The ordeal that is moving out for the break between fall and spring semesters is undeniably odd. Because even though you are leaving for what is considered a break, it is a considerable amount of time. This academic year has made it even weirder, as we will be gone for 10 weeks instead of the traditional 4. Because of this, I thought it would be helpful to share what I learned and wish I knew last year when I moved out for winter break. And while it may seem like you don’t have time to employ this advice I hope I can encourage you to. If you do, I guarantee you will be so much happier when you come back in February.
- Clean everything.
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This may seem obvious, but when I came back from break I was overwhelmed by just how quickly mountains of dust had accumulated. And for some dishes and surfaces, it was past the point of cleaning and I sadly couldn’t clean them. Because of this, it’s so crucial that you deep clean before you leave. This includes things like that dish that you think you could get away without cleaning and basically every surface in your room.
- Empty your fridge
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Your food is going to expire. And even the food you keep in there for 10 weeks that might not expire that you think you will eat won’t be eaten in the spring. As someone who hates throwing anything out no matter how nonessential it is, I kept every non-perishable item in my room during break. And what did I do with that food when I came back for spring semester? I threw it out because it was either very stale or I realized I had zero interest in eating it. So, take it from me and purge your fridge if you can. Then clean the inside. I know you most likely have weird food spilled in there that simply cannot sit there all break.
- Get your clothing affairs in order
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Take stock on what has accumulated in your room. I know personally after the end of the semester I end up finding so many weird items that I didn’t realize were in there or aren’t mine. Then, decide what you want to keep and return whatever isn’t yours to your friends. There is a Goodwill less than 15 minutes from campus that would be so happy to get donations. Once you do this, make sure to bring home the stuff you know you won’t wear next semester or the things you know you will need during the break.
- Wash your sheets/comforter
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There will simply be nothing better than coming back to a clean bed. It will save you time when you come back, and be the perfect welcome home. Trust me and do this even though I know how much of a hassle it might seem like at the moment.
- Put your key in something (anything) you are going to take home. Right now.
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No explanation needed. I forgot my key every time I went home last year and had to bother my RA each time I returned back from break. Tie it to your shoe you are packing or put it in the bag you are packing your jewelry in or simply put it in the backpack you are bringing home. The opportunities of where you can put that key are endless. Just don’t do what I did so many times and leave it on your desk.
Most importantly, remember that over break university staff will be coming through your room to clean and in the worst case scenario, look through your belongings to find things that shouldn’t be in your dorm room. Especially due to the new cleaning policies COVID-19 has brought on, this sanitization is probably going to be pretty thorough. So, if you plan to keep items that Father Jenkins probably would not approve of, hide them in places that they can’t find or just get rid of them.
The spring semester of college is so different from high school in that it really is a fresh start. You get new classes, a new routine, and usually end up meeting so many new people. Give your room the fresh start it needs too. While it may seem like you need to spend every waking moment in Hes or the 5th floor of Duncan, I know you have time. Sometime in the next two weeks you will end up going on your phone and procrastinating for way too long. Instead of doing that, take an hour or so to do the steps I listed to get yourself and your dorm room ready for break. I promise you will be so happy you did.
