Packing for College
Most college dorm rooms are rather small, and having to carry 10 or more boxes in so you can settle into your new home will only leave you and your new roommate with less and less space. Why not sit down and make a list of all the items you’ll need. If it takes a few days, so be it (maybe that’s why you should start as soon as possible). Once this is finished, start thinking about how you are going to store everything once you get to school.
Sure you’ll have a closet and maybe a dresser in your college dorm, but those two items won’t keep everything you’ll be living with for the next few months in their places! Are you going to be using an under-bed storage container? If so, pack some of your items into that. When you get to school, you can go ahead and slide it under your bed without a problem. It’ll be out of the way, and it is one less thing you’ll have to go through to unpack on such a long day.
If you’re taking a backpack, pack some items into that. You can throw it onto your shoulders and carry a box all at the same time. Not only that, it’s convenient and doesn’t take up much space. You can unpack it quickly and place it in your closet or somewhere else so it is out of your way, one less thing to worry about.
Do you have a laptop computer? If you have a carrying case for it, stick all of your computer related items into that. All of those cables and what not will be in their places and they won’t be in boxes only to spill out for someone to trip over later. If you’re bag is big enough, such as a rolling laptop case place your printer into the bag as well. It’ll help keep your printer and other valuable items from getting damaged by the move.
When it comes time to pack your clothing, instead of using boxes, opt for rolling luggage. Not only does it save you from having to pack box after box, it’ll help when it comes time to tackle the stairs to find your third floor dorm room! Not only can you use the luggage for your clothes, you can also pack other things on top or between them if necessary. It’ll help keep breakable items from breaking and wiggling around, but it’ll also make carrying everything easier. It’ll help cut down the trips you’ll need to make to your car, climbing the stairs won’t be as hard, and once you’re finished, you can send the luggage back with your parents, or stash it in your car for later! It’ll make trips home for mom to do your laundry much easier. Plus, it’s so much easier to stash this in your closet quickly to make walking room. There won’t be anything in the way for someone to trip over!
And remember, if you have to use boxes; don’t leave them to clutter up your room unless you think you’ll need them later. If they are not important toss them! Your school will have special dumpsters for move-in day where boxes and other large items can be tossed when you are finished!
