Moving out can be awkward, time-consuming, and messy. We have teamed up with colleagues from Planet Blue and the City of Ann Arbor to offer you some helpful hints and tips for how to stress out of packing.
Take a look at this video, to learn what you can do to help as you start to pack. Additionally, this blog post from the Planet Blue Student Leaders gives some great advice on how to move out of your house or apartment in a sustainable way.
Some packing tips:
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If you don’t think that you will need a particular item again, don’t just pack it. Consider donating or upcycling it. This will help prevent simply throwing it out when you’re unpacking.
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Start early by putting a box in each room or area of your apartment so that you can pack away the items that you do not use often. When you need to use it, it would be quick to pull out.
Don't forget to change your mailing address with credit card and phone companies, news and magazine subscriptions, and other personal and business contacts. It is also important to submit your summer address change to the Office of the Registrar on Wolverine Access under “student business.”
If you are unable to take items home because of space or weight limitations, consider donation! This is a great way to improve sustainability, and also share resources with those in need. Below is a list of organizations who are receiving donations. Please be aware that donation times and protocols may be different than advertised, due to COVID restrictions:
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Recycle Ann Arbor Re-Use Center: 734-222-7880
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Kiwanis Club of Ann Arbor: 734-665-0450
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Salvation Army: 313-965-7760
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PTO Thrift Shop: 734-996-9195
For items that you’re not able to donate, re-use, or recycle, please take a look at this information from the City of Ann Arbor, on how, where, and when you drop off your larger waste items.
On your move out day, make sure your room is cleaned and vacuumed. If you aren’t planning to return until the Fall Semester, make sure to unplug your appliances, turn off the lights, and make sure all doors and windows are fully locked and secured.