It is that time where we start packing up and moving in again. Often times we over pack and think we will need the things we know we will never really use. As someone who always over packs, here are a few items that you really don't need. It will save your car space and your bank account.
1.) Shoes
Granted, you need shoes, but you don't need as many as you think. You don't need every pair of heels you own. 1 or 2 pair will work just fine. 2 pairs of boots, sneakers, flip flops, and a pair or two of flats and you are set!
2.) Printer
This saves you money. If you want a printer for convenience, then go ahead. (I have one.) But most of the time there is a printer on campus that there is either money on your student ID for or is way cheaper than buying ink and paper for your personal one.
3.) Clothes
Bring clothes, but you don't need a sweater dress in September. If you live close-ish to home, you'll have an opportunity to switch out clothes. Don't worry. Also, you only need those 7 t-shirts that you actually wear. Not all 75957847 of the other ones. You don't have room for that ;)
4.) School supplies
Okay, you need school supplies, but just buy the basics for the first few days. Then, your professors can tell you everything you will actually need instead of going out and buying 40 notebooks and 300 folders for a class that only requires a pencil. Besides, every college town (or one near it) has a Wal-Mart. (This is America, after all.)
5.) Appliances
Most dorms have microwaves or toasters, which you normally aren't allowed to have in a dorm room anyway. If you do need a mini fridge, make sure you have a way to take it home so you aren't freaking out about how to fit it in a car at the end of the year. If you are allowed to have appliances in your dorm, split stuff with your roommates. One person gets the microwave, another gets a fridge and so forth.
6.) Your entire cosmetics drawer
Okay, bringing the essentials is great. You know, face wash, makeup, removers, stuff like that. However, you will feel like you need every single shade of lipstick and eyeshadow palette you own. Take the ones you use the most and leave the others that you don't use quite as often. And, if you absolutely have to bring them all, find organizers so that they remain organized and don't take up so much room when you pack.
7. An iPad/ tablet
If you have a laptop and a phone, you are set. Some people may use these devices, but it is way more convenient to have a phone and a laptop. If you have both of these things, your iPad or tablet won't be used much. Plus, if you are laptop shopping, find one that can do both. Laptop and tablet. Two birds, one gadget.
8.) Extra furniture/drawers
Dorm rooms and even on-campus apartments are not that big. So you don't need that huge papasan chair (I bought one and now it is my little cousin's baby doll nursery). You can find ways to organize things after you get there. And, if you do need some furniture or shelving of some sort, you can always buy from thrift stores or buy small items. This way it is easier to pack or to sell if you will be done with it at the end of the school year.
