Dorm Move Out Day
In my day, there was no place to store your belongings for the summer. Everything that went to school with me had to come home at the end of the semester. Times are different now. I still remember how exhausting it was to move out of my residence hall at the end of my freshman year. I did it myself, put everything in my car, and off I went, only to return the following year in the reverse order.
Incorporating some multifunctional items into your dorm room will help you pack up easily at the end of the year and feel good in your space while you're in your dorm room. Packing aside, anything that is multipurpose is automatically the best option for a small space. An item that has two functions rather than one eliminates the need for more things, leaving more space to work with fewer things to pack. If you have space under your bed, make sure to put it to use. Make your space work for you!
Here are some easy items you can keep in your dorm room that will help with storage during the year and end of semester packing.
Multifunctional items for storage and packing.
Trash bags:
Sometimes you just really need to get your things into something you can carry. Though I wouldn’t put too much faith in the structural integrity of trash bags, they're perfect for carrying or packing lightweight items like clothes, sheets and towels.
Duffel bags/suitcases:
These are an obvious choice, but having one or two extra can be a good idea. Outdoor clothing and gear companies like Eddie Bauer and REI sell inexpensive yet rugged nylon packable duffels. There’s a lot to be said about having something with wheels and a sturdy handle for moving!
Reusable grocery bags:
Get an IKEA bag or anything similar in size. While definitely bulky when full, they’re easily the biggest grocery bags you’ll find, making them perfect for packing. That said, reusable grocery bags of all sizes tend to be durable, surprisingly roomy and easy to store away until they're needed.
Vacuum storage bags:
These are great for those puffy winter coats that take up an unnecessary amount of space. I also recommend them for duvets or really any clothing as they compress down to a quarter of the size so you can fit everything.
Everyday essentials that help at the end of the year.
Laundry hampers:
If you can, it's worth investing in a heavy duty laundry basket with sturdy handles to use as an extra box or bag for things when packing. Make sure you get one that can handle some extra weight, but will also work well day-to-day laundry trips.
Storage boxes:
Reusable storage bins are obviously great for storage, but they’re also ideal for moving. And, should you already have storage boxes filled to the brim with winter clothes or anything else you don’t use every day when you need to leave, they're basically ready to go!
If you incorporate just a few of these tips to make move out day easier, it will have a huge impact when the time comes.
Dorm Deck from Hack Decks®
Dorm Decks are all about making the entrance to college that much easier. These include tried and true methods of storage, tips for adjustment to a new environment, and dorm room living hacks. All are included in this deck of 52 cards.
The cards make the transition to college life easier because they focus not only on practical applications for college, but also on your physical and mental well being. Mental health is a very important part of college, and this deck of cards includes important reminders to keep you feeling good. Like keeping healthful snacks on hand so you have something to eat when you have lots of late night studying to do. And remembering to carry and refill your water bottle frequently. These tips and tricks are crucial for having a successful freshman year.
