Who would’ve thought moving out of a shoebox could be so stressful? You manage to cram your life into every nook and cranny of your dorm room or on-campus apartment throughout the school year, then you have to somehow manage to pack it all back up.

From one on-campus dweller to another, don’t worry — it can be done. Read on to learn tips and tricks that’ll be sure to impress mom when she comes to help. Also, follow the checklist provided by Florida Atlantic’s Housing and Residential Life to make sure you cover every square inch for checkout.

1. Hit up stores like BestBuy and Costco to see if you can get large boxes for all of your belongings.
2. Delegate the cleaning of any common areas. This’ll help it go by faster and keep everyone from getting overwhelmed with responsibility.
3. Use small amounts of white toothpaste to fill in holes left by thumbtacks.
4. Turn off your fridge a few days before leaving with a towel left underneath. This’ll give any liquid time to leak out.
5. Put a dryer sheet in your air vent for a couple of days to help get rid of any lingering smells.
6. Start packing clothes that you’re positive you won’t wear within the time of packing. This’ll give you a head start and you won’t have as much to worry about later on.
7. Consider donating or selling any old clothes or books to lighten the load.
8. Get bubble wrap to protect mirrors, lamps, televisions and other breakables. You can also use socks for extra padding.
9. Plastic cling wrap or vacuum seal your clothes on hangers to keep dust off of them and to consolidate them.
10. Label all of your boxes by category — kitchen, bathroom, bedding, etc. — or color code them to stay organized.

Traditional Checkout: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

•  Pick a check out time with your RA 24 hours prior to desired check out time. A sign-up sheet will be located on your RA’s door.
• At checkout time, your RA will inspect your room and fill out a room condition report.
• You and your RA will then go to the front desk to return your key.
•  Have a fun summer!

Non-traditional Checkout: 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.

•  Remove all personal items and clean your room.
•  When you’re ready to check out, visit the front desk.
•  Complete the checkout paperwork and return your key.
• Have a fun summer! (A final inspection and room condition report will be completed within 24 hours of checkout.)

All of the information above can be found on here. Students must move out within 24 hours of their last final, or by 5 p.m. on April 30 — whichever comes first.

To check out more tips click here. Or pick up our newest issue in bins around campus!