How I Moved in Freshman My Year with Having Everything Packed Into One Vehicle: My Tips and Tricks

Although when it was all said and done, I was able to pack just about everything I needed to begin my freshman year at Northern in the bed of my dads truck. Here are some tips and tricks I took away from the experience:

1.  Don’t over pack! I know it can be easier said than done, but when traveling far distances or even just a few minutes away from campus, it is important to keep in mind. Any space you have is crucial and at the end of the day those extra add ons you thought you might need just take up vital dorm room space. So when packing, keep in mind the essentials first and foremost! Don’t know where to start? Click here to find the essentials.
2. Get in touch with your roommate on what each of you should both be bringing beforehand. Find out who is bringing a mini fridge, microwave, fan or other tools. There can be a limited amount of space in the dorms. By avoiding bringing double, it will eliminate any inconvenience down the road.
3. Be conscious of how you pack your belongings. Think of it as a puzzle you need to solve, with every item of yours being an individual piece. One example from my experience is that I bought storage bin cubes for my closet. Rather than shoving them into another box or bag, I used them to hold smaller miscellaneous items such as cleaning supplies, bathroom products, etc. In addition, if you already plan on bringing a laundry basket of some kind, they can substitute perfectly for a tote box. Using the storage you already plan to implement in your dorm is a great way to save packing space.
4. For some of us, clothes can be the most daunting yet largest category we plan on bringing. Garbage bags are going to be your best friend! You can easily slide the bag over the clothes you hang up and you’re done! You’ve already packed away a portion of your clothes and hangers at the same time. To see a tutorial click here.
5. Lastly, you don’t need to buy absolutely everything before moving into your dorm. No matter what you’ll more than likely have to make a run to the store either way. So saving easily accessible items that can be bought anywhere for when you get to campus can ease a lot of the burden that moving can bring.

While moving can be a stressful time, it doesn’t have to be all overwhelming. Taking tips like these and implementing them into your packing process can alleviate unnecessary stress and help you focus on the excitement that comes with the beginning of a new semester!

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