Next to finals, moving out can be the most stressful barricade blocking you from the warmth and freedom of summer. There are so many things to pack, and if you leave it all to last minute, it can feel like you're drowning (unless you're the kind of person who just throws their clothes in a bag and moves on, which is OK). I, however, am not that kind of person. I am a strategic packer, and between traveling to Europe and moving in and out of Emerson for the past three years, I've come up to a solution for a painless move out experience.

1. Start early

This isn't always realistic, but starting early is a big step towards a less stressful move out. Even packing small things can help. Start with your winter clothes, maybe buy a box or two from the UPS Store and pack up some bulky shoes. It won't seem like much, but, overall, this will make a huge difference.

2. Look at storage plans

There are a lot of storage plans for college students. Sometimes they can be a bit expensive, but if you are looking to store something bulky like a fridge or microwave, this is your best bet. UPS is especially organized with this. They call their storage program PackStoreShip. They have their charge prices available on their website, and will keep your stuff safe over the summer. Just be sure to schedule a day for them to deliver your boxes off to your dorm through their website, this way when you move in, everything will be delivered as you move in.

3. Pack a box and send it home

Packing a box and sending it home can also do wonders. Buy a large cardboard box from a local UPS or postal office and start packing things like winter shoes, kitchen supplies and decorations. Once full, tape it up (a lot) and send it on its way.

4. Start selling things you don't need

As you move out, you will most likely notice a lot of different trinkets, clothing and random objects that you once had a need for, but no longer do. Take this time to do some spring cleaning and earn extra cash! A lot of colleges have groups for selling clothes and other things, so when you find a sweater that you haven't worn the whole winter, or a perfume bottle that you got for Christmas but never wore, take a picture and post it on the group page for selling. Cheat sheet for Emersonians: ours is called "Free and For Sale."

5. Take down your wall decorations

When I pack, the first things to go are my wall decorations. They are the easiest to take down, and can either be placed in a large box that I'm sending home or in another container that I plan on bringing home with me. Your walls might be a little empty for a couple of days, but the last thing you want to be doing on move-out day is climbing furniture in your room to reach posters and picture frames.

6. Label everything

As you pack up different boxes and containers, be sure to grab a pen or Sharpie and label everything. You want both the moving out and moving back in process to be easy. This will also help you to pack in an organized fashion, which might help to speed things along as you know what will be put into which box.

6. Pack a suitcase

I always try to pack at least one suitcase before actual move out day. This way, I can look at all of the bulky things I have and know what I might have to ship home last minute. If you are going home in a smaller car, this is especially an important thing to do. Planning ahead can be a pain, but in the long run it will really return the favor by not having to wait in a 30-minute line on move out day, so that you can ship out bed sheets (yes, this happened to me).

7. Keep all of your favorite shirts, pants, shorts and work clothes in the drawers

Packing a suitcase can be hard, especially if you don't know what you are going to wear the next week. Start by packing winter clothes, and then other pieces that you don't wear a lot. Keep all of the necessities in your drawers for now. This can mean anything from your favorite articles of clothing to work clothes and underwear.

8. Return your books early

Beat the rush and return your books early. Whether you bought them off of a website like Chegg or Amazon or ended up renting from your school bookstore, there is most likely going to be a last-minute student rush the day of move out. No one wants to be waiting in those lines. Plan early and return any books that you do not currently need that were rented.

9. If you live nearby, have a family member pick up some of your already-packed possessions

Although I do not have the opportunity to do this, if your home is near your school, try to get a family member to pick up some of your things early on. This will help you to pack some things faster, and will also leave more room in your car on move out day.

10. If you live far away, keep whoever is picking you up informed about everything you have, so that they can be sure to keep enough room in the car.

For those who are like me and do not live anywhere near their campus, be sure to keep your family members informed about the amount of things you have. This can prevent some stressful situations with whoever is picking you up. If they know what to expect, then you should be in the clear for any petty arguments or last-minute shipments.