For many college students, living in the dorms is a rite of passage. After spending the school year learning to be independent from your parents, having fun with new friends, and studying, it's time to pack it all up and move back home for the summer. Moving out of the dorms is often a chaotic and stressful event, but it doesn't have to be. Here are five tips for a stress-free move out of the dorms:
Declutter Before You Pack
Chances are that you've accumulated some junk you don't need over the course of the school year. Rather than wasting time and space packing stuff you don't need or want any longer, take a few hours to go through your things, setting aside unwanted items. Toss anything that's broken or otherwise would be considered trash, and donate the rest.
Many thrift stores let you schedule donation pick-ups online. Some universities leave donation bins around the dorms at move-out time. A fun option is to host a clothing swap with other students from your dorm, where you have a chance to give away your unwanted clothes to anyone who wants them and possibly pick up a couple of things for yourself.
Make a Cleaning Plan with Your Roommate
Most dorms have strict rules about the condition you leave your room in. Be sure to coordinate with your roommate about cleaning tasks so neither of you get stuck doing all the work. You will also want to learn what day they are planning to move out, so you don't end up in each other's way. Bear in mind that you and your roommate will be financially responsible for any damage done to the room, and plan accordingly.
Secure a Storage Unit
When you move out of the dorms, you will most likely have a lot of furniture, electronics, and other items that you don't need for the summer back home but will definitely need in the fall when you get back to campus. Rather than hauling all of your stuff home and back, it makes sense to pay for a self-storage unit to neatly house your belongings until you need them again. You can click here for more information about storage units in your area.
Enlist Help
Ideally, your parents or other family members will volunteer to come help you pack and move your belongings out of the dorm. If your family members live in another state or are otherwise unavailable, however, try to enlist the help of friends. Don't forget to thank them for their help and perhaps reward them with pizza or some other delicious treat. If you do attempt to move all of your stuff yourself, just keep in mind that it will take much longer and plan your schedule accordingly.
Buy Some Storage Bins
Rather than going around town scrounging for old boxes, consider investing in plastic storage tubs. These are very practical, as you will be able to use them for future moves and also to store items like old text books and off-season clothing in the future. They will also help keep your belongings clean and safe from the elements since the lids are airtight.
Don't Hurt Yourself
It's better to have a lot of medium-sized, easy to carry boxes or storage tubs than a few huge boxes that are over-packed and too heavy to carry. Over-packing can lead to strained backs and other injuries come move-out day. Be sure to follow these instructions and basic safety tips for safely lifting and carrying your boxes and other objects.
By following these tips, your move out of the dorms should be easy and streamlined, leaving you more time to see your friends and plan some summer break adventures.
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