping.
Definitely categorize your duffel bags by what you're putting in it. Here is how I am packing my clothes:
- One from Walmart: shirts, layering camis, tshirts, pants, shorts, dresses, skirts, belts.
- Vera Bradley large duffel: undergarments, socks, pajama pants, pajama shorts
- Nike 5 Brasilia Medium Duffel: shoes, heels, flip flops
And for clothes you do not plan on wearing or don't want, be sure to donate them to Goodwill or Salvation Army!
Make unpacking easier on yourself
Not everything needs to be kept in its original packaging. Unless it needs the inserts in its original box because it's made out of glass, just take off all of the packaging.
This will reduce the amount of trash that's produced when you unpack AND save you some time.
Don't buy your textbooks until you've moved in
Do not buy your books until you've gone to your first class. Most of the time, a book that's stated as required might not be. Plus, save yourself the energy of hauling around heavy books before class even starts.
*** Be sure to check out
SlugBooks to find the best prices for text books!
Try to avoid using cardboard boxes
I'm a huge earth lover and money saver, so reusable items are my best friends. Definitely try to avoid using moving boxes, especially since everything you need for college is durable and not fancy china. There is no need for cardboard boxes. Instead, opt for large
Ikea bags (or the
extra large bags) and Hefty bins.
You can use them throughout the year to store things in your dorm and to move out at the end of the year.
Know where you're keeping the stuff you're leaving behind and label them
In the picture at the beginning of the post, you see a bunch of boxes. Those aren't the things I'm bringing along, but rather the things I'm leaving behind. Since I share a room, I don't want to keep everything in the closet that will soon be my sister's. Instead, my parents are allowing me to fill up one of our unused hall closets. However, coats and old blankets have to stay in there, so I used all of the Amazon boxes that came in the mail to put things such as my old boxes, purses, wallets, etc. I then labeled them and piled it into the closet.
I hope these tips and tricks help! And as I come up with more, I will definitely post them.
xoxo
