(BPT) – Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned veteran, packing for college always seems like a last minute endeavor. Most often, packing up for a move to a dorm is haphazard. You toss your belongings in boxes thinking it will survive the jaunt to your dorm. But what happens when you get there and you find broken or notice lost belongings? They take time and money to replace, which happen to be things college students don’t have a lot of.
“It’s worth it to pack right the first time,” says Amanda Nachman of CollegeMagazine.com. “You’ll end up saving yourself time and money in the long run. Invest in the right packing materials and you’ll be on your way to a smooth move-in day experience.”
To help get you off on the right packing foot, Nachman offers the following college moving tips:
Get organized. Don’t procrastinate. Before you even begin to put things in boxes, organize all of your belongings to get rid of any unnecessary clutter. Dorm rooms are small so you’ll want to avoid bringing anything you won’t actually need. Have a clipboard nearby to keep your packing list handy and available. Make sure you have all the necessary supplies like padding, scissors, labels, scissors and whatever else you might need.
Protect delicate items. Be careful with that full length mirror, box of dishes, computers and other electronics. If possible, place electronics in their original packaging. If this isn’t possible, place them and other delicate items in a box large enough to accommodate packing material, like plastic bubble wrap or Staples’ Bubble Roll. This type of packing material acts as a protective cushion for your precious objects.
Pack in layers. The items you use least should be packed first. You’ll thank yourself when the items you need right away are there right when you open the box. Similar items should be kept together for an easier unloading process. Try not to overload each box, but strive for a balance where your belongings won’t be able to shift or slide around.
Use the right sized boxes. Use smaller boxes for heavy items like books and dishes and light items, like pillows in large ones. Larger boxes filled with heavy items create a greater risk for broken objects. Make sure to tape the top and bottom seams of each box, making sure to wrap all around the edges, especially on points of stress.
Pack clothes in a wardrobe box. “The best way to pack your closet is with a wardrobe box. Instead of simply throwing a pile of hangers on the floor of your car, you can use them to keep your clothes organized in this makeshift closet,” Nachman says. “This will save you the hassle of having to iron your clothes once everything is unpacked and you’re ready to enjoy college life.”
Use these tips and you’ll be headed for a smooth transition into college and an enjoyable experience rather than worrying about your lost, broken, damaged or wrinkled belongings. And if you can’t pack it all up in your car or moving van, select Staples stores also offer UPS for easy shipping and convenient package drop off seven days a week.
