A Packing Guide for Moving To University or College

1. A Packing Guide for Moving To University or College

2. Believe it or not, some students find packing and moving one of the most difficult parts of going into first year at a university or college. In a lot of cases, it’s the first time you will be packing and moving and so you may not know what or how to pack. What you really need to take and what can be left at home will depend on where you’re living, but below is a general guide to help get you thinking about and planning for your move to college or university.

3. How to Pack Knowing what to bring is useless if you don’t know how to pack your belongings in an efficient, organized manner. Since packing is a process, it should be done in steps: First, start the packing process as early as possible, preferably a few weeks before you move • Ask a friend or family members for help – do you need to rent a moving van or truck?

4. If you’re moving into a campus residence or a furnished apartment, ask for a list of what’s provided, then create a list of the items you will still need to bring • Plan to pack light – many students make the mistake of bringing way more than they need • Create a checklist of tasks to complete and mark off the tasks as you complete them • Get packing supplies, e.g. boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, etc. • Sort and organize all the items you plan to take by room, if possible

5. Pack the non-essentials first, leaving the items you use daily until the end • Make sure your boxes aren’t too heavy or packed too tightly • Pack fragile items loosely in bubble wrap or paper, and pack electronics in anti-static material or their original packaging • Label your boxes accordingly, e.g. bathroom supplies, etc.

6. Bring Bathroom and Laundry Supplies No matter where you live, bathroom supplies are a must-have. Some of the most important items to bring with you, include: towels, a bath mat, bathroom cleaner, toothbrushes, a hairdryer, bath robe and other basic hygiene products. Additionally, you should bring laundry items, including a collapsible laundry basket or bag, laundry detergent, fabric softener and dryer sheets (if you use them).

7. Don’t Skimp on Kitchen Supplies The supplies you will need to bring for the kitchen will really depend on where you’re living and what’s provided, but in most cases, you will still need some basic items, such as dish towels and cloths, a few plates, bowls, glasses and cutlery to eat with or a couple of small pots and pans to cook with. A corkscrew, measuring cups, scissors or can-opener might also come in handy, as will Tupperware, Ziploc bags, kitchen foil and cling wrap for food storage. If you know who you will be living with, it’s a good idea to coordinate what you will need beforehand and divide the list.

8. Bring Bedding and Bedroom Items Bringing items that will make your bedroom comfortable are key to ensuring you sleep well. Cozy bedding and other bedroom items like pictures and decor will help you feel at home, while an alarm clock, desk lamp and garbage can will be useful, as well. Don’t forget to bring boxes or bins for under your bed, as not all student housing is equipped with adequate storage.

9. Don’t Forget Miscellaneous Objects While bedding, clothing and bathroom supplies are super important, there are some miscellaneous products that are just as important. First, you can’t forget to bring a reliable computer, and extension cords and adapters may also be useful. For some, small tools, such as a screwdriver, pins for a corkboard, White tac putty, a flashlight and removable wall hooks should also be on the packing list.

10. Only Bring Essential Clothing Clothing is a necessity, but with limited storage, you should only bring what you will really need. For most students, everyday clothing is pretty casual, but you may want to include a couple of outfits for nights out or interviews, as well. If you go to the gym, be sure to pack your workout clothes and shoes, a bathing suit and goggles, if you swim. You may be able to hold off on bringing things like winter jackets, boots and scarves until later, on a trip home at Thanksgiving, which will help free up some space in your closet.

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