All returning students know the pain of getting ready to move back into school. The hours and days of trying to figure out what to bring back and what to leave at home. There are so many things that you think you are going to need but you aren’t sure where to start. If you are like me and have no idea where to begin, here are five tips on packing to go back:
1. Bins, bins, bins!
Storage bins are your friend! They are easy to get and best of all fit a ton of things. They are also nice to have something organized when you do not have a lot of room. Depending on how much stuff you want to bring will equal how many bins you need.
2. Remember that you have breaks throughout the year!
Bringing all your stuff seems nice but with the postage size of dorm rooms and having a roommate, all of your stuff is not going to fit. Bring only half of what you want and when you go home for your first break, switch out the things you don't need or use anymore for stuff you left behind, like a winter coat!
3. Talk with your roommate!
See what they are bringing up! In all honesty, there is no need to have two of something unless it is absolutely necessary (like a fridge!) With good communication, the amount of things that can be shared between the two or three of you will bring down the amount of things you have to bring on your own.
4. Clothes!
Everyone loves to have their favorite outfit with them, but cut the winter or spring stuff and leave it home until you need it. As horrifying as it may seem, in the long run it will work out better. These outfits will only crowd your closet and drawers and leave less space for the new things that you might get when you are at school. Shopping!
5. Organize before you pack!
Being organized is key! It is easy to throw everything together and bring it up to school but that will only cause chaos on arrival. While packing, have areas for all your things. Clothes go in one box/bin while school supplies go in another. Labels definitely help! This will not only limit the pain of unpacking but it will help finding a place for everything in that very small space. Keep things together and not in multiple places until each section is unpacked.
No matter how you pack, having a system is a good way to keep stress levels down. These tips will not only help with that, it will take your mind of being nervous to go back. I hope these tips relieve any stress you might be having. For everyone that is getting ready to go back to school, best of luck!
