As summer draws to a close, we are all scrambling to get all of our stuff packed up to move back to campus. Some schools have already started moving in, but others move in next week. I will be moving back to UNG for my third year and I have learned some helpful tips for packing my stuff up for school to make it as easy as possible. As an art major, I find myself having three times as much stuff as most people, so you have to get creative when packing your things.
1. Laundry basket.
Hopefully, everyone has a laundry basket for school. If not, you may want to get one. Your laundry basket is the perfect place to put the oddly shaped things or super long stuff like string lights, lantern lights that you don't want crushed and long extension rods for curtains. It's easy to carry and easy to unload once you're in your room.
2. Containers.
This one is a given, but what I have found helpful is to pack stuff up that you won't need right when you get to school such as toiletry items. This way, you walk into your room, open the cabinet under your sink and put the container in. No unpacking necessary. You can deal with it later.
3. Trash can.
Some people may have a trashcan, others may not. In years past, I have used mine to store tools, hooks and other things that you will need right when you get to the dorm. Your wall hooks are right there with your screwdriver and hammer. No searching through boxes and containers to find things.
4. Trash bags.
Rather than taking all your clothes off the hangers and packing them into suitcases, throw a big trash bag over them and cut a hole in the bottom of the bag for the hangers to stick out. This keeps your clothes clean and it's easy to open the closet door and hang them up. Easy.
5. Pillow case.
Your pillows will be one of the first things you carry in so go ahead and store your sheets and blankets inside the case. You have plenty of room inside the pillow case and this way, you know exactly where your sheets are to make your bed.
6. Storage cubes.
If you are taking any storage cube units, then you should get some collapsable cubby holders. These are great for putting cleaning supplies in for easy transportation. Once the cubes are set up, you just slide the cubbies in and they're out of the way.
7. Shoes.
Sometimes, our shoes get overlooked. But for small things like jewelry or socks, just stick them inside your shoes for protection. Make sure your jewelry is in ziplocs or protective pouches and then store them in your boots or Nikes. Everything will get there in one piece and nothing will get damaged.
