How to Ship Your Stuff to College with a Lugless Student Discount

The ultimate packing and shipping guide

Heading off to college is pretty exciting. But there’s a lot to do, too! And unless you’re driving to your new school, there’s one big looming question. How are you going to ship your stuff to college? Because from school supplies to clothing to home items, let’s be real: it’s a lot.

Don’t worry, we’ve got this one! Here’s everything you need to know about packing and shipping your stuff to school.

• Decide what’s worth packing

  It’s tempting to want to bring alllll of your stuff with you. But before you start tossing everything you own in boxes, take a moment and ask yourself: Does this deserve a trip to campus? Choose your items wisely; dorm rooms and apartments fill up more quickly than you’d think!

  First, think of your absolute must-haves. This includes the clothes you’ll wear this semester, your laptop, school supplies, bedding, towels, and a few comfort items from home. Then add the basic home necessities, like a tool kit and a first aid kit.

  Stuck on an item? Here are 4 questions to consider before you ship your stuff to college..

  – Will I really use it? If it’s been sitting untouched in a drawer or closet, you can probably leave it at home.
  – Is it location-appropriate? Think of where you’re heading. The beach gear you may want if you’re going to college in Florida is way different from what you’d pack if you’re heading up north.
  – Does it take up too much space? Items such as mini fridges, floor lamps, and oversized pillows may not be worth shipping.
  – Can I buy it easily near campus? A quick run to the store will stock you up on snacks, cleaning supplies, and other easy-to-find items.

  Your goal in this part of the process? Pack less to lower shipping fees.

• Gather packing supplies

  Want to pack efficiently? Make sure you have everything you need to ship your stuff to college before you begin. The last thing you guys want to do is run out for tape when you’re in the middle of packing.

  Here’s a quick list of what you might need:

  – Sturdy boxes in different sizes—use the smaller ones for heavy items like books
  – Packing tape
  – Bubble wrap or packing paper
  – Zip-loc bags for anything that may spill or leak
  – Labels or a permanent marker

  Pro Tip: Save $$ on packing supplies by using T-shirts or towels to cushion your stuff. But accidents happen, so skip this tip for anything breakable. You wouldn’t want to toss your favorite concert tee because it’s full of a million tiny shards of broken glass.

• Pack to protect your stuff

  Ready to start packing? With these easy strategies, you can make sure everything arrives in one piece—no broken mugs or shampoo explosions!

  – Leave zero wiggle room for fragiles. Wrap your mugs, glasses, and electronics in bubble wrap, and use your Tetris skills to pack them tightly. Stuff packing paper or soft clothing into the corners or sides of the boxes if you have to. The less they rattle, the less likely they are to break.
  – Go for double-duty padding. Use your hoodies, blankets, and towels for extra cushioning.
  – Be super careful with liquids. Double-check lids on toiletries and cleaning supplies, then place them in a plastic bag just in case. Want an extra layer of security? Follow our favorite tip for anything spillable. Remove the cap, place a layer of plastic wrap over the opening, then replace the cap tightly. This way, even if the cap opens, nothing spills out. Genius!
  – Don’t pack too heavy. Pack books and other heavy items in smaller boxes. If you absolutely have to use a bigger box, mix in some lighter items, too.
  – Do the shake test. Before you ship your stuff to college, give each box a gentle shake. If you feel or hear anything moving, it definitely needs more padding.

• Label and organize as you go

  Do this one thing as you pack, and your future self will thank you!

  Label each box as you go, so you know exactly what’s in it. So instead of opening 10 boxes on your first day to find your comforter and pillow, you’ll be able to find them at a glance.

  Of course, labeling a box as “Electronics” (or anything else that sounds expensive) isn’t a great idea.

  The solution? Create a numbering system and store it in your phone’s notes app. So when you’re ready for your pajamas, you know to look for the box with a giant number 7 on it.

Once everything’s packed, sealed, and labeled, guess what? You’re ready to ship your stuff to college!

But how? Easy-peasy: LugLess. Just drop off your boxes at the nearest FedEx or UPS location (or schedule a pick-up) and we’ll deliver them straight to your dorm or apartment.

And to keep things even more affordable, use our LugLess Student Discount to save extra cash. You’ll need that pizza money for late-night study sessions!