How to Pack for College: a College Packing List

How to Pack for College:  a College Packing List
On average, dorm rooms are around 12’ x 19’.  Split that space by two people and you don’t have much room for extra stuff. In most cases that means leaving things behind, and if you’re like me, choosing between the things you’ll bring with you and the things you’ll keep at home isn’t easy.  

Believe it or not, when I drove onto campus for the first time, I saw girls with rental trucks that were stuffed completely full. Seriously? I totally understand loving your stuff, and wanting to make your dorm room feel like home. But apparently these girls had never seen an actual dorm room. And apparently no one thought to suggest a college packing list so they could narrow it down to just the important things. How they ever thought all that stuff would fit into a dorm room is completely beyond me. I digress.

What to pack for college
As you may know, most dorm rooms come equipped with basic furniture: bed, desk, dresser (or storage of some sort), and a closet or wardrobe. The rest is up to you. If possible, it’s always a good idea to talk to your roommate before move-in day to sort out who will bring the items that can be shared (you won’t need two microwaves in one dorm room). Then, of course, there are some things that can’t be shared – bedding, towels, toiletries, school supplies, etc. And that’s where a good checklist comes in VERY handy. While it’s not advisable to pack everything but the kitchen sink, there are some things that you definitely don’t want to be without.

To make sure nothing is overlooked, U-Pack has created an awesome printable College Packing Checklist. Just print it off, and keep it with you throughout the process. The list outlines everything you’ll need for the bedroom, bathroom, laundry, and even your medicine cabinet.

My best advice on packing for college:
Less is more. That’s right, I said it (but please don’t ask to see my shoe collection). If you end up needing something that isn’t on your packing list, it’s a great excuse to make a trip home; this might be your chance to have a good home-cooked meal. Or you can always ask your parents to send it by mail (bonus: getting packages when you’re away at school is always fun... even if it’s just extra socks from home – and hinting for chocolate chip cookies is never a bad idea). More than likely, you won’t need to pack 15 purses or your entire collection of 200 DVDs. Pack smart. Stick to your college packing list and err on the side of packing light. Then you’ll be ready to move into your new dorm room... all 12 feet of it.

Moving to College with U-Pack
While a rental truck is definitely over-kill, if you need help moving your belongings from your home to college (or vice versa), check out U-Pack Moving. You can load your things into a small moving container called a ReloCube – it’s 6’ x 7’ x8’, fits easily into a standard-size parking spot, and holds the contents of a studio-size apartment. We’ll deliver it right to your door, or you can save money by loading and unloading at the local ABF Service Center. They’re perfect for moving to college.  

No worries about where to park a giant moving truck... and no trying to cram everything into your Camry. Let U-Pack take care of it! Call 800-413-4799 or click for a free moving quote – make sure to mention that you’re doing a college move to get your student moving discount! We drive. You save.^®