Moving out of college is a bittersweet event. Whether it's your first time or your last, it can be an emotional process. Saying goodbye to your friends, your dorm, and your campus is overwhelming, but so is the process of getting all your things together. "What can I pack?", "What should I send home?", "Can I donate anything?". These questions and more flood your thoughts as the process begins both physically and mentally. This year, I felt three constant emotions as I was moving out of college for the first time.

1. Motivated

Move out is approaching and there is so much to be done. Not surprisingly, its common to acquire more things throughout the school year, so there's pressure to keep track of more than you had to at move in. Whether move out is a day away or a week away, motivation to pack hits. You want to spend your time wisely and organize everything, and that is usually smart especially if finals are winding down. Once you start you grow optimistic that you will be finished sooner than you thought.

2. Overwhelmed

Okay, so things were going as planned until they weren't. Your sheets aren't folding the right way, clothes are spilling out of boxes, and there's no way your suitcase won't surpass the 50 lb. limit at the airport. You try to recruit your friends or roommates to help out, but soon enough they have to pack up their own things. The only thing you can do is take some deep breaths and play Tetris with your belongings. You can make it all fit!

3. Relieved

Taping up a box has never felt so good. Seeing your luggage, bins, and boxes line the room gives you a feeling of relief and sense of accomplishment. I was so happy that I was finished, but that's also when reality hit. I had made this room a home for the past nine months. I knew it would be hard to leave, but seeing an empty room means it's actually happening. Leaving is hard, but I know I'll be back soon enough to make some more memories (and unpack all my boxes!)