How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.
-A.A. Milne, Winnie-The-Pooh

Hi, my name is Maggie, and I am a compulsive over-packer.

Recently I returned to college after summer vacation, and once again the moving process was utterly miserable. It was 90+ degrees, and I brought enough stuff to furnish a small island. My family and friends have criticized me about this since my freshmen year. Every year I try to limit the belongings I bring to school. However, dwindling down my items is like attempting to climb and insurmountable mountain.

I often wonder why I have fallen prey to this problem. My go-to excuse is that I like to be prepared; it’s comforting. I love my family with every fiber of my being, and contrary to what people say: leaving loved ones never gets easier. That is why I try to make my dorm room feel like home. The collages and framed pictures of my friends and relatives, the people who inspire me, are like little pieces of home. My mom and I love Gilmore Girls, so every time I see my Luke’s diner poster, I think of her. When I make my morning coffee, I see my framed Central Perk sign, and I recall my siblings and me curled up in the family room laughing hysterically at Phoebe Buffay singing “Smelly Cat.”

I am beyond blessed. For the last 21 years, I have been surrounded by love and support; it is hard to leave that. As I result, I have tried to create that same feeling at college. As trivial as it sounds, having those extra belongings helps me feel safe and able. Buying an industrial container of Advil, extra shampoo or a hot glue gun makes me feel like have access to everything I would at home. That is why I go through the pain of packing up nearly everything I own multiple times a year. It leads to some daunting experiences. However, from my end, it is incredibly worth it. They say home is where your heart is, and so I try and bring as much of that heart with me as possible.