Helpful Tips for Packing
As a student from California, living on the other side of the coast, packing at the end of each year can be a hustle. Unlike some students who live close to Tufts, I cannot drive my belongings back home easily. So, I have found some tips for packing your belongings!
Freshman year, I was beyond excited to finally move-in to a dorm and decorate it to make it feel like home. I went on Target runs as well as online shopped to try to recreate Pinterest inspired dorm rooms. However, I realized some of the mistakes I’ve made when I needed to pack at the end of the year. I’m going to share three of the tips I learned. The first is using vacuum packing bags/space saver bags. I decided to use a storage company in my freshmen year. This meant that the size and the number of boxes I used mattered. In order to fit my belongings in the boxes, vacuum packing bags were useful for storing thick winter jackets, comforters, etc. It helps reduce the amount of space in the box, so I can fit significantly more stuff by putting clothing and bedding in the vacuum packing bags.
The second tip is to not buy furniture. Some students buy furniture and electronics to furnish their dorm/suite. However, unless you live close to campus and can easily drive back home, it can be challenging to store furniture and move it in and out every year (there are no elevators in most of the dorms!). Dorms and suites already come with essential furniture. I have seen numerous pieces of furniture in recycling and disposal areas at the end of the year.
The third is to have a trusty, durable, and light suitcase. You can pack whatever didn’t fit in your storage box and other essential belongings in your suitcase. I fly often, and I have learned that it is good to invest in a high-quality suitcase. If you have to fly to Tufts, being minimalistic and having a durable suitcase will help you. In addition to suitcases, using vacuum packing bags and not buying big furniture can help make packing easier and less stressful!