Use My “Countdown” Dorm Packing Method So You Don’t Overpack (Like I Used To!)

One of the hardest things to do to prepare for college move-in (at least for me) is deciding what to pack. It’s especially difficult to figure out which clothes to leave behind because of the constant fear of “But maybe I’ll need this one day!” Spoiler alert: You never do. 

I admit it: I’m an overpacker. I think I brought my entire wardrobe to school freshman year. And you guessed it! I only wore half of it. 

This fall, I’m going into my junior year of college, and I think I’ve finally mastered the ultimate packing formula to make sure I’m only bringing what I need so I save that already limited car space. I realized I had to look at my clothes by section and separate them by individual item so I don’t pack too much of one thing. 

Let my past mistakes be a lesson! With my dorm packing method, you won’t take more than six of any clothing items — and I promise you, it’s just what you’ll need.

• 6 sweaters
• 6 sweatshirts (I take a combination of hoodies, crewnecks, and one zip-up.)
• 5 long-sleeve shirts (I pack a mix of 3 solid-colored — black, white, and gray — and 2 with a simple pattern.)
• 5 going out tops (I go for a mix of tanks, T-shirts, bodysuits, and long sleeves.)
• 5 pairs of jeans (I choose a mix of light wash, dark wash, black, and maybe an off-white/cream. Also, some with rips and some without.)
• 4 denim shorts (I opt for light-wash, dark-wash, ripped, and a black pair.)
• 3 solid-colored basic tanks (I pack black, white, and gray.)
• 3 solid-colored basic T-shirts (Again, it’s black, white, and gray for me.)
• 3 skirts (I do 2 casual and 1 for going out.)
• 3 sweatpants (I prefer neutral colors — black, white, cream, gray, navy blue, or brown.)
• 3 PJ sets
• 3 pairs of sneakers (I pack 2 casual pairs and 1 pair for workouts.)
• 2 boots (I like 1 everyday casual pair and 1 for going out/events.)
• 2 sandals (Same here — 1 everyday casual pair and 1 nicer pair for events.)
• 2 winter jackets (1 lighter one and 1 heavier, especially if you live in a colder place, like I do.)
• 2 sweatshorts (Again, I go for neutral colors — black, white, cream, gray, navy blue, or brown.)
• 2 dresses (I pack 1 more casual option and 1 for going out.)
• 2 pairs of nicer pants (I’m thinking 1 leather and 1 business casual trouser.)
• 1 bathing suit

Hopefully, after reading this you’ll have an easier time packing for your dorm. This formula will ensure that you have all the necessities for mixing and matching outfit combos, but you don’t also feel overwhelmed by options — or your dorm room’s very, very small closet space.