My daughter just cleaned out her dorm room for the semester and everything is back in its assigned storage area in the basement.

Between the two of us we’ve come up with some great tips for packing and ways to make unpacking easier for the next semester.  

I’ve found labels are a great idea and save headaches later.   Document each box’s contents clearly with large labels – be very specific to avoid digging through boxes.  This can help during the unpacking process and make it easier to unpack the more important items first.

Suggestions on packing the following items:

• Bedding, towels, etc.  Launder prior to storage and put the clean items into large clear plastic bags and put a scented sachet or cedar block into the bags to keep them fresh.  Tip: the bags that bedding come in are ideal for storage of these items.  When you initially unpack the new dorm room bedding save that bag!
• Refrigerator.  Clean out the unit thoroughly – I use a baking soda-dish soap solution.  Leave the door open for a few days to allow it to dry completely, then shut tightly and put it back into its original box (if you saved it) or into a clean trash bag.  Note: if you have smaller children make sure they can’t get to the refrigerator.  It may be dorm-sized, but kids will find trouble if you let them – lock it away!
• Microwave:  Clean thoroughly, you can use the same baking soda-dish soap solution.    Store in a box, ideally the original packaging.
• Mirrors, TVs, electronics, etc.  These items are both bulky and delicate, and need to be stored carefully so they don’t break while stored.   If you can get your hands on the packing blankets movers use, great.  If not, get some bubble wrap or old towels and wrap the items and secure with packing tape.  It’s a good idea to save the packaging for TVs and any other electrical appliances for easier storage.
• Unused toiletries and laundry supplies.  If there’s large amounts of soap, shampoo, etc. pack them up in a plastic storage bin.   Use a smaller bin that your teen can use in their dorm room as the storage place for these items.  A great idea over the summer – stock up during sales on the items your teen uses and store in the bin.
• Printer, scanner, and any other large electronics.  Pack these items with lots of packing bubbles or paper.  Mark the boxes with “this side up” so they won’t be jostled around.
• Extension cords.  These are so much easier to use when they are neatly tied!  Store them all in a box or bag inside the TV box or electronics boxes.

A “me first” box is always a good idea, put in everything you need to get started before you unpack the first box:

• An extension cord
• Scissors and tape
• A hammer for raising/lowering the bed
• Philips and flat head screwdrivers   (Tip: invest in a small tool kit for the dorm room)
• Lysol cleaning wipes (and baby wipes for your hands)
• Air freshener
• Batteries – for the TV remote or any electronics that will be used

Now that everything is tucked away, enjoy your summer break!

Do you have any other tips you would like to share?  Leave us a comment!