With the end of the semester at our fingertips, many students are finally taking a breath. Classes finishing, though, mean that final exams are also here, reminding us not to relax just yet. While cramming for finals, residential students are also faced with the stress of moving out of the dorms and apartments.

Next to moving in, moving out can be one of the most stressful periods of college.

The residence halls close on Wednesday, May 13 at 4 p.m., even though the semester officially ends May 15. As someone who lives on campus, this initially brought on a lot of stress and anxiety about how to manage it all. Whether it’s your first time living on campus or you’ve done this before, it can still be a lot. It’s important to remember that we’re all in it together, and reaching out for help can make such a difference in our experience.

You can ask a roommate or suitemate, a friend, or even sign someone in as a guest to come help. The RAs in each building are always willing to help too, it’s what they’re here for. An extra set of hands or person to vent to can alleviate a lot of stress during move out.

After speaking with a resident completing his second year living on campus, he suggested bringing home extra or unnecessary items during spring break or on the weekends leading up to the halls closing. This helps to reduce the burden at the end of the semester, as well as de clutter your room. Even though spring break has long passed, the advice still applies, as we’re in the last bit of time that can be used to prepare to move out.

A great way to consolidate space while packing include using vacuum seal bags for clothing, bedding, etc. This helps so much in reducing everything you must carry, as well as using less bags or bins to pack. Moving bags are another great option. The bags often feature backpack straps as well as carrying straps, helping to take less trips in and out of the building.

Starting May 4, the residential gate will be open, allowing residents to pull cars up in front of the dorms. This is one of the most important things to remember and take advantage of. Be sure to coordinate a time with parents to come pick up items, or if you drive you can use your own car. This will save so much energy from walking all the way to one of the parking lots, similar to the way move in is completed.

Be sure to regularly check your WP email for communications about moving out, as well as what needs to be done in the room prior to leaving. Some items on the list include turning off HVAC systems and removing all command strips and adhesive from the walls. More info is included in the emails, and you can always reach out to your RA or GRD. If you can move in, you can move out! We’re in this together, Pioneers!