The countdown to the last day of the semester has begun. As the days go by, we get closer and closer to never-ending beach trips, spontaneous adventures with friends, and freedom from dreaded 8 a.m. classes. But first, we have to survive Operation Move Out.

Now, I know what you’re thinking.

It’s going to take forever. 

Your annoying little sibling will be in the way. 

It’s going to be hot. 

And somehow, you’ve managed to accumulate an alarming amount of stuff. When did that happen? And more importantly … where did the money come from?

Don’t fear, the Move-Out Fairy is here! Now, I may not be able to stop you from sweating during the move-out, but I can give you some advice on how to make the transition easier.

Pack now and panic later

I know it seems early, but I also know that you don’t need that puffer jacket in April. Go ahead and pack up all of your winter clothes and the miscellaneous items you haven’t used in months. Get a head start on packing, and thank me when you’re done.

Label your boxes (seriously)

You will not remember what was in that one random Target bag. Find an organizational system that works for you. And don’t just label the box “important.” Be specific. I promise you won’t be wanting to go on a scavenger hunt for your hairbrush when you finally get home.

Get up and do your laundry

Do not wait until the night before you move out to wash all of your sheets, towels, and clothes. Trust me, 30 other people will have the same idea. Nothing’s more character-building than fighting for a dryer at 2 AM.

Be real, are you really going to need that?

Don’t keep anything you won’t actually use or need next semester. Remember that mechanical pencil you lost the eraser to? Throw it away. Don’t forget that puzzle you bought at the beginning of the semester you said you would do when you had free time. Go ahead and donate that to Goodwill.

Something will go wrong

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but something inevitably will go wrong. No matter how much laundry you did, how many boxes you labeled, or how many YouTube videos your younger sibling watched, life happens. Go ahead and accept the hard truths now.

Take advantage of resources provided by Georgia Southern

Now, if you didn’t get anything out of my amazing advice, this summer, Georgia Southern will be offering a shipping and storage service called “Storage Scholars.” This service will provide students with packing materials, such as boxes, and a place to store items locally. There is also an option to ship items anywhere in the country. 

If you would like to learn more about “Storage Scholars,” visit storagescholars.com. 

Okay, I’m serious. Go start packing.