College plans are up in the air for as long as the coronavirus crisis continues.
But that won’t last forever, so planning for moving day still matters.
Here are some suggestions about how to pack for college once campuses open and residential college life resumes.
Lay Out Everything You Need—and Then Take Half of It
College living is a lot like camping—it’s temporary. Odds are, you will move from dorm to dorm, or from on-campus to off-campus housing, several times during your college career. Plus, you’ll likely move back home over breaks.
Taking more than you need means hauling it around over and over again. Sort out essentials from extras and think about how much time you will spend with your stuff when you’re at school.
Many schools offer lists of suggested or necessary items for dorm living. Stick to the list until you have a sense of what you really need and what you can do without when at school. Include one or two comfort items, but you don’t need all your favorite things.
Store Your Childhood Treasures
While your parents will always have your bed for you, they might need your room for other uses once you move out. Carefully wrap and store your childhood things and give away toys and stuffed animals if you (and your parents!) are ready to part with them.
Collect sturdy packing boxes, bubble wrap, and tissue, plus old towels and outgrown sweaters to use as padding for fragile items.
If your boxes will end up in an attic, a basement, or a garage, consider how you will keep items safe from moisture and mold.
For storage, opt for staples to keep your boxes secure. Staples are generally better than tape, especially when it comes to keeping your stored belongings safe in varying climate conditions.
Go in Reverse Order
Pack boxes according to what you’ll need right away and what you can unpack later, and then put the “later” things in the truck or the car first. The “need right away” things should be the most accessible when you reach your destination.
Bedding, clothes, toiletries, and your computer are probably at the top of the “need right away” list, while knick-knacks and room décor can wait.
other valuable tips:
5 Things to Cross Off Your To-Do List Before Moving for College
Consider Other Moving Methods
If you insist on bringing the entire contents of your bookshelf or your favorite chair to school with you, find out how much it would cost to ship them. The postal service may be less expensive than movers or other shipping services for books.
You may be able to send your comfy chair by train. Think about who will be there on the receiving end to help you haul your items up three flights of stairs. If no one comes to mind, maybe you should think twice about bringing all that stuff with you in the first place.
Moving away from home for the first time or storing things over school breaks can be a challenge. Proper planning, however, will go a long way to making moving a less onerous and more enjoyable experience.
Image Credit: pack for college by Pixabay
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APRIL: off-to-college moving checklist (part of HS college calendar)
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