Moving out for the summer: Tips for a stress-free move out

The process of a student packing their room into tubs. Photo taken by Della Ancel.

As this spring semester comes to an end, college students once again have to deal with the task of packing up their dorm rooms and heading home for the summer. But it can be pretty simple and tension free with the right planning and organization. Here’s how to make a dorm move out easy-peasy.

Procrastination is a student's biggest enemy when it comes to moving out. StorageMart says to create a list of the tasks needed like cleaning, sorting, packing. Start with some small things such as taking down posters, sorting through clothes, tossing out old snacks.

Before starting to cram stuff into boxes, decide what is really needed. Go Mini’s recommends setting aside things not used for donation. Goodwill, Salvation Army, and Plato’s Closet accept clothing, books and small appliances. Not only will this help reduce your load, but it also contributes to a worthy cause.

Renting a storage unit may be best if you can’t take everything home. Student Life at Dalhousie advises researching student-oriented services such as U-Haul Storage or Public Storage, which frequently has discounts for college students. Also ask friends and family if they have extra space too.

Packing smart saves time and prevents damage to the items. For belongings, StorageMart suggests storage boxes, ideally heavy-duty boxes or clear plastic bins to see inside. Just be sure to mark everything and wrap sensitive items in clothing or towels for extra security.

Go Mini's recommends cleaning up your dorm room because it prepares the space for the next student. A quick sweep, mop and wipe-down of surfaces can go a long way.

There is nothing worse than losing essentials in the storage bins. Dalhousie Student Life advises packing a “moving-out” bag, including chargers, toiletries and any items for last-minute needs, so you’re not scrambling or stressed on your final day. If you live more than two hours away, create a snack bag to have in the seat of your car to save time on the road.

Moving out can be a breeze and begin summer on a high note with these simple steps. With a bit of prep, it can be a smooth transition that is low stress and high efficiency.

Written by Della Ancel