Packing for the Plane: Ground Rules

When I was packing for college I did so much research, wanting to get everything just right. The problem was no one really said anything about what to do when you have to get to college on a plane. Plenty of students go to school across the country and driving is impractical, if not impossible. The restrictions on flying are what will dictate your plans and here is my advice for coping with them.

The Bags

A trunk here, here, and here are great cheap ones that last forever.

2 giant suitcases, make sure these have wheels.

1 carry-on size duffel (no wheels).

This plan assumes you are traveling alone, if not you can bring a bit more stuff.

The trunk should be shipped about 1 week before you get to school on the slow, cheap shipping. Why ship? Because your stuff, even if it fits in 2 suitcases, will be too heavy, and did you know overweight charges start at $400? In here goes winter clothes, extra blankets, fancy dresses, and décor/storage items. Make sure it locks and add an additional lock, be prepared to tell UPS/Fedex what is in it and buy at least a bit of insurance.

The suitcases go with you on the plane. They need wheels because unless you are a 6’7” 250 lb. football player you can’t carry 2 duffels across campus. These bags are for your clothes, toiletries, sheets, anything you will need asap.

The duffel should be your carry-on. It shouldn’t have wheels because you can’t really wheel 3 suitcases. Attach it to the top-handle of one of the big suitcases. Make sure you work this out before you leave. Put you electronics, an outfit change for going out, and your pajamas in here. This way you don’t have to unpack everything your first night.

General Tips

• Make a list of everything you brought, and which bag it is in
• Pack in categories
• If in doubt don’t bring it, you don’t have the luxury of space
• Take photos of all your stuff in case anything gets lost, and for targeted unpacking
• Whatever you can, buy at school

And the final rule: It will suck, it will be stressful, you will want to cry, everything will be heavy, and you will be tired, but ask for help. Talk to friends ahead of time and arrange for them to meet you at the shuttle/cab/train/bus stop and assist you to your room. Try to leave your stuff before you check-in; that will make you cry.