Now that we're halfway through our summer break, one thing begins to creep closer and closer: going (back) to college. Back to school ads air on TV during the commercial breaks while you're watching your favorite show, stores are announcing their annual Back To School Sales, Facebook posts circulate telling you what to pack with you for your home away from home.
But, no one tells you what NOT to bring with you.
Anyone who knows me knows that I am a huge pack rat, the queen of clutter and a certified expert on hoarding.
So take it from me. Here's a list of things you think you'll need for college, but in reality, won't.
1. Your whole dang wardrobe.
We've all heard the jokes about how we have a ton of clothes, but only wear the same five t-shirts. Well, news flash, that joke is true. There is no need to bring everything you own, and I know this because I literally did it. That one dress you only wear with a certain pair of heels that only comes out of the closet once a year? That t-shirt that's two sizes too small, that you can't bear to part ways with because your Grandpa got it for you for your 16th birthday? Do yourself a favor, and leave it at home.
2. Reusable plates/silverware
No matter your gender, everyone knows that there is no place more gross than a bathroom shared by 15+ people. Well, that's where you'll be cleaning those beloved plastic dishes if you decide to bring them. It's so much easier to skip the germs and just buy a pack of paper plates, or some plastic forks, at Walmart.
3. DVDs.
Let's face it, Netflix is a thing for a reason. I brought a whole shelf of DVDs and didn't touch a single one of them. Imagine, 30 DVDs just sitting there, collecting dust, while I binge-watched Glee. Bring your absolute favorites, if you must, but leave the rest.
4. Books.
Besides being a professional pack rat, my other favorite hobby is reading. I'm a major bookworm, and I'm here to tell you: leave the books at home. Do you really think there's time for... enjoyment in college?! Think again. Between homework, clubs, quality time with your friends, and oh yeah, reading the six books your English professor assigns you, there's no time for that brand new sappy romance novel you've had your eye on.
5. Your bike.
Here I am, packing all of my belongings for my first year of college, and this image of me, riding across campus on my bike, smiling and looking all pretty like the stereotypical college girl pops into my head. As I'm sure you've guessed, that didn't happen. My first college was a small school, where you could get to one end of campus to the other in five minutes, if not less. Unless you are 150 percent sure you're going to use your bike, leave it at home, or else it'll sit out in the rain like mine did. And no one wants a soggy, rusted bike.
6. Food.
I know, I know. This one might blow your mind a little. But trust me, the extra food isn't totally necessary. With so many different dining options on campus, most of the food just sits there. I went to school with nine boxes of Pop-Tarts and came home with.... eight of them. Bringing the right amount of food, and not overdoing it, will save you not only space but a whole lot of money too. Because we all know food ain't cheap, right?
7. Stuffed animals.
We all have that one precious stuffed animal that goes everywhere with us, or that just might be me. And while bringing one or two stuffed animals with you is A-OK, bringing any more than that is just crazy. We all know that dorm rooms, let alone dorm beds, are excruciatingly small, so why clutter them any more than you need to? Your stuffed animals will understand and forgive you for leaving them behind, I promise.
8. Your insecurities and self doubts.
Cheesy, right? But if there's one thing I learned in my first year of college, it's that college is a place where no one knows you, no one knows your past and you can be anyone you want to be. There is no time to be insecure or doubt yourself, so leave that shit at home, boo!! It's easier said than done, but you won't regret it.
College is about a new start, a new beginning. Don't clutter your future by bringing unnecessary things with you. Because while we all want to start new, you also want to start smart.
