Must-Do's for Move-Out |  Packing Tips Every Student Should Know

Over 11,000 students will be moving out of the residence halls on Wednesday, May 11 and Thursday, May 12 due to the finals schedule. If possible, move out prior to Wednesday, May 11 to avoid significant traffic and wait times.

Checklist - Must-Do’s for Move-Out 

 Use multiple trips. 
Going home over the Patriots' Day long weekend ? Take the opportunity to bring as much of your belongings home as possible. 

 Decide if you need storage. 
UMass has partnered with Dorm Room Movers to offer students a convenient summer storage option with the added benefit of having your belongings delivered during Move-In. Please note: no other vendor will be allowed on campus during Move-In. 

 Purge before packing. 
Eliminate clutter and get rid of unnecessary items. Be sure to distinguish between items you will donate, recycle or throw away. New2U donation tents will be set up in every residential area starting Monday, May 9 to collect unwanted furniture, electronics, clothes, etc. 

 Get moving supplies. 
Be sure to have boxes, bins, zip ties, and other moving supplies on hand before move-out day. 

 Start packing early. 
If you’ve already started your packing process, you will avoid the stress and time consumption of last minute packing. No one needs added stress during finals week!

 Don’t forget to clean and return your furniture to its original position. 
Be sure your space is broom swept and in the same condition as when you arrived to avoid additional charges. 

 Return your key to your Residential Service Desk. 
Make sure you return your key before leaving campus in order to avoid a $200 lock recore fee. 

 Avoid traffic and move out as soon as possible. 
Over 11,000 residents will move-out on Wednesday and Thursday. Avoid sitting in traffic around campus and on your route home by heading home as early as possible. 

 Know the traffic pattern for your area. 
If you must move out on Wednesday or Thursday, be aware that traffic patterns on campus will be altered and plan accordingly.

 Be ready to load your belongings when your ride arrives. 
There will be no parking near the halls during Move-Out. Only cars being loaded with belongings will be permitted.  

Tricks of the Trade - Packing tips every student should know 

• Know that you'll have more belongings than you moved in with. 
You have accumulated additional belongings since the beginning of the year. Plan accordingly by taking multiple trips and being ready with additional moving supplies. 

• Leave clothing on their hangers. 
Zip tie hangers together and cover the clothing with a plastic trash bag. Tie the bottom of the trash bag to keep your items clean. 

• Roll your bedding up together. 
Create more space in your car by rolling sheets, comforters, and even pillows together and using a belt to secure them. 

• Leave items packed in plastic drawers. 
Be sure to secure the doors with Duct Tape or something similar. 

• Place loose items in small boxes or containers. 
Small boxes or Tupperware are great for transporting jewelry, toiletries, school supplies, and the rest of the stuff you’ve accumulated this year. 

• Don’t use trash bags. 
Yes, a trash bag to protect clothes on hangers is one thing, but putting everything you own into 6 trash bags is not the best idea. Regular shaped items like boxes and plastic bins (that you probably already have) are much easier to pack into a car. 

• Did you keep the box your tv, computer, lamp, etc. came in? 
Use the original boxes for the safest and most efficient transport of electronics and other expensive items. 

• Tame loose cords with rubber bands. 

• Be sure to balance weight when packing boxes and bins. 
Start with heavier items on the bottom and lighter items on the top. Try to keep the weight of each box similar to avoid straining yourself.