7 Items You Can Skip When Packing for College

1. Excessive Books

No matter how passionate you are about reading, try to keep the number of books you bring to a handful of your absolute favorites. "I packed way too many books my freshman year thinking I would revisit them all," says Niamh Cahill, a student and two-time orientation leader at Kenyon College. "It was nice to have books I loved with me, but I ended up not having the time to read them or the space to store them. Plus, with all the required class readings, I rarely found myself reaching for my personal collection." 

2. Bringing Your Entire Wardrobe

Professional organizer Andrew Mellen emphasizes the importance of cutting down on unnecessary clothing. "You know which pieces in your closet you actually wear, so leave behind anything you haven’t worn in months—because you likely won’t wear them at college either," Mellen advises. Also, consider your school's climate: if you're headed to school in Vermont, you probably won’t need an entire wardrobe of jean shorts. Pro tip: before you leave, do a thorough closet purge to ensure you're only bringing the clothes you truly wear and love. 

3. A Portable Lap Desk

Although lap desks can be a handy solution for working from home (who wouldn’t love taking Zoom calls while lounging in bed?), many college students buy them but rarely end up using them, according to Claire Lawler, a recent graduate of Clark University. Most students prefer to work in the library with friends or in different locations for a change of scenery, and if they do work from bed, a simple pillow works just fine. Plus, lap desks tend to be bulky and hard to store.

4. An Iron and Ironing Board

Everyone enjoys having crisp, freshly pressed clothes, but finding space for an ironing board can be a challenge. A great alternative is a steamer, which will leave your clothes looking just as sharp as an iron but will take up much less space in your closet.

5. Your High Heel Collection

This one might be tough—who doesn’t love dressing up every now and then?—but when it comes to packing for college, practicality should come first. Cahill shares that she packed several pairs of heels during her freshman year, only to never wear any of them. “There were no occasions that called for heels, and they took up unnecessary space in my closet. I didn’t bring them back.” If you must pack heels, choose a versatile, comfortable pair in a neutral shade that’s more likely to get some use.

6. Excessive Decorative Items

Moving into a dorm is a thrilling experience, and one of the best parts is transforming it into a space that feels like home. However, Nicole Gabai, a certified virtual organizing expert and founder of B. Organized, warns that too many decorative items can make your dorm feel cramped and overwhelming. Avoid bringing items that only add clutter, like trinkets and excessive throw pillows. (Trust me, those pillows will end up on the floor every night.) Instead, opt for a few meaningful, space-saving decor pieces like a poster of your favorite band or string lights to drape above your bed.

7. Large Storage Solutions

It might seem counterintuitive—where do I store all my stuff?!—but Laurie Palau from Simply B Organized and Gabai agree that rushing into buying storage solutions before assessing your space can be a big mistake. They recommend waiting until you arrive and have had a chance to measure your dorm room (bring a measuring tape!). That way, you can figure out what will fit. There’s nothing worse than spending money on storage bins and baskets only to have to send them right back.