Moving into your college dorm is an exciting experience. Many students build their independence in college and start forming lasting social relationships and skills that they carry through to their adult lives. Having your own space is freeing but moving into your new home comes with hurdles.

What do you pack? What do you leave at home? These questions bring a lot of worries and doubts to the process; thankfully, there are a few key steps students can follow to reduce stress when packing for their new dorm room.

Dress for Success (in Moderation)

It’s tempting to pack your entire closet when you head off to college, but odds are you won’t be needing your complete wardrobe.

Students should pack conservatively, focusing on a week’s worth of casual shirts and pants, a modest number of socks and undergarments, and one or two business casual clothes that they keep available for the proper occasions.

Depending on your location, you may also want to grab a light or heavy jacket for the colder months of the year. Rest easy knowing you can safely leave the formal wear and sixth pair of cargo shorts at home.

Plug in With Electronics

We live in an age of electronics, and you can’t get much done without them. Ideally, you’ll have a computer or laptop for taking care of your schoolwork, but in your downtime, you may want to unwind with some of your favorite movies or TV shows.

One option students have is bringing along their physical media, but it may be worthwhile to downsize your DVD collection beforehand. Fortunately, many dorms already have a television and stable internet connection for students to utilize.

Streaming your favorite content through your computer or gaming console is the more thoughtful way to go. However, you should remember to have a backup plan for those free afternoons when the internet decides to be especially sluggish.

Keep Yourself and Your Space Clean

Never underestimate the importance of personal hygiene. Things like soap, deodorant, and shampoo will need to make their way to your dorm, but don’t stress about making room for them in your initial packing process. There will probably be stores within walking distance of your dorm where you can purchase these essential items.

It’s also good to remember useful items for keeping your space clean and smelling fresh, such as cleaning sprays and toilet brushes. You may even get lucky and work out an arrangement with your new roommate about whose job it is to pick up particular necessities.

Packing for college may seem like an overwhelming task, but remember to take it slow, pack in moderation, and remind yourself that you don’t need everything. If you don’t have something, you can always purchase it after you finish moving in. And remember, the less you pack, the less there is to unpack. Enjoy your first day in your new dorm!

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