"What do I pack?"
"What storage do I have?"
"What clothes do I need to bring?"
These are only a few questions a college freshman may ask themselves before they embark into the next chapter of their lives. Moving into a residence hall is a pretty intimidating thing-- you're bound to have a lot of unanswered questions. With unanswered questions usually comes a room full of unnecessary storage bins, decorative carts, and a wardrobe half-filled with clothes you'll probably never wear. Moving into any place is scary, but this is how you move into your residence hall like a boss.
Go through your closet.
So many people, including myself, just throw their whole wardrobe into trash bags and call it a day. But you need to ask yourself a few questions before you start: Have I worn this in the last year? Is this a practical clothing item for the climate I am moving to? Is this something I would feel comfortable walking to class in? Everything you pack has to fit in a few drawers and a small closet, you have to be mindful of that. If you don't wear it, you probably shouldn't pack it. Be mindful of every piece of clothing you pack. It'll make a huge difference when you're packing up your car.
Get some vacuum sealed bags.
Vacuum sealed bags are the unsung hero of move-ins. If you are driving up and want to save space in your car and new room, I recommend investing in some vacuum sealed bags. I swear by them; they make moving and storing items so much easier. When you move-in you can keep your winter clothes compact and stored away which keeps your closet spacious. It'll also give you more space in your car for other items. Another benefit of these bags? It'll keep your bedding and clothes safe from smells, liquids, and other elements while you're driving to your campus.
Get as much information regarding the layout of your room as you can.
Before you run to Target to buy 3 stackable plastic drawers, check to see how your room is laid out. Figure out the furniture you have; you may have a huge closet and a dresser, and you may not need any extra storage. Your university will be able to tell you what furniture items you get, and you should get a decent idea of the room layout online. If not, ask around! If you discover that you need some plastic drawers or storage bins, pack them up with clothes if you're driving to your campus with them. To save space in your car you can also buy the bins at a Target or Walmart once you get to campus.
Remove tags ahead of time.
It is a pain to show up, unload your car, then spend 15 minutes removing all the tags from your bedding and towels. You'll save yourself a lot of time and energy if you take the time to remove all tags and stickers from items before you pack them.
Bring a dolly.
Wheels will save you a lot of time on move-in day. Usually your campus will have carts and dollies to help you move your stuff, but the wait for the wheels is usually 30 minutes to an hour if you're lucky. A dolly can move your mini-fridge, microwave, and storage bins to your room with minimal ease. You'll save a lot of time and upper-body strength if you bring a dolly with you.
Approach Pinterest with caution.
I am so guilty of this and it's going to bite me in the butt when I go back to school this year. But try to limit the time you spend looking up room inspiration on Pinterest. You'll end up with several pillows and multiple storage bins if you aren't careful. You will find some great space-saving ideas, but you'll end up with some ridiculous items that won't serve a purpose if you try to achieve the perfect room. Make sure the decorations and cute items you buy for your room have a place and a function. Those clever space-saving hacks on Pinterest are great, but those Lily Pulitzer monogrammed pillows will end up on your floor every night. Be mindful. But definitely use Pinterest, it's great, just be cautious. It will consume your life if you aren't careful.
Give yourself time to pack and plan.
This is the best advice I could give. Plan ahead of time. Read blogs, make lists, ask around, and pack early. It'll give you the opportunity to get everything you need, and pack it in a way that saves you space and keeps you organized. Moving from a big single room into a double or triple is a challenge. And you need to make sure you are as prepared as possible for it.
At the end of the day there will be that one item you forget, or some clothes you didn't actually need. And that's really okay, we learn as we go. But a good/ bad move in day definitely sets the tone for your first weekend at school. Use these tips, and conquer your move in like a boss. And use the vacuum sealed bags, they are amazing.
