by Mabel Jane

Created on: May 30, 2010

Another school year has come and gone and it is time to move out of that cramped, one-bedroom you called home for the past 8 months. It is a bittersweet moment and, whether you’re returning in the fall or not, it is easy to get caught up in the goodbyes (and the goodbye parties).

However, it is important to keep some things in mind when you are moving out of the dorms to make sure you don’t lose your most valued possession or have to take out another loan to pay hefty housing fines.

Packing

When you are packing, the best idea is to pack your items in two piles: things you will need to unpack and use over summer break and things you will not need to see again until the fall.

As you are packing, you may come across items you borrowed over the school year—a flash drive, textbook, t-shirt, etc. Make sure to remember to give these back to their rightful owners. You may want to create a separate pile of items to give back.

While you are doing this, try to remember if there are any items you loaned and now need back. Make a list and contact each person as soon as possible. Once they leave for the summer, you may never see that item again.

Cleaning and Fixing

Dorm rooms are tiny, so many of them come with stackable furniture that can be moved around throughout the year to save room or refresh a stale environment.

Many colleges ask that furniture is returned to its natural state (the way it was set up when you moved in). Do not forget to reorganize the furniture. Believe it or not, you could get fined if someone else has to unstack and move heavy furniture.

In order to avoid fines, leave the room as clean as possible. Sweep the floor, dust, vaccum and try to get rid of any marks that may have stained the walls. Mr. Clean magic eraser works pretty well for scuffs and stains on the walls.

The fact that you took the time to clean the room will show hall directors that you respected the room and their time, which may come in handy if there is a minor scratch or dent somewhere.

You lived in a dorm, not a frat, but that doesn’t mean there may have been some damage to the room. Hopefully, any major damage was reported to the Resident Assistant or Hall Director.

There isn’t much you can do to cover up a broken window or bed. However, minor damage may be treatable. Check your room for any holes in the wall (made by pushpins, nails, etc.).

You will want to close these up (aka hide) with some plaster. If you can’t afford plaster—you are

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