The most valuable advice comes from Beyoncé herself when she says, "Everything you own in a box to the left."

Moving can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience. Whether you are an incoming freshman or a senior moving to your last apartment, a plan is always necessary. With these few tips, moving can go a little smoother and much faster. Here are some step-by-step tips to help make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible. So, let's get unpacking!

Step 1: Avoid a Pack-Attack

Moving out is an ordeal that is hard to tackle, but it can be more manageable with the right mindset and timeline. Plan a month in advance and start taking inventory of everything you have. This presents an excellent opportunity to declutter your belongings-- sort through your items and decide what to keep, donate, or sell. This not only lightens your load but also helps you to create a fresh start. Doing this a month in advance allows you to take time and make thoughtful decisions about your future. Once you do, examine everything you have and ensure you can fit it all in your car. Depending on your situation, a truck service or U-Haul trailer might be a good investment. When I moved out, my roommate offered to let me use her truck, so don't be afraid to ask for help.

Step 2: Pack it Up, Pack it In

In the next two to three weeks, gather packing materials and label boxes by the items going into them. Begin by packing nonessentials, such as decorative items, extra bedding, books, non-perishable food, kitchenware, and sports/ game equipment. If you are a freshman moving out of your home, pack light on the clothes. If you go home for Thanksgiving, you can replace your summer clothes for winter. I wish someone told me I did not need to bring every T-shirt I own. When gathering your most valuable items, be sure to keep track of them through the moving process by putting them in a specifically labeled box kept somewhere safe.

Step 3: Boxed and Loaded  

During the last week, you should have most everything nonessential packed. This is a good time to start loading your car or rental truck. That way, you aren’t tired from moving box after box. When the move-out day arrives, it is time to pack the essentials. Consider taking an overnight bag and box with toilet paper, a charger, paper towels, etc. It's a good idea to organize who is helping you move. If you are a freshman, communicate with your family to see who is willing to help you move everything. Too many people can get in the way, so narrow it down to two or three. When I moved into my freshman dorm, I had both my parents helping. My mom would take boxes out of the car, give them to my dad to bring upstairs, then to me, where I would unpack them. We switched out after one of us got tired. Having a system helped us be efficient; we had plenty of time to unpack, organize our room, and even get dinner.

The Essentials

When I moved into my last apartment, I used a wooden dolly from Walmart for about 19 dollars, and it was 100% worth it. My roommate got one giant box, and we put all my smaller packed boxes into it and pushed it on the dolly to my room. Using a dolly is better for apartments with an elevator and no steps. Click here to see the dolly we used. Labeling the boxes was very helpful when I unloaded the large box because I could put them into the right room. I've included a list of useful tools for moving all from Amazon here:

Moving Boxes: Purchase an assortment of sturdy moving boxes in different sizes to accommodate your belongings. Opt for durable boxes that can handle the weight of your items.

Packing Tape: Get a few rolls of high-quality packing tape to secure your boxes and prevent them from opening during transportation.

Packing Paper: This packing paper is recyclable and will protect more fragile items like glassware, dishes, or electronics.

Stretch Wrap: Use stretch wrap to secure loose items, bundle together awkwardly shaped objects, or wrap around drawers to keep them from sliding open.

Box Cutter: Have a box cutter handy to open boxes easily and break down packing materials.

Plastic Bags and Ziplock Bags: Use plastic bags or Ziplock bags to store small items, screws, or other loose hardware. They can also come in handy for organizing cords and cables.

Furniture Sliders: Furniture sliders are useful for moving heavy furniture across hardwood, tile, or carpeted floors with ease, minimizing the risk of damage.

Mattress Bags: Invest in mattress bags to keep your mattress clean and protected during the move, especially if it will be exposed to dirt or rain.

Let's Unpack

Moving can be overwhelming, but with proper preparation, it can be a seamless operation. It is key to start with the right mindset and take it one step at a time. Be sure to communicate with your family and friends about the process and take time to organize everything. There may be some obstacles, but they can be efficiently dealt with if you plan.

Time to get moving, and…

Be Well, Auburn.