❀ College Countdown: Day 1❀

Packing Up Your Car

Tomorrow's the big day!

Tonight is the night for packing up your car and running any last minute errands if you need to! 

Good luck to EVERYONE going off to college and I hope your move-in runs very smoothly. Have fun this first semester and....YAY! We're officially college freshmen!

Some tips when packing the car: 

1. Treat it like a really tiring game of Tetris
2. Don't block the whole back window, you guys need that to back out of spaces (duh)
3. Bring a hand dolly if you have one and keep it right near the back so you can grab it easily
4. Have all important documents in a purse. 
5. Don't pack chocolate until the morning of

Well, that's pretty much all the tips I can give you. Make this experience yours and really appreciate everyone that's been there throughout your life, especially during this time.

xoxo

All packed up and ready to head out! ♡

❀ College Countdown: Day 2 ❀

Transportation to the School

This one is going to be pretty short and sweet: by now, you need to know how you and all of your belongings are getting to school. Today, be sure to know exactly: 

- How to get to school & What you're using (GPS, Print out map, your parents already know the route, etc)

- What time you and your family are leaving the house

- What car you're using

- How many people are going along with you

My situation is pretty poopy (there's really no other way to describe it). 

Both of my parents and both of my siblings are coming along and we only have 1 old minivan and 1 old Toyota Camry. With that being said, neither of our cars will be able to make the 2.5 hour drive nor do either have enough room unless it was just my mom and myself going.

What my parents did was rent a minivan from Enterprise -- and this was probably THE smartest thing ever. We got to pick out specifically which minivan we wanted and we got to bring some of my things to see if it would actually fit. Now, we'll be able to fit all of my things and my family members into one single car (they have a one car per family rule for move in). 

If you're looking to rent a car, I would highly suggest it. Our total came up to around $350 for the entire weekend: insurance and one full tank of gas included. However, I live in an area where things are really expensive compared to other places, so I'm sure if you're not from a commonwealth, it would be a lot less expensive!

❀ College Countdown: Day 4 ❀

Packing Up Your Makeup

If you're like me, makeup is going to be a pretty important part of your packing process.

My makeup is my life, and I want it to get down to school with me safely. I've been pondering for days about how I'm going to pack it all, and I thought up of some little tips that'll help.

1. For palettes: wrap them in the towels you're going to bring and place it on top of your clothes in your suitcase or duffel bag. If you're worried about any powder spilling or breaking, tape the palettes shut with some packing tape. (I also did this with all glassware I'm bringing down)

2. Make use of those small 3-drawer containers you can get from The Container Store or Target. Fill all compartments up with as much makeup as you can and then tape it up with packing tape so the little drawers don't slide in and out. I'm putting this in my duffel bag because there was enough empty space. 

3. Also use designer boxes to pack makeup items such as single eyeshadow pots or blushes/bronzers.

4. It really never is too early to start packing. Think about the things you want to bring for sure and the things you can definitely leave behind. Once you categorize those, think about how much makeup you put on daily -- put aside the makeup you use regularly and pack up things you don't use often but want to bring along.

5. Remember to throw out all of your very old, "expired" cosmetics. Remember, mascaras should be used for about 3 months, so if you've been using the same one since April -- it's time to get a new tube.

6. Think about all the little spaces in your duffel bags. your clothes will be able to cushion some of the loose cosmetics you don't have room elsewhere for.

7. For your essential everyday makeup, keep all those products in a makeup bag and DON'T pack that bag. You'll regret it in the morning when you want to freshen up your face. Instead, just leave it where you normally do your makeup and then pack it into your purse or backpack before you hit the road.

8. It's up to YOU to decide how much makeup you bring. Don't listen to others and think there's a set amount you should bring. Really think about your habits -- do you have one set routine? Do you like to spice it up a bit every now and then? What products do you use the most of? (those are the ones you should stock up on)

9. DO NOT PACK YOUR BRUSHES IN A SINGLE BAG. It's going to be hot, and you seriously do not want those brushes to be squished in a bag. The bristles will morph into strange shapes. Instead, try to find a makeup brush carrier that has compartments for each individual brush. Or, place everything in a sturdy plastic container. This will prevent your brushes from getting squished when packed. 

That's only a very temporary home for my razor.

10. Be sure to give your brushes a very nice cleaning and disinfecting before you pack them up! (Do this two days prior so there's a 24 hr period for them to completely dry).

Recipe for homemade brush cleaner: (I couldn't find the original link -- but it's a very popular recipe)

1 cup warm water

1 tablespoon vinegar

1 tablespoon dish soap

Combine these ingredients. Swirl each brush in the mixture (this is my favorite part because it's so cool and disgusting how much makeup remains on these brushes). After each brush is swirled, I like to make another batch but double the ingredients and let the brushes soak for 20 minutes to disinfect them. Rinse thoroughly and re-shape the bristles. Lightly towel dry and let them dry for 24 hours on an incline or facing down onto a towel.

11. Place all the makeup you're leaving behind in a small container and leave it in a nice and dry place -- your closet's top shelf will be the best option for storage. 

❀ College Countdown: Day 5 ❀

Packing Up Your Room ☹

This must be probably one of the most depressing parts of packing up for college. 

You're cleaning up your room and packing it all up, by the time you're done it's going to look like one of those catalog pictures you see from Macy's.

But, you have to do it eventually. And I'm here to help!

1. Clear out everything you will not need anymore. EVERYTHING.
2. Trash bags are going to be your best friends during this process.
3. Box things up, but then put it all in your closet instead of lying them around your room. Even though you're not going to be living in it, try to make it look somewhat nice and presentable.
4. If you share a room (like me), really think of your sibling when you pack up. You may HATE sharing a room with them and you're probably jumping off the walls about the thought of moving out. However, your sibling is probably feeling the same way. They've waited their whole life for this moment and to be able to finally call it their room. Definitely talk to your sibling and ask them where they want your stuff to be stored and how. I've been doing this with my sister since the beginning of summer and it has seriously helped and she hasn't picked any fights. 
5. If your parents plan on using your room for something else: definitely talk to them as well. Ask them: Where do you want me to store the clothes I'm leaving behind? What will happen to ....? Should I take down my decorations? etc. etc.
6. Seriously, this is not the time that you want to be picking fights with family members. You're an adult now, and you're going to college. If they tell you to pack your room a certain way, and you don't like it, just tell them. Ask if you can put some of your input into it.
7. Make sure you put ALL important documents that you have to keep at home in a folder and then either give it to your parents to hold onto or keep them somewhere tucked safely that is not in plain sight.
8. Spritz your favorite body mist or perfume over your bed before leaving. If your mom or dad is the kind of person that will go into your room when they miss you, it'll be really nice for them to smell your scent (that sounded really creepy, but you know what I mean).
9. Lastly, be sure to thank your parents for everything they provide for you. Your room wouldn't be what it is without them, and you would definitely not be able to go to college without all of their support throughout these last 18 years.

❀ College Countdown: Day 6 ❀

Packing What You Can and Designating a Spot for it All

Six more days! This is really getting exciting! But I know that everyone is freaking out about packing and getting everything that they need. 

So I'm here to give you a couple of tips on packing and finding a place in your house where you can keep everything until it's time to pack the car. This will be in a list style so it's much easier and gets straight to the point. As you can tell, I'm just as busy as you guys, and I'm really sorry these posts aren't as detailed as they can be. But, I am trying my best to give you guys the points I'm trying to make! Plus, I know you all do not have limitless time to be able to read the whole thing.

1. Start packing now! DO NOT procrastinate on packing the big things, especially items that were bought specifically for your dorm. Shower caddies, sheets and decorations don't have to be spread all over your room right now. Work with the items and try to pack them as compactly as you can.
2. Be sure to label your boxes/bins, write lists, type out a Word document, etc. It'll help you stay organized and know where everything is when packing.
3. Before packing linens, wash them! They most likely smell like the plastic wrapper that they're packaged in. Plus, for some people (like me), new and unwashed linens can really irritate skin. What can be worse than getting a rash from your new comforter set the FIRST night you use it?
4. When picking a place to keep everything during the packing/pre-college time period, keep a few things in mind.

a. Make sure it's not in a place that will get in your family members' way

b. If you have an empty coat closet -- that's the perfect place! It'll also give you an idea of the available space in the car. If everything can't fit into a single coat closet, you're bringing way too many things or the items you're bringing are pretty bulky.

c. The garage is always the best bet -- especially when it comes time to pack up the car.

Here are some pictures of my "haul" pile (keep in mind, I am a girl and I need a lot of things...)

All of my "bigger" dorm items. From left to right: food items and some containers (Ikea bag), bedding (Ikea bed), bath items/decorations (Hefty Bin), kitchen appliances/decorations/desk items (Hefty Bin), Hangers, Duvet, Shampoos/Laundry detergent/cleaning items (Crate). 

Other than this, I only have two duffel bags of clothes, shoes and makeup plus my backpack. 

The little corner in the back of my living room where I was allowed to keep all of my things. 

I'm proud to say that's all I'm bringing, and I'm completely done shopping!

❀ 7 Day College Countdown Series ❀

PSA: I am moving into my dorm on August 17th

(which is NINE days away!)

In the wake of this very monumental and important day of my life (oh gosh, I'm getting goosebumps just thinking about it), I'm going to be starting this new series: The 7 Day College Countdown. 

Now, this series is pretty popular on YouTube. However, I feel as though it's lacking a lot of the information and experience that I wanted to see. Experience as in, I want to see people packing up instead of them just talking about packing in front of a camera.

That is why, I've decided to start my own, but through a blog and pictures instead!

The series will officially start on Saturday, August 10th!

If you're an incoming freshman like me, I KNOW you're very excited, but you also need some advice about several things as well.

I will try to the best of my knowledge to deliver tips & tricks about this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Though I am still thinking through what to say and take pictures of, I have created a schedule of this series. This can help if you only want to read the entry of certain days.

Day 7: Last Minute Checklists & Breaking Out That Agenda

Day 6: Packing What You Can Now & Designating a Spot for Your Haul Pile

Day 5: Packing Up Your Room ☹

Day 4: Pack Up Your Makeup

Day 3: Laundry Day & Space Saving Bags

Day 2: Transportation to the School

Day 1: Final Checkmarks & Packing the Car

Anyways, that's about all I can write about until the actual series can start! I hope all of you fellow incoming freshmen are just excited as me about starting this new chapter in your life! And I hope your parents are handling it well as well. 

✽ College 101: Leave it for Later ✽

Alright, it is time for me to start a new blog series called College 101! I know I haven't started college yet, but I have learned so many things on my own through reading other blogs, my own experiences in packing, registering for classes, etc. And I know I'm going to learn a boatload of other things along the way! I will surely help you guys out by writing about my experiences, whether good, bad, embarrassing or joyous.

One thing I definitely learned was: Do.Not.Overpack.

Let me elaborate on that -- you've seen some of my dorm hauls, dorm packing tips, etc. Seriously, take my advice! Now I'm moving down in one single minivan that will carry all of my dorm needs + 5 family members, so I definitely need to plan to pack things in a way that will fit in the car itself as well as still conserving space so all 5 of us can be happy and comfortable despite the gross and sticky August weather.

I've also seen a bunch of dorm hauls and dorm tours on Youtube, so I've taken mental notes on: what I'll need, what I should bring and what I definitely should not bring. Also from those videos, I figured out how I'll pack everything. There was one similarity between all of the dorm haul/dorm packing videos: they all used cardboard boxes or plastic shopping bags. Now I'm the kind of person who hates not finding second uses out of items, so I definitely crossed off cardboard packing boxes and plastic bags. Plus, I think it'd be super annoying having 5 billion little plastic shopping bag packages to move in when all of them could fit into one single Ikea bag. 

Now, another thing I took from the videos was what items I should leave for later. As in items I could easily get around campus...and that's what I'm going to talk to you about. 

I'm simply going to list the items I'm leaving until I get onto campus and why I'm choosing to do so. I hope you find it helpful and definitely consider it yourself!

• Pads/Tampons: I know what you're thinking, "Is this girl insane?!" No, not really. While I am going to buy a pretty big pack from Costco, I am not going to stock up for the rest of my menstruating career. You do not need 4 or 5 huge boxes from Costco. It'll take up a lot of room when you pack up and plus, where will you keep it all?! You also need to remember that there's bound to be a  convenience or grocery store near or even on campus. 
• Full-Length Mirror: Unless your campus is nowhere near a Target, there really is no need to bring down a huge mirror. I'm not going to buy one until I get down to campus because I'm just really afraid of it breaking when I move in since I will be living in a city campus and there are tons of streets to cross from the drop off sites to my dorm building. Target is about a 10 minute drive from my campus so I'm just going to wait it out for a day or two before getting my mirror. 
• Perishable Foods: It's common sense. Your yogurts and milks are not going to last that multiple-hour drive unless you lug a cooler along (which I'm sure your parents will not appreciate). Just wait until you get to the grocery store near campus!
• Textbooks: A lot of upperclassmen at my school recommend holding off buying textbooks until after your first day of classes because not all teachers require the same textbooks. Be sure to check out Amazon and Slugbooks for amazing deals! 
• Fans: Okay, so this might sound crazy, but let me explain. My roommate and I both have fans because East Coast summers are seriously like no other. What we're going to do is that she is going to bring only her fan down to campus at first, we'll see how comfortable the room is with only one fan. If we seriously need another fan, I can always go back home and get mine (I live 2 hours away from campus, it's not that bad of a drive).

Those are a couple of things that I've decided to hold off for later. I know it's only 5 things, but trust me, it's going to save me a significant amount of space in the car. 

If you have any suggestions or comments, please just post them right below!

I hope your dorm packing adventure is running fun and smoothly! 

xoxo

DIY Money Saving Space Saver Bags

The Beautigiate here again with another helpful college packing tip!

It's 25 days until I move in and I've been packing up everything that I can except for things I use on a daily basis (clothes, make up, hair appliances, etc).

Do-It-Yourself Space Saver Bags

I found this idea on the web one day when I was scrolling around and I was kind of contemplating whether or not I should try it since I don't know if it would work. However, I didn't want to spend $15 on Space Saver bags (they are very pricey and were faulty in a number of customer reviews). So I gave this DIY a try.

It turned out to work perfectly and I'm so glad that I did it.

It's going to save me SO much room when I pack everything into the car and it keeps all of my linen items very clean until I get down to school. I just knew that I had to share it with you guys! 

What You'll need: 

- Vacuum cleaner with the hose attachment

- DRAWSTRING garbage bags (I used the scented kind so my things could smell nice)

- Things you're going to vacuum seal

- Someone to help you

1. Remove any plastic packaging and pile everything up neatly. Remember to take extra time to fold down the sheets so that they're extra flat. 

2. Place your things into the bag. Do not over pack or else it can rip the bag before you even use it. 

3. Pull out the drawstrings until the opening is at its smallest width. This will also make it easier to tie later.

4. Stick the hose into the bag. This is where I needed help. Have one person be there to turn the vacuum cleaner on and off. Hold the bag opening closed around the hose and vacuum ALL of the air out.

5.When all of the air is sucked out, ask the person who is helping you to turn off the vacuum. Have them twist the bag around at least 3 times WITH the hose still in the bag. Then yank out the hose and tie tie tie. (As you can see this bag is still a little puffy, but it's because it was my first try!)

I had two Ikea bags worth of things that I compressed into these 3 little rectangular packages.

I was able to fit all three of these blocks into one Ikea bag and still had space for my egg crate topper (which was already kind of vacuum sealed in its package...I didn't want to open it). 

I really hope you guys try this out before buying Space Saver bags! It costed close to nothing and it's VERY helpful. I am very happy with the results I got (even though a little bit of air started to get into the bags somehow). If you have any questions or comments, please post them below! 

♡

Pack It Up!

Hey guys! I know that everyone is in the rush of packing up for college and getting ready to move out. To help YOU know what to pack or what not to pack, I've compiled a list and put it in a handy dandy PDF file for you. Feel free to download it and print it out! Hopefully it'll help you guys out and if you have any feedback whatsoever, feel free to tell me! 

xoxo - The Beautigiate 

What To Bring to College - The Beautigiate's Guide