A Failproof Guide to Packing for Fall Semester
“What is that?”
My new roommate was eyeing the outfits I’d spread across my dorm bed.
“It’s a sheer, bubblegum pink apron blouse… with a matching skirt,” I said, defending myself weakly.
“Why do you even own that?” she asked. “And—wait—you don’t own jeans?”
Unfortunately, that exchange was real. I showed up to college with four suitcases full of “special occasion” outfits and not a single thing I could actually wear to class. If only someone had stopped me and said: Put down the sequin Uggs and grab a pack of tank tops instead.
So, learn from my mistakes. Take everything out of your closet—yes, everything and let’s sort it together.
Pile 1: The Heavy Hitters
These are your go-tos. The clothes you actually wear on rotation—your favorite jeans, hoodies, leggings, and tees. College is about 90% casual wear. Think about what you’ll reach for from your 8 AM class to your 11:59 PM essay submission. Those pieces?They’re coming with you.
Pile 2: The “You Only Need One”
Rainy campus? Pack one rain jacket and one pair of rain boots.
Snowy winters? One solid coat and one set of gloves.
Rushing a sorority or fraternity? One dress or one suit will do.
Remember—you’re going to school, not moving to a deserted island. If you end up needing something else, you can always call home and have it shipped.
Pile 3: The Call-Home-For-It Pile
This is for the “maybe later” items—like a nice dress for a formal, or snow boots for that spontaneous cabin weekend. You might need them once, you might never. Keep them easy to find so your family can mail them out if the time comes.
Pile 4: The Purge
If it doesn’t fit, if it still has tags from 2022, if you “meant to return it,” or if it’s full of holes, say goodbye. Someone else can give it a second life, and you’ll gain both closet space and mental clarity. (Also, your family might secretly want your closet back.)
Pile 5: The Maybes and the Spring Pile
These are the pieces you like but don’t need right now.
Ask yourself: Can I live without this for one semester?
Pack your spring items neatly in one of our cute luggage sets and store them at home. When winter break comes, you’ll already be halfway packed for next semester.
And That’s It!
Step back and admire your edited closet. You’ll clearly see what’s missing..maybe a few basics, like fresh tees or socks that actually match.
The best part of decluttering? Making space for something new you actually love.