It’s official, “closing time’’ is just around the corner and students will be waving goodbye to another school year in a short few weeks. With move-out comes the most dreaded and daunting task- packing. Although methods of transporting your belongings vary depending your distance home, the task is still overwhelming.
Here are a few tips to make your move-out experience as easy as possible and start your summer off on a good note.
Try not to procrastinate
Although the end of the school year is busy, it will help in the long run to spread out packing instead of cramming it into a few days. Make a list of things that you won’t be needing and start to put them in boxes to mail home, or put in your closet. This will help you get a feel for how much space you will need to bring your things home or keep in a storage unit. It will also make the process seem less time consuming as it will be more spread out, giving you more time at the end of the semester for studying for finals. Slowly bringing things home throughout the semester and starting to go through your belongings for a college version of “spring cleaning,” will save you a lot of time in the end.
Invest in re-usable containers or use garbage bags
When packing things up into a storage unit or car, traditional cardboard boxes can prove to be unreliable. Investing in re-usable containers is a great option as they are sturdy and stackable. They won’t break or rip on you and although they take up a lot of space, they are very easy to move. When in doubt, garbage bags seem to be one of the best go-to’s when moving out. They are the best when if you’re working with a small amount of space and fit great into a trunk since they don’t have a hard shell like a container or suitcase. Overall, it’s best not to overthink packing the car. Sometimes the simplest options are the best ones.
Look into getting a storage unit early
If you’re from farther away or have a lot of furniture to move out, it is best to start thinking about storage unit options early. Picking one that is close to either your current spot, or your new home, makes one of the trips easier. They fill up quick, so reserving one enough time in advance is necessary to ensure you get the location and size you desire. When selecting a starting time, consider getting it a few weeks before your exact move-out date. This allows you to get a feel for the size of the unit and how much of your belongings you can fit inside. It also gives you the option to gradually start moving some of your things that you will be leaving behind till August. Another bonus to an early reservation is that more of your friends will be free and willing to take a break from their studies to help you move things if necessary. Reserving a storage unit early or moving some of your things back home a few weeks ahead, makes the process easier for you and anyone helping you.
Set aside items to donate
Along with “spring cleaning,” as you go through your belongings pre-move-out, consider donating some of your items vs. throwing them out or wasting space in your car/suitcase. If there is something you haven’t worn in a while, bringing it to Plato’s Closet or Goodwill is a great option to get it off your hands and to someone who will get better use of it. This will save you space in the long run and you will be giving back at the same time.
Overall, planning and preparation will lead you to a successful and stress-free move-out. Think ahead and get an early start to save you time and energy during finals week. Your grades and future self will be thanking you.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
