There are a number of ways that you can pack a suitcase to get ready to move into your college dorm. Having gone through the experience multiple times myself, I thought it would be helpful to give you some ideas to copy to make both packing and moving into your dorm as easy as possible.
So how do you pack a suitcase for college? Divide your suitcase into three different sections:
- Clothes
- Health & Hygiene
- Electronics & School supplies
You can organize each of these sections differently depending on how many suitcases you plan to use.
There are a couple different packing methods that can protect your health & hygiene, and electronics & school supplies from possible travel damage, and you can use them if you’re packing one or multiple suitcases. These methods differ depending on if you’re flying to your campus or not.
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If You’re Packing One Suitcase, Divide It Into Three Sections
If you’re only packing your college supplies in one suitcase, divide your items into three separate sections: Clothes, Health & Hygiene, and Electronics & School supplies.
Clothes:
Below, I’ve provided 3 different ways that you could pack the first section of your luggage, as well as an honorable mention.
Version #1 (The Compact)
Fold your clothes in a compact style (see an example video below)…
…and place them to the far left or right side of your suitcase (see example below):
Why this method? Packing your clothes this way allows you to squeeze a large amount of garments into one space. It’s also an easy way to differentiate the clothes section from the other two sections and provide easy access.
Version #2 (The Cushion)
*tip* works best when you pack a large amount of clothes
Step One: Fold all of your clothes and place a portion of the folded clothing on the bottom of your suitcase
Step Two: Place another portion on the sides of your suitcase
Step Three: Place a line of folded clothes down the middle of your suitcase to divide it into two sections
Step Four: Place your health & hygiene and electronics & school items in the separate makeshift pockets you created with your clothes before covering them with your remaining folded garments
Why this method? Packing your clothes this way lets your clothes act as a protective cushion for your health & hygiene and electronics & school items. This is especially useful if you’re flying because we all know the airport staff isn’t the nicest with our luggage.
Version #3 (The Sandwich, a.k.a., The Easier Cushion)
Step One: Fold all of your clothes and place half of the folded clothing on the bottom of your suitcase
Step Two: Place your health & hygiene and electronics & school items on the bed of clothes
Step Three: Place the rest of your folded clothes on top of the other supplies
Why this method? Like the original Cushion, this also works as a makeshift cushion to protect your items from possible travel damage. The difference is that the far left and right side of your luggage will be more exposed than the top and bottom portions since there is no extra clothes there for extra protection.
Honorable Mention
If your suitcase comes with a separate zippered section, place some of your clothes in one section while placing the rest with your health & hygiene and electronics & school items to give them a little protective cushioning. This does not apply to suitcases that have a zippered section on the outside of the suitcase rather than inside. (See below image to notice the difference).
Health & Hygiene:
Just Health
Place your medicine, vitamins, etc. in a separate bag (plastic, reusable, etc.) to differentiate it from the rest of your health items.
Both Health & Hygiene
Place any liquid items that can possibly leak in a separate (plastic, reusable, etc.) bag to keep it from soiling your other packed items (ex: Body wash, shampoo).
- Pro tip for plane rides: If you’re flying, the possibility of your liquid items leaking greatly increases due to the change in air pressure (I’ve had this happen to me a couple times). Wrap each individual liquid item in plastic wrap for extra protection.
Place the rest of your items next to your clothes if you used Version #1 of packing your clothes, in it’s d.i.y pocket sections if you used Version #2 or #3 of packing your clothes, or in either the regular or zippered section of your suitcase if you used the Honorable Mention method.
Electronics & School Supplies:
Electronics
Wrap long wires and use rubber bands or something similar to hold them together and prevent them from getting tangled.
Consider using a separate, smaller bag to keep your smaller electronic items in for easy access and differentiation.
Make sure to place the extra important items, like your laptop, in more cushioned sections of your suitcase (for this, consider using Version #2 or #3 clothes packing methods).
School Supplies
Place any delicate items on top of a more cushioned section of your suitcase (for this, consider using Version #2 or #3 clothes packing methods).
Electronics & School Supplies
Place the rest of your items next to your clothes if you used Version #1 of packing your clothes, in it’s d.i.y pocket sections if you used Version #2 or #3 of packing your clothes, or in either the regular or zippered section of your suitcase if you used the Honorable Mention method.
If You’re Packing More Than One Suitcase, Divide The Supplies By Suitcases
If you’re packing your college supplies in more than one suitcase, make sure to provide some sort of cushioning for your delicate items in each bag. You could do this by splitting your clothing between bags and using the same packing methods described in the previous section. Keep the health & hygiene items and the electronics & school supplies in separate bags from each other to eliminate the possibility of water damage.
How Much Luggage Should You Take To Your College Dorm?
The amount of luggage you take to your dorm obviously depends on how much stuff you plan on bringing. Typically, many freshmen overpack (like me), so remember this rule: if you didn’t use it at home, you probably won’t at college. That being said, you should probably reserve, at most, three suitcases to pack your supplies in.
As I’ve mentioned before, clothes can be divided between all of your suitcases, but electronics & school supplies should be in separate bags to eliminate the possibility of water damage.There are certain things that you shouldn’t pack in your suitcase, but rather pack in moving boxes or buy when arriving on campus. Here is a list of examples:
Moving boxes or equivalent:
- Bedding
- Bath towels
- Very large electronics (desktop, tv, etc.)
- Kitchen appliances (coffee maker, hot pot, etc.)
- Storage supplies (mini safe, vacuum sealed bags, etc.)
- Cleaning supplies
- Transportation devices (skateboard, bike, etc.)
Buy brand new:
- Decoration supplies
- Laundry supplies
- Bathroom supplies if it’s non-communal (shower curtain, plunger, etc.)
- Food and snacks
- Eating utensils
- Mini fridge
When Should You Start Packing Your Suitcases For College?
Start packing your suitcases before you pack your moving boxes. This will give you the opportunity to sort through and decide what you will and won’t need as soon as you arrive on campus. You should spend at least two weeks packing your luggage to make sure you don’t forget anything, find any items you may have misplaced, and buy any new items you might need.
The Best Suitcase Options For College Students
The suitcase that you use for college is also extremely important. Having extra spaces to tuck your things in is very helpful: it keeps all of your stuff from getting jumbled up together. This will make it easier and faster to unpack during move-in day, which is a blessing, trust me. Make sure to check out the the features of each bag to be positive that it fits your needs. Need a place to start? I listed three of the best suitcases for college students below.
AmazonBasics Hardside Spinner Luggage:
US Traveler Pro Two Piece Expandable Luggage Set:
Related Questions:
How should I organize my packing for college?
If you’re driving, pack what you’re going to actively need in your suitcase; pack everything else in moving boxes. If you’re flying, pack what you can in suitcases and ship anything else you want to bring. Buy certain items when you get to campus such as cleaning supplies, decorations, etc.
How do I pack for college across the country and out of state?
Pack what you’re going to actively need and use in your suitcase. Pack everything else in strong storage devices that will survive the airport. Ship what you can’t bring onto the plane. Buy items from the following category when you get to campus: Decoration, Laundry, Bathroom, Food.
