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10 College Packing Tips for the Out-of-State Student

Moving out of state and overwhelmed with all of the packing you have to do? Here are a few tips to help make the process a little easier!

Madeline Gerbracht

Sep 06, 2017

University of New Hampshire

212

10 College Packing Tips for the Out-of-State Student

Madeline Gerbracht

1. Use ziplock bags to save space

At Target they have these huge ziplock bags that you can fill with clothes and use a vacuum to suction out the air from the bags. They are a lifesaver because they not only keep your clothes/other items protected and organized but it also creates a lot more space.

2. Keep some clothes at home that you will need for different seasons

Before you leave buy a plastic bin and fill it with clothes that you will need for the following season. Not only will this keep you more organized but when you come back from school you can easily pack your bags with clothes you will need in the upcoming months.

3. Take advantage of Bed, Bath and Beyond pack and hold

Bed, Bath and Beyond has this awesome program that allows you to scan items that you will need and then have the store closest to your school bundle it up for you so that you will be able to purchase whatever items you select when you get there. I highly recommend taking advantage of this program.

4. Wait to buy big items

If you are going to a school far away it's a good idea to buy items such as bedding, mattress pad, decorations and other items when you get to school so you don't have to ship or carry them with you.

5. Only send items that you truly need

This is easier said than done but it will make unpacking a lot easier to do and will allow you to have less clutter in your dorm or new home. When deciding items to bring think about if you have used them in the past few weeks if the answer is no and it's not an essential item you can either store it away or throw it away.

6. If you are flying take advantage of the amount of luggage you can take on plane

When I flew Southwest to get to school we were allowed to check two bags and also have two carry-ons! This was very convenient because I just filled those suitcases with items that I was going to need for my dorm. Other airlines have various options for the amount of bags you may bring so double check to see if it is worth it to bring more luggage.

7. Don't wait until the last minute to pack

I can't stress enough how long it takes to pack, and I'm sure that you would much rather spend your final days hanging out with friends than rushing around packing your stuff.

8. Fold clothes rather than shoving them in bags

It may be easier to shove your clothes and other items in your bag but you will be thanking yourself later if you fold them nicely so that you have more space and a neater bag.

9. Walk around your house and make a list of all the things you will need to buy once you get there

This is pretty self explanatory but it's important that you do this because you could easily forget to put something on your list of things to buy.

10. BONUS!! Use this time to clean out your room and either sell your clothes online or donate them to Goodwill

There are many websites, Facebook pages and drop off locations for unwanted items that you could either sell or donate.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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