Coming Home From College Break: What to Bring and How to Store It

In order to know how much space you're going to take up at your parents’ house, you have to know what you'll be taking, and if you need a student storage unit to protect the things you can’t take.

Depending on your situation you may need to bring more, but the following items are a must to pack up and take home for any break.

No college student can survive without a phone for a day, much less a week or more. Your phone and computer will be crucial during your break. Both your phone and computer will facilitate communication between friends, students, and professors. 

You may only use your computer for homework, but it can be a valuable tool to stave off boredom. While your parents are watching “The Bachelor,” you can turn to your computer to watch a TV show or movie of your own, or to play video games.

Remember to bring the necessary chargers! Nothing is worse than being stuck with dead batteries and no way to charge them.

Your parents’ house is the perfect place for you to do your laundry for free and in relative privacy. Bring your bedding, towels, and any clothing that you have put off washing for a semester.

For summer, fall, and winter breaks, bring your seasonal clothes and swap them out for the upcoming weather. You don't need three winter coats in the spring or summer, so the winter break is a great chance to drop off some of this clothing and pick up some that are more appropriate.

Unless you have graduated and you're coming home for good, you will likely need to do homework during your breaks. Of course, if you don't bring your books, notes, computer, and anything else pertinent to your studies, you won’t be able to get anything done. To keep your grades up, bring anything you need to complete and turn in your assignments.

In addition to your regular clothing, you may want to bring a nice set of clothes in case you schedule an interview. If you are home for long — say, the summer break — you may want to make some extra cash. Additionally, gaining on-the-job experience during college can help jumpstart your professional career. It is a wise idea to take some business casual (or nicer) clothing in case you want to land an internship or a temp job.

Looking nice for interviews may include jewelry, watches, etc. — all of which are valuable. Leaving valuables in your dorm room while you are on break leaves them susceptible to theft. Any jewelry and irreplaceable items should be taken with you for peace of mind.

What to Do With This Stuff

Now that you have a general idea about what you will be bringing home, here comes the tricky part; where are you going to store your stuff

Depending on how long your break is, your method of storage may vary. For instance, if you are moving out of your dorm room for good, you may choose to get a long-term storage solution. However, if you are only leaving for a week, you can take less permanent measures.

For smaller breaks, not much more effort is needed than to pack a limited number of items into boxes. Purchase some moving supplies and boxes to save time and energy during your move. Be sure to label your boxes so you know what is in them without having to open them. Consolidating all of your stuff into a few boxes can help save space so you are not cluttering up your parents’ house.

For longer breaks, or a permanent move, a storage unit is a great option for students. Try to find a storage unit close to your parents’ house or your new apartment. Pro tip: if you are still in school, try to find a storage unit close to your university to save space in your dorm room.

Bringing the necessary items needed to be comfortable on break doesn’t have to be costly. You’re trying to save money in college, not throw it down the drain. Managing and properly storing your items during your break means you won’t have to spend it in a cluttered room or house.