This year, I can’t decide what I’m more stressed about, exams or moving all of my stuff out of my current house at school all the way back home. All I can think about is that its not going to be easy and that I have A LOT of stuff. Its going to be such a pain getting all of the junk I’ve accumulated in my house over the past year out by May 17th. For some of you, you’ll be moving out of the dorms, which can be just as painful, especially considering all of those stairs and small hallways you’ll have to get through. I know how much stuff can be kept in those dorms, trust me. But don’t worry, I’ve done some research to get some tips and tricks to make moving out as painless as possible. Hopefully these will help you out a bit, I’ve used a few of them in the past and they’ve done wonders for my moving experience. Good luck!! If you have any tips or tricks of your own, feel free to comment and share!

1. Start early. I think this is by far the most important tip. If you go home any of the weekends before its move out day, take stuff with you! As much as Wisconsin weather can be unpredictable, I promise you won’t need those winter coasts, sweaters, or boots anymore! Take it home now so you don’t have to worry about it later.

2. Try to use up all cosmetics and cosmetic related things (tissues, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste) before you go so that you don’t have to carry a big bottle of shampoo with only a few drops left.

3. Eat your food! Seriously. I’m giving you permission to pig out on the food in your room or kitchen. Also, try not to buy food these last couple weeks if you don’t need it. The more you eat up now, the less food you have to take home when you move out.

4. Use garbage bags wrapped around hanging clothes for easy transport and to also keep them on their hangers.

5. Get some help. Call up some friends or mom and dad to help you move your stuff out. It’ll go much much faster.

6. Get organized before hand. If you know you aren’t going to need something the last couple weeks of school, pack it away! Packing ahead of time can help make the moving out process so much smoother.

7. If you do start packing up some boxes early, label them. Even if you tape a piece of paper to them that says “winter sweaters” or “plates” or “picture frames” it’ll help you out when unpacking or if you accidentally packed something you forgot you still needed.

8. Use your extra socks (only if they’re clean) to cushion breakables if you have any.

9. If you do go home, bring back a suitcase (or two). Then you’ll have somewhere to put all of that extra clothes you’ll be taking back home for good.

10.  Leave time for cleaning. Landlords and RAs alike will fine you for damages or messes left behind. Make sure to take care of that before you head out, you don’t want to start the summer off with a fee that could have been avoided.

Have a great summer!