Packing to move back to school, or to move in for the first time can get overwhelming, but it does not have to be. Trying to figure out what you will need for the next eight months is not always easy, and we often over pack, cluttering our dorm rooms. Here is some advice for packing for college

1. Don't pack more than you need.

You have a small space that you are sharing with one, two or maybe three other people. You only have a desk, bed, a closet and possibly a dresser. Pack light. If you need something your parents can always mail it to you. For your classes you only need a one subject notebook and folder for each class. For staplers buy the mini ones, and you only need a few pens, pencils and highlighters. Don't buy a full size Kurig or microwave, buy the smallest sizes they come in to save room.

2. The clothes and shoe dilemma.

Girls in particular have a lot of clothes and shoes. Unfortunately, you can't bring all of your clothes and shoes. Pick outfits that you can mix and match. For shoes pack a flip flop, tennis shoe, dress shoe, two casual shoes, one pair of boots (if you live somewhere where it snows) and a sandal. Another great tip is when you move in bring your "summer" clothes only since it will be warm the first month or two. If you have a fall break in October bring your summer clothes and shoes home and bring your "winter" clothes and shoes back with you. You don't need to bring both the summer and winter clothes right when you move in.

3. Sentimental stuff

Everyone likes to bring things that remind them of home. For pictures there are a few things you can do, either only bring a few favorites, or create a collage of pictures on a cork board. That way you have a piece of home without bringing the entire photo album. Anything that can get hung on a wall or on your desk or closet is your best choice to save space in the car and in your room.

4. Make a list

As you prepare for school make a list of everything you need. Once you make that list go through it again and ask yourself, "Can I live without this?" if yes, then take it off the list. The list helps you organize your thoughts on what you need to bring and prevents you from over packing.

Packing for school can be tricky and you often over pack your first year. Each year it will get easier because you know how much space you have an what you can live without. You really should only have to make three trips from your car if you are the one bringing the fridge. Use a list and talk to your roommates to see if there are things you can share, instead of having the same thing for each of you.