School Is Calling! 5 College Packing Tips for a Smooth Move

Feeling overwhelmed at the task of packing for college?

Tempted to pack everything but the kitchen sink?

If you can, resist that urge. You won’t have a ton of space and truth be told, you don’t need a lot of stuff in your dorm room.

The beauty of college is that there are tons of services on campus for pretty much everything you need. Of course, you do need some things in your dorm room or apartment, so we’re here to help.

Here are 5 college packing tips to make your move smooth.

1. Think About Location and Weather

student desks • computer desks • desk chairs • file cabinets

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Study Desk

college living checklist

Moving from a northern, winter state to the south? If so, you can probably skip the heavy winter coat, boots, hats, and gloves. Remember that space is at a premium in your room, so don’t take up a ton of space with items you’ll never need.

On the same token, if you’re moving north from a southern state, remember to bring those cold-weather items or you’ll be in for a rude awakening come winter time as you’re walking across campus!

2. Coordinate with Your Roommate(s)

You definitely want to talk to your roommates ahead of time to find out what they are bringing. You don’t need two mini-refrigerators, for example. One TV should be enough and you don’t want to each show up with a ton of decor for your room.

If you’re moving into the dorms at UW Madison, for example, you might have multiple roommates. Work together to minimize the packing for all of you!

3. Pack Light

It’s tempting to buy everything ahead of time, but don’t forget that the more you pack, the more you have to haul from your car to the dorm or apartment and then take back home with you again when you move out.

Unique and big-ticket items such as bedding, decor, your computer, etc. can definitely be purchased ahead of time, but heavier things like toiletries, food and snacks, bottled water, or even TVs can always be purchased when you get there.

Find the nearest Target for all of those last-minute items you forgot or just didn’t want to pack and haul. And if there’s still some lingering items you forgot, that’s what online shopping and one-day delivery are for!

Use Packing Boxes That Can Be Re-Used

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moving boxespacking tape dispenser

4. Leave the Prohibited Items Behind

Most schools have rules about what you can and cannot have in your room, so be sure to consult this list before you pack. Chances are your candles, hot plates, string lights, and even toasters are all off-limits.

Don’t take up valuable packing space with items you’re going to have confiscated or have to send back home with your family.

5. Limit The Number of Big Suitcases

Instead of bringing big and bulky suitcases that you’ll then have to store somewhere, use duffel bags that can easily be stashed under a bed or in a closet. Leave your clothing on hangers and cover it with garbage bags. If you’re bringing any type of storage containers, use those for packing as well.

If you must pack a large suitcase, make arrangements to send that back home with your family.

other valuable tips:

5 Things to Cross Off Your To-Do List Before Moving for College

Five Tips to Make Moving into a Dorm Easier

College Packing Tips to Pack Like a Pro

The more you do this, the better you’ll get. By the time senior year rolls around, you be an expert and ready to offer college packing tips to your younger friends and family members.

If you found these tips helpful, be sure to take a look around our site. We have many more resources for college and beyond.

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