Heading off to college is exciting鈥攂ut packing for it can be overwhelming. If you're a college freshman getting ready to move into your residence hall, read our Ultimate College Packing list to see what all essential items you will need.
If you鈥檝e already got all your essentials, keep on reading our college packing tips to make your move-in day smooth.
Whether you're packing weeks in advance or pulling everything together last minute, this guide covers:
- How to pack efficiently
- Smart space-saving tricks
Pack Efficiently
Wrap Hanging Clothes in Garbage Bags
Don鈥檛 take your clothes off the hangers. Instead, keep clothes on hangers and wrap a drawstring garbage bag around each group. Tie the top around the hangers for an easy DIY garment bag.
Build Your Own First Aid Kit
Pre-made kits are often bulky and half the stuff you鈥檒l never use. Pack only what you actually need:
- Bandages
- Pain Relievers
- Allergy medicine
- Cold medicine
- Cough drops
Put everything in a small container or zip bag.
Wrap Shoes in Grocery Bags
To keep your clothes and bedding clean, wrap each pair of shoes in a plastic grocery bag before packing them.
All Liquids in Resealable Plastic Bags
It may be tempting to just throw the liquids (shampoo, conditioner, etc.) in your luggage, but those bottles are likely to leak, especially if they become squashed when moving. Place all your liquids in resealable plastic bags so that even if they leak, it won鈥檛 get everywhere.
Avoid Overpacking Boxes
Boxes should be filled completely to avoid damaging your belongings, but they shouldn鈥檛 be too heavy to lift. Remember to only pack boxes and bags to the point where you can carry them. If you can鈥檛 lift the box, you won鈥檛 be able to move it! Pack heavier items on the bottom and line the sides of a box with notebooks or folders for extra support. You can use clothing or towels to fill in empty space.
Pack by Priority
Start by packing things you don鈥檛 use daily鈥攖hink:
- School supplies
- New bedding
- Dorm Decorations
Leave daily-use items (like your phone charger or toiletries) for the final packing stages.
Designate a Packing Zone
As you collect things over the summer, store everything in a designated area of your home. It鈥檒l take up more space than you think.
Fill Every Container
Fill every container with items. Use your trash can, storage bins, and even your shower caddy to hold other items. Pack folded clothes into your laundry bag鈥攖his maximizes space and minimizes wasted packing volume.
Keep New Items in Packaging
If something is new, keep it in its packaging. It makes transportation easier and helps you stay organized when unpacking.
Packing Your Car
- Start with large and heavy items鈥攖hink mini fridge, bins, or storage drawers
- Pack smaller items around them to prevent shifting
- Pack fragile items on top
- Don鈥檛 forget to leave room for you to sit
BONUS: Create a Move-In Day Essentials Bag
Pack a small bag with items you鈥檒l need during move-in day:
- Water bottle
- Phone charger
- Trash bags
- Scissors or box cutter
- Medicine
- Snacks
- Toiletries
- Change of clothes
Final Thoughts: Less Is More
Remember: You don鈥檛 need to bring your whole life to college鈥攋ust enough to start your new one. Focus on function, portability, and ease of unpacking.