How to pack for uni: 7 Expert packing tips from LOVESPACE

It’s almost time for the big move. And whether you’ve got everything you need or you’re still buying the essentials, knowing how to pack them will help keep your stress levels low.

So, we asked our storage partner and packing experts LOVESPACE for some packing advice.

Before we begin, let's take a minute to talk about travelling light. Consider what you really need with you at uni, as your room can quickly start to get cluttered.

If you're moving into a Unite Students property, travelling light is also going to save you a lot of hassle on check-in day. Because of social distancing measures, you may need to queue in a line every time you want to re-enter the building during check-in. The fewer trips you have to make to your car, the less queuing you'll have to do.

Unfortunately, the team won't be able to help you with your things this year either. Having said that, if you need help moving in because of a disability or health condition, please let us know by emailing supportrequest@unitestudents.com.

Now to the heart of the matter, how to pack for uni. Without further ado, here are LOVESPACE's seven tips for pain-free university packing.

1) Start as soon as you can

No matter how good a packer you are, it always takes longer than you think. Start at least three weeks before moving day, so you can make sure you have everything you need. This way, you’ve still got time to make a late dash to Ikea if you find your pillowcases have been eaten by moths.

2) Break the job down

Do a little packing at a time over several weeks, rather than attempting a marathon packing weekend just before you move. Pack the stuff you use least often first and keep a note of where you've packed it. Put belongings you’ll want on day one - sheets, towels, toiletries, a change of clothes - in a suitcase for easy access.

3) Create a packing station

Take over a quiet room or corner of your house and make it your packing station. Get your bags or boxes out so they're ready to go. Momentum is key. Keep a stash of markers, packing tape, and bubble wrap or newspaper there.

4) Roll your clothes for fewer creases

Don’t turn up to uni with all your clothes creased and wrinkled. Place heavy items on the bottom of your case, pack the lighter items on top and tucked in at the sides. Also roll as many clothes as you can, they’ll take up less space and you won’t need to get the iron out when you arrive.

5) Put light items in big boxes

Lots of people think a large box is for big heavy stuff, but the opposite is true. Fill large boxes with light stuff, and put heavy items - like food - in small boxes.

OFFER: Use code UNILOVE to get £10 off storage with LOVESPACE. Find out more.

6) Buy some sturdy bin bags

Sturdy bin bags are great because they squish. Fill them with soft non-breakables and stuff them into the boot - they’ll squeeze into spaces that boxes can’t. Just don’t be tempted to buy the budget ones, they split too easily. And remember, bin bags are great for moving but if you’re storing things with LOVESPACE, you’ll need to use cardboard boxes only.

7) Load the car from floor to ceiling

Using a small car to move to uni? Load it in sections from the floor up to maximise space and keep items from shifting. Load heaviest items first, in front and on the floor. Pack tightly and to the top, then move onto the next section.