As final exam time has approached, the last thing on your mind is probably packing up all your things in your dorm. Your room is probably hiding mountain of laundry piled up on your floor, or the miscellaneous study guides thrown amongst it, but here are some ways to get ahead and pack up your belongings successfully.
1. Throw away things you absolutely DO NOT need.
Maybe I should hang on to this, or maybe this? No, the answer is you probably shouldn't. Don't be a pack rat and hold on to everything because you need to only pack the essentials and not random things you've acquired over the semester. Get rid of it.
2. Do your laundry.
Again, you're not really packing in this tip, but preparing to. I made the mistake of not doing my laundry before my family picked me up, and do you know how hard it is to fit a huge laundry basket full of clothes in an already overpacked car? Very hard. Just do the laundry beforehand and pack it away.
3. Pack your clothes first, then the rest.
Your clothing is most likely the thing that is going to take up the most space. Start with that and then move onto your other belongings, and it will all fall into place.
4. Save your boxes, they will come in handy.
Remember that box that was the care package from Aunt Jackie? Save that. Keep your cardboard boxes, or any box because when it comes time to pack all your odds and ends will have a place to go if you save them.
5. Use vacuum packed bags for clothes, bedding and blankets.
Ziploc makes vacuum pack bags that you can use to flatten large things like bedding and sweaters. These have been a blessing since I've started college, you just vacuum pack them, and it gives you way more room in the car and the ability to stack more.
6. Make sure to unplug your fridge and defrost it the day before you pack it.
No one wants to pack a dripping wet fridge into the car. Do yourself a favor and defrost it the night before.
7. Make sure you do a final scan of your room.
In the rush of trying to get everything packed and out to the car, make sure you do a final scan of your room to make sure you get everything. Don't make the mistake of overlooking something while in a rush.