Ending Spring Term: Preparing to Move Out
Kate gives advice on how to make move out go as smoothly as possible.
Kate gives advice on how to make move out go as smoothly as possible.
As spring term comes to a close and finals are quickly approaching, everything can start to feel overwhelming. On top of all of that, moving completely out of a dorm can provide its own challenges and anxieties. As someone who has moved out three times in one year (since I went abroad), I can promise you, it’s doable. Here is some helpful information and tips for anyone who has never moved out before!
Campus storage
Carleton offers storage for anything you can’t or don’t want to bring home. The process is pretty simple: you go to the bookstore and buy tags for your boxes, and then show up at the storage time. Each day, there’s a specific storage space open at a specific time, so staying on top of the schedule is really important. Because you store by box, buying bigger boxes is definitely a good idea.
Storing with friends
Not everything can be stored in Carleton storage. I didn’t have a box for my mirror or air purifier, so I was able to give that to a friend to store at her house for me. Look here to see if what you’re trying to store is allowed. If not, there is almost always someone who is driving home and willing to take it.
Mailing things home
The mailroom can also help you send packages home if no one can take them. I’ve never personally tried this, but if you need something home that you can’t take on the plane, this is a great route to go.
Starting early
Packing can be a much-needed break from studying. Last year, I helped my friends pack, so during the reading days, they came and helped me. The extra set of hands was really nice and we also used it as a chance to catch up in these busy times.
Things will change
This might sound ominous, but if you’re prepared for something to go wrong, then you’ll be okay. Sometimes storage hours change, or even worse, it might start pouring rain on the day you’re supposed to move out. Being prepared for anything will hopefully make this process less stressful (and a little rain never hurt anyone).
The saddest part of move out is saying goodbye to all of the amazing people here at Carleton. I always feel so lucky for this community, and I can’t wait to see them again in the fall (or in the winter for my friends going on OCS)
Kate (she/her) is a sophomore History major from the Bay Area, California. She loves Carleton’s artsy community, and is involved in both the Theater and Dance department and Vocal Studies Program. Kate’s favorite places on campus are the practice rooms, either in Myers or the Weitz, where she can sing or play the ukulele. She loves the campus during all the seasons, but fall is definitely her favorite. When not in class, you can find Kate either petting the nearest cat or forcing her friends to watch bad movies in a study room.