9 Tips for Stress-Free College Packing

As seen on Positively Charlotte!

It’s officially that time of year - the Target runs, the endless Amazon boxes, and the bittersweet feeling of helping your child pack up their life for college. At Step by Steppe Professional Organizing, we know just how overwhelming move-in season can be, so we shared our top tips on Positively Charlotte to help make the process easier, smoother, and a little less stressful.

Whether your student is headed across the country or staying closer to home, these tips will help you stay organized, keep your sanity intact, and make move-in day a success.

1️⃣ You Don’t Have to Take Everything

We get it - you want your child to be prepared for every possible situation. But here’s the truth: they don’t need to bring the entire contents of their bedroom. Dorm rooms are small, and most college towns are full of stores for anything they might need later.

Think of it as an opportunity to teach independence - let your student decide what’s essential, and empower them to pick up extras on their own once they’re settled.

2️⃣ Talk to the Roommates Beforehand

Dorms are shared spaces, and space is tight. Before packing, encourage your child to connect with their roommates and coordinate who’s bringing what.

You really don’t need three Keurigs, two mini-fridges, and five sets of string lights in a single dorm room. A little planning up front can save everyone stress — and a whole lot of floor space.

3️⃣ Review Dorm Guidelines Before Packing

Every school has its own set of rules about what’s allowed in dorms. From appliances to décor, there are often restrictions for safety reasons.

Have your student check the school's website for the latest guidelines. This will save you the headache of buying something only to toss it on move-in day.

4️⃣ Pack in Boxes, Bins, and Bags

The right packing strategy makes all the difference. We recommend a mix of structured and soft storage options to maximize every inch of your car:

• Cardboard boxes → Great for stackable items (Home Depot & Lowe’s are your friends!)

• Plastic bins → Perfect for dorm storage and easy access (Target & Walmart have plenty)

• Soft packing bags → Ideal for clothes, bedding, and squishable extras (IKEA’s blue bags are game-changers)

Trust us - having different options will make both packing and unpacking so much easier.

5️⃣ Invest in a Wagon

This might be the best dorm move-in hack we can give you. While many colleges provide hand trucks and dollies, there are never enough to go around. A collapsible wagon will save time, frustration, and multiple trips back and forth to the car.

Plus, your student can use it later for groceries, game days, and laundry! It’s a worthwhile investment, for sure.

6️⃣ Pack a Small Tool Kit

Even if they never touch it on move-in day, a basic tool kit can be a lifesaver down the road.

Between assembling furniture, tightening desk legs, and fixing the odd loose screw, having a few essentials on hand (think: screwdriver, hammer, scissors, and measuring tape) keeps your student prepared for anything.

7️⃣ Don’t Underestimate the Power of Ziploc Bags

Ziploc bags are the unsung heroes of college packing. Use them to:

• Group small items (chargers, batteries, earbuds)

• Contain toiletries and liquids to prevent leaks

• Separate snacks or medications

  
  

A little organization now saves a lot of digging later.

8️⃣ Vacuum Bags Are Worth the Hype

Bedding and bulky clothing take up so much space. Vacuum-seal bags are perfect for comforters, blankets, and out-of-season clothes, making them easier to transport - and perfect for storing under dorm beds.

9️⃣ Embrace the Chaos

Here’s the thing about move-in day: it’s going to be messy, emotional, and a little overwhelming... and that’s okay!

Between the traffic, the lines, and the teary goodbyes, there’s no way to make it perfect. The best thing you can do is embrace the moment. Be present, stay patient, and support your student as they take this big next step.

Move-in day can feel like a lot - we get it. Let us take care of the packing chaos so you can soak up the moment. Fill out this form, and we’ll be in touch to get you scheduled!