Move-out is around the corner. It can be overwhelming to people who have never moved before and don’t even know where to start in the process. Add in the joy of final exams and you’re in for a busy week! Here are 5 easy tips to help your move-out experience go as smooth as possible.

1. Start Early

Procrastination is real. With so much going on at the end of the school year, it can be easy to put off packing to the last minute. Start packing up your room in small pieces. Begin with packing non-essential decorations, and gradually keep packing over the course of several days to help ease the stress. 

2. Be Careful With Fragile Items

Items such as electronics, glass and photo frames just to name a few, require special care. It’s better to be safe than sorry when you are packing fragile items in boxes. Wrap delicate items in bubble wrap to ensure smooth transport. If there is additional room in the box, fill the box with packing peanuts to eliminate shifting. Taking the extra step to secure your fragile items will help your items stay in perfect condition.

3. Pack “Like” Items Together and Label

In order to maximize space, pack similar items in the same box. Pack all t-shirts together; the same for shoes, kitchenware, and so forth! This will also help you find things as you unpack boxes to ultimately save you time in the long run to avoid digging through boxes to find what you need. When you label your boxes, it’s even easier.

4. Don’t Stuff Boxes

It may seem logical to try to fit as much as possible into your moving boxes. But in reality, stuffing boxes makes them heavier and more difficult to move. Not to mention, over-packing can potentially cause the box to tear. Instead of jam-packing as many clothes as possible into a box, allow some breathing room and use an additional box. With Campus Crates, you get free boxes included in your summer storage price no matter how many boxes you require.

5. Make Sure All Boxes Are Secure

It is important to make sure your boxes are taped and assembled properly. It is not enough to just fold your box flaps over, in case the box may tip over and expose the contents of the box. Securely tape the top and bottom of your boxes to make sure everything is moved and stored in one piece.

By implementing these tips, you’ll be on your way to a smooth move and ready to enjoy that summer vacation! Best of luck to all college students on finals!