Move-in season is upon us. Some schools are already moving students in but, luckily, Rowan University students have a few more weeks left. That doesn't mean you should leave all your packing for the last minute.
Trust me. I tried it. It sucks.
So, for all the first time students, or students who just need some organization tips, here are six ways to make college packing a lot easier this year.
1. Make lists.
The first thing I do is make a list when packing. Whether it be for college, vacation, or a weekend home, make a list. You'll be so much more organized, and as you write, you'll continue to think of things that you need.
Make sure to go over your list with someone else. The last thing you want is to forget to pack your contacts or tampons.
2. Bring the necessities.
Speaking of specific items, try your hardest to bring the necessities. My freshman year, I brought practically every t-shirt I owned, and all they did was take up space in my drawers. Bring the clothes you need and the clothes you know you'll actually wear.
Please don't bring every face mask you own. You aren't going to have a spa day for the entirety of the semester. Bring your favorites, call it a day, and save some space.
3. Talk to your roommate(s).
Do you want a TV? Or a Keurig? Do you need to get a MicroFridge, or are you required to bring appliances yourself? Talk to the people you're going to be living with and split it as you think necessary.
Figure out who's going to buy what and what you need. Living in a dorm room, you probably don't need a lot of kitchen supplies. The first year in an apartment... now's the time to hit up the kitchen section of Bed Bath & Beyond.
4. Storage bins!
The easiest way to transport all your things is to use storage bins. Storage bins are cheap and always useful. They compartmentalize enough that the Tetris match of packing the car is more like Level 1 difficulty.
5. Labeling.
Grab a marker, a piece of paper, and the packing tape. The easiest way to unpack your things is to label the bins themselves. Tape a label on so you don't have to dig to find your desk supplies once you're finally in your room.
6. Categorizing.
Speaking of, categorize everything. When you're still in the list-making stage, have a different paper for each category, and assign them all a different color. My lists so far are: decorations, office supplies, bathroom supplies, bedding, kitchen, personal, and last minute things to pack.
Splitting all my things into categories makes it so much easier to figure out what I need. Not to mention that it makes the actual process of packing so much easier. A bin per category, and I feel like I'm at least 50% packed right now.
