You have heard of Spring-cleaning, well this is Summer-cleaning. It’s time to go through everything in your room and decide what stays and what goes. A good rule of thumb: anything that you haven’t used or worn in over a year is probably a good thing to pitch or donate. The last thing you need is extra stuff cluttering this new stage of your life.

Next put away things you are planning on keeping, but don’t want to take to school. I like to have separate bins for winter clothes. That way, when the weather starts to get colder, I can make a trip home to easily make a switch. Also, you most likely aren’t going to have very much room in your dorm or apartment closet, so don’t bring every single t-shirt you own. Pack your favorites and leave the rest.

Also, start putting the items you are planning on bringing to school in boxes. Set aside a designated area in your house for your things so you don’t mix anything up. When I was starting college I filled my mother’s dining room with boxes and room décor. She wasn’t too happy, but it kept me organized and prepared for the big moving day!

Finally, now that you have gotten rid of your old things and know exactly what you need for school, start shopping! Read CL’s Day 5 for tips on how to organize your back to school shopping trip!

Kelly Adams is an intern at College Lifestyles (TM).  She is a journalism major at the University of Kentucky and a member of Kappa Delta Sorority.  She likes Audrey Hepburn movies, trips to the lake, and her cockapoo Nicholas.