A Packing Guide for Moving to University

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A Packing Guide for Moving to University
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• Going to university is a big step for many young
  adults to take. However, moving to university can
  be stressful, especially the packing process. The
  stress of packing can be exacerbated by
  unawareness of how to pack properly.

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• Moreover, its important to know what to pack
  and how much youll need. Every university
  provides basic furniture and other items, so
  students dont have to bring them themselves.

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• While keeping this in mind is ideal during the
  packing process, there are some specific things
  you should take and some you should leave behind.
  Below is a quick guide on how to pack and what to
  bring or leave when moving to university.

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How to Pack

• Before you start to pack, get a list of all the
  items the university provides. This will help
  with organization, as well as ensure you only
  pack essential items. Once you have the list,
  start the packing process.

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• Packing is a process because it involves several
  steps. These steps include
• Creating a to-do list for guidance (when
  needed)
• Obtaining packing materials, e.g. boxes, bubble
  wrap, tape, markers, etc.

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• Decluttering your room
• Dividing your belongings into four categories
  donate, throw away, take and leave behind
  
• Throwing away and donating any items you dont
  want

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• Organizing your belongings into manageable
  categories, such as electronics, kitchen
  supplies, hygiene products, etc.
• Labelling the boxes accordingly

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• Packing all the things youre taking and putting
  them in one, accessible area or corner of the
  room
• Securing a truck or large vehicle for moving your
  belongings to university
• Cleaning after your things are packed

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• While youre packing take care not to overstuff
  the boxes, place bubble wrap around all fragile
  items and loosely wrap all electronics in
  anti-static materials. Additionally, make sure
  all your items are secure in their boxes.

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What to Leave Behind

• Universities provide many of the essential
  supplies students will need daily. Therefore,
  there are certain things you can leave at home.
  Plus, dorm rooms are typically small, providing
  little storage and room for excess items.

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• The rooms are also fully furnished, so theres
  no need to bring even the smallest piece of
  furniture. This may also be the case with
  McMaster student rentals, which are often
  furnished.

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• However, furniture isnt the only thing you
  should leave behind. Although desirable, other
  items you definitely wont need and shouldnt
  bring, include
• A television
• Gaming console

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• Printer
• Kitchen appliances
• Sporting equipment
• Food
• Any clothing and shoes you wont need

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• Ideally, these things should be left behind if
  youre moving into a dorm. But if youre moving
  off campus or into one of the Hamilton apartment
  rentals feel free to bring them all with you.

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What to Bring

• Although there are many things you should leave
  behind, there are also many others you should
  bring. Most importantly, youll need
• A small, basic first-aid kit
• A laptop and tablet (if applicable)

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• Kitchen supplies, e.g. cutlery, a small number of
  bowls, plates, cups, cling wrap and/or foil, food
  storage bins and a pitcher, knives, kitchen
  shears, towels, dish storage bin and oven mitts
• Clothing and shoes

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• Basic tools or small tool-kit, screwdrivers,
  thumbtacks, a flashlight, a small hammer, etc.
• Extension cords, power strips and/or adapters
• Removable wall hooks for possibly hanging
  decorations, towels or coats and hats

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• Bedding and pillows
• Bathroom supplies, e.g. a hairdryer, anti-slip
  bath mat, flip flops, a few bathroom cleaning
  supplies, towels and collapsible laundry baskets
• A few must-have books

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• Decorative items to help personalize your room,
  including posters, photos and any personal
  trinkets or accessories
• Hygiene products, e.g. soaps, shampoos and
  conditioners, toothpaste, toothbrushes,
  hairbrushes and combs, skincare and haircare
  products, etc.