10 Stages of Packing for College
Start writing a post
Student Life

10 Stages of Packing for College

It's that time of year again...

9
10 Stages of Packing for College
Google Images

So it's gotten to the dreaded point of the summer where we must face the inevitable-packing for college. Now, whether it's your first time heading off or your a veteran of the move it's still a daunting task. I'm sure I won't be the only one to admit that every summer I tell myself I'm going to be so prepared and start packing little by little and yet somehow I manage to find myself shoving everything into the car on "Move In Day" and slightly hating myself for the disaster I created. At the end of the day, every one of us has fallen these stages of packing.

Stage 1. I'm Ready!

This is the very early stage of the summer where you make a pact with yourself to be organized and refuse to be one of 'those' people who wait until the day of to pack everything away. You make your checklists, you might even go as far as grabbing a few suitcases you find lying around in your basement.

Stage 2. Oh...um...where do I begin?

Ah, and this I find is the worst stage to hit. When you have no idea where to even begin so you sit on the floor staring at all your clothes and nonsense things and wonder where would be the easiest place to start so you don't want to rip your hair out just yet.

Stage 3. Oh where did this come from?! I forgot I had this!

We've all be there. We're searching through old clothes, packed away bins in the far corner of the basement or even just the junk draw of a dresser and we come across things we thought we'd lost or things we just completely forgot about.

Stage 4. F*ck it. I can go naked

I tend to hit this stage quite frequently in my every day life however, when I'm packing I find myself living in this stage for weeks at a time. This where you throw your clothes in the air and say fuck it because who knew you'd inquire 50 scarves in a matter of 18 years? Or that picking your 'favorite' clothes to take to school feels like your choosing a favorite child.

Stage 5. How do I own this much?!

When you've reached the point in packing when you have no idea how one room packed away takes so many god damn boxes and suitcases then you've entered this stage. It's truly remarkable how it feels like you have nothing to wear and yet manage four suitcases of clothes and the closet still looks untouched. I always felt like my room was just clothes and a bed but the two jam packed cars that follow my route up to school clearly state other wise.

Stage 6. Do I really need this?? But what if I say no and then I do need it...

It's so hard when it comes to this stage. I always feel like I'm going to leave something important behind which causes me to over pack and then secretly hating myself. How does one accomplish being a minimalist because I think I need some advice?

Stage 7. No. I need to do this. I need to be organized. I GOT THIS.

At this point you've relapsed stage 4 about a few more times then you're willing to admit and after each time you revert to this stage of "I GOT THIS" but who are we kidding no one really "has it" we just all like to tell ourselves that to try and feel better on the inside.

Stage 8. How the hell is it move in day already. Throw it ALL in there!

Now whether anyone wants to admit it or not, regardless of how well you pack previous to move in day we somehow still manage to throw last minute things into the car hoping that with everybody just grabbing and tossing the odds of forgetting something becomes a little more miniscule.

Stage 9. Uh this isn't going to fit…

Everything is packed! Woohoo! Now comes the fun part of taking everything you've packed (whether last minute or actually thoroughly packed days before) into a car or two like in my case. This is where you try to make sure that you can still see out the rearview mirror but totally testing your limits of how much can fit in the actual car.

Stage 10. Damn I forgot I have to unpack all this shit

The sad realization that after that tiresome process to pack your whole 18 years up and move it somewhere foreign you now have to unpack it all just to start all over again in 7 months.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

38326
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

113883
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments