Move out day is an emotional rollercoaster. It can be a mixture of happiness, stress, and sadness (if you love your roommate(s)). I love moving out at the end of the school year. It symbolizes that you were successful and another year closer to graduation. Yet, I hate the act of doing it. Taking all of the stuff you hauled into the dorm at the beginning of the year from your second life and putting it in the heaviest boxes you can find just to get it home. You might find these tips and tricks handy for the next few weeks.

Tips:

1. Start Packing Early

Don't wait until the last second to pack up your entire dorm.

2. Pack Gradually

If there is stuff you know you will not need the rest of the year, take it home during Christmas and Spring Break.

3. Sit Down and Sort Your Belongings

I tried very hard to mark all of my stuff at the beginning of this school year. Surprise, surprise, I failed miserably. Instead of taking or leaving what you think may or may not be yours, ask your roommates to sit down with you and divide up everything.

4. Clean

Don't be the one roommate who leaves the dorm a mess and a hassle for the others.

5. Use Plastic Tubs

This is a better option that using cardboard or a lot of suitcases.

6. Don't Waste Valuable Studying Time on Trying to Clean Up

Do some studying, pack some, study some more. This is helpful because it's proven that studying in shorter periods helps you remember things easier.

7. Pack Only the Necessities

A few weeks before school is over, take home everything except what you absolutely need.

Tricks:

8. Use Cling-Wrap to Take Home Silverware

Take the utensil holder and leave the silverware in it. Then, wrap cling wrap around the entire thing. This will help the silverware stay in place, and take up less space.

9. Clean as You Pack

It's so much easier and convenient to throw away either damaged or unneeded things instead of packing them.

10. Use Space Bags to Store Decorative Pillows

This clears space and lets you keep your pillows in good shape.

11. Pack Bedding in Laundry Basket

This is one of the last things you have to pack. I have a tall laundry bin and it was perfect to put my foam topper, mattress pad, sheets, and comforter in on the last day.

12. Be Helpful When Roommates Move Out

Good karma always wins. They might help you if you help them.

I hope that these tips and tricks will come in handy this coming move out day!