Packing Cologne For College: A Step-By-Step Guide

Packing for college can be a stressful experience, but it doesn't have to be. There are several steps you can take to make the process easier. First, it's important to only take the essentials. Focus on the basics, such as bedding, towels, and toiletries. Second, find the right containers for your items. Cardboard boxes, moving storage bags, and storage bins are all great options. Third, plan to bring only a minimal wardrobe. Bring comfortable clothes and shoes, as well as one pair of dressy shoes and an outfit suitable for a job interview or a special occasion. Fourth, be familiar with your school's rules and any items it may provide, such as refrigerators or microwaves. Finally, don't forget to cushion fragile items like cologne and perfume when packing.

Use a mesh caddy to hold your cologne and other toiletries

Packing for college can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to toiletries and fragrances. A great solution is to use a mesh caddy to hold your cologne and other toiletries. Here are some tips on how to make the most of this handy item:

Choose the Right Mesh Caddy

Select a mesh caddy that is sturdy, with a strong handle and secure pockets. It should be able to hold all your essential toiletries, including your cologne, without feeling too bulky or heavy. Look for one with multiple compartments of various sizes to accommodate different-sized items. You may also want to opt for a waterproof mesh caddy to protect your items from any spills or leaks.

Organise Your Items Efficiently

Arrange your toiletries in the mesh caddy in a way that makes sense to you. Group similar items together, such as placing your cologne with other fragrances or skincare products. Keep the items you use most often easily accessible, such as placing your toothbrush and toothpaste in a front pocket. If you have fragile items like glass bottles, wrap them carefully in bubble wrap or cloth before placing them in the caddy.

Pack Only the Essentials

When packing for college, it's important to prioritise the essentials. Only pack what you truly need and use regularly. This includes items like deodorant, toothpaste, shampoo, and, of course, your favourite cologne. Avoid packing bulky items or those that can be easily purchased later if needed. Remember, you can always buy additional items once you settle into your dorm.

Utilise the Mesh Caddy's Breathability

One advantage of using a mesh caddy is its breathability. The mesh material allows air to circulate, helping your toiletries stay fresh and dry. This is especially beneficial for damp items like washcloths or razors, preventing the growth of mould or mildew. Additionally, the mesh design makes it easy to see what's inside, so you can quickly grab what you need without rummaging through the bag.

Consider Adding Extra Protection

While the mesh caddy provides a great way to organise and transport your toiletries, you may want to consider adding some extra protection for your cologne, especially if it's a fragile or expensive bottle. Wrapping your cologne bottle in a soft cloth or bubble wrap can provide a cushion in case of any bumps or drops. Alternatively, you can place it in a small pouch or box within the mesh caddy to keep it secure and separate from other items.

Pack clothes on hangers to save space

Packing clothes on hangers is a great way to save space when packing for college. Here are some tips to help you maximize space and keep your clothes organized:

Take Inventory

First, take stock of the clothes you plan to pack. How many shirts, pants, skirts, etc., do you need to bring? This will help you determine how much space you need for your hanging clothes. Focus on packing only the essentials to make the most of your limited space. Donate or sell any bulky items that you don't often wear.

Use a Suitcase

If you're short on space, consider using a suitcase to transport your hanging clothes. This way, you can easily wheel them to your new home without juggling multiple boxes or bags.

Try the Garbage Bag Trick

The garbage bag trick is a quick and efficient way to pack your hanging clothes. Take a clean garbage bag and poke a small hole in the bottom. Pull the bag over several pieces of clothing on hangers and close the bag at the bottom, tying its handles in a knot. This method is perfect for packing clothes quickly and with minimal effort.

Avoid Throwing Hangers into Boxes

While it may be tempting to just toss your hangers into a cardboard box, this is not an efficient use of space. Hangers can easily get tangled, bent, or broken when packed this way. Instead, try grouping your hangers by type (plastic, wire, etc.) and securing them together in bundles of 30 to 40 using bags or stretch wrap. Label each bundle and pack them upright in medium to large-sized boxes. This saves space and keeps your hangers organized and protected during transit.

Bunch Items Together

You can save space by bunching multiple items on a single hanger. For example, you can group several shirts or fold a sweater over a hanger. This works especially well for skirts. Simply slip the hanger through the waistband and fold the skirt over the hanger so that it lies flat, preventing wrinkles.

Use Rubber Bands

Secure multiple hangers together with a rubber band and then stack them vertically in your box, with the hooks pointing up. This prevents tangles and maximizes space. This method works for both wire and plastic hangers.

By following these tips, you'll be able to pack your clothes on hangers efficiently and make the most of your limited space when heading off to college.

Use packing cubes to organise your items

Packing cubes are a great way to organise your items when packing for college. They are pouches that act as drawers for your suitcase, helping you to stay organised throughout your trip. Here are some tips for using packing cubes to organise your items:

Categorise Each Cube

Assign a category to each packing cube so you know exactly where to find every item. Marie Kondo, the organisational guru, suggests dividing items into the following categories: undergarments, tops, bottoms, shoes, toiletries, and accessories. You can also categorise by type of clothing, such as having one cube for shirts and another for pants. If you are travelling as a family, use different coloured cubes for each person.

Experiment with the Number of Cubes

Don't be afraid to experiment with the number of cubes you use. Start with a small number and add more if needed. Three to five cubes is a good starting point.

Use an Assortment of Sizes

Use a variety of sizes of packing cubes to accommodate different types of items. For example, use a small cube for underwear and socks, a medium cube for pants, and a large cube for bulkier items like jumpers.

Mindfully Fold or Roll Your Clothes

There are different techniques for placing items within the cubes. Marie Kondo recommends neatly file-folding clothes to maximise space and create a tidy appearance. Anne McAlpin of Pack It Up suggests measuring items to the width of the cube and rolling them to fit perfectly. For t-shirts, she recommends folding the arms inward, rolling from the bottom up, and placing them face-down in the cube.

Stack Strategically

When arranging the cubes in your suitcase, start with the largest cube and place it opposite the shoe side of your suitcase. Then play around to fit the smaller cubes in, stacking them horizontally or vertically, depending on the shape of your suitcase.

Determine What Doesn't Need a Cube

Not everything needs to go in a packing cube. Awkwardly shaped items like shoes, hair straighteners, and chargers can be wedged in between soft cubes filled with clothes.

Avoid Overstuffing Each Cube

There's no need to overstuff each cube. You can leave some space in the cubes and use any extra cubes for delicate items or dirty clothes.

By using packing cubes and following these tips, you can efficiently organise your items when packing for college.

Label your boxes and bags

Labelling your boxes and bags is an important step in the packing process. It ensures that you know what's in each container and where it should go when you arrive at college. Here are some tips for labelling your boxes and bags effectively:

Use a consistent labelling system

Choose a labelling system and stick to it throughout the packing process. For example, you could label each box with a number and create a corresponding list that details the contents of each box. Alternatively, you could label boxes by category, such as "clothing", "bedding", "toiletries", etc. This will make it easier to locate specific items when you need them.

Include essential information

On each label, be sure to include the student's name, cell number, dorm name, and room number. This is especially important if you are using a moving service or if the college offers helpers to unload your car. That way, your boxes and bags can be easily identified and delivered to the correct location.

Be specific

When labelling your boxes and bags, be as specific as possible about the contents. For example, instead of simply writing "clothes", you could write "winter clothes" or "dressy outfits". This will make unpacking and organising your items much easier when you arrive at college.

Use durable labels

Make sure to use labels that are durable and won't easily fall off or become damaged during transit. You can use masking tape or duct tape to secure the labels to your containers. It's also a good idea to place labels in multiple locations on each box or bag, so they can be easily identified from any angle.

Consider using a colour-coding system

To make identification even easier, you could use a colour-coding system for your labels. For example, you could use blue labels for essential items, green labels for clothing, red labels for fragile items, and so on. This will help you quickly identify and prioritise certain boxes or bags when unpacking.

Keep an inventory

Create an inventory list or spreadsheet that details the contents of each box or bag. This will not only help you stay organised during the packing process but will also make it easier to locate specific items when you need them. You can refer back to your inventory list when unpacking to ensure that all your items have arrived safely and nothing has been misplaced.

Keep your cologne in its original packaging to prevent leaks

When packing cologne for college, it is important to keep it in its original packaging to prevent leaks. This is because the original packaging is designed to securely hold the glass bottle that contains the cologne, reducing the risk of breakage during transport. Additionally, the packaging is often made with materials that can absorb minor leaks, keeping the liquid contained and preventing it from damaging other items in your luggage.

• Wrap the original packaging in plastic wrap or place it inside a sealable plastic bag. This adds an extra layer of protection against leaks and can help contain the liquid if the bottle leaks or breaks.
• Use cushioning materials such as bubble wrap, foam, or packing paper to surround the cologne bottle. This will help absorb any impact during transport and reduce the risk of breakage.
• Place the wrapped cologne in a sturdy box or container. Cardboard boxes are commonly used for shipping items, but a hard-sided container can provide additional protection.
• Securely seal the box with packing tape. Use generous amounts of tape to ensure that the box does not accidentally open during transport.
• Mark the box as fragile. Clearly label the box containing the cologne with "Fragile" stickers or markings. This will help handlers know to take extra care when moving or stacking your package.
• Avoid placing heavy items on top of the cologne. When packing multiple items, ensure that the cologne box is placed in a secure location where it won't be crushed or have heavy items stacked on top of it.
• Keep the cologne box separate from other items. Try to avoid stacking other boxes or luggage on top of the cologne box to reduce the risk of breakage or leaks.
• Transport the cologne yourself if possible. Carrying the cologne with you as a personal item can help ensure that it is handled with care and reduce the risk of damage during transport.

By following these tips and keeping your cologne in its original packaging, you can help prevent leaks and ensure that your cologne arrives safely and securely at your college destination.

Frequently asked questions