How to pack a dorm room

Move-in day fails in the parking lot, not in the bedroom. You have one car, a line for the elevator, and a room that is smaller than the photos. Pack at home so each bag already knows where it goes.

Four bags, four jobs

• Bedding. Twin XL sheets, comforter, a topper if it rolls, pillows. Fold lengthwise until the bundle is about as wide as the bag (14 inches), then roll from the short end.
• Clothes. Hanging clothes, jeans, sweaters, shoes in a pouch. Write the student's name on the tag card, not just 'clothes.'
• Bath and laundry. Towels, a caddy, a robe, detergent pods. Keep liquids in a zip pouch inside the bag.
• Desk and the first night. Lamp, power strip, meds, chargers, a set of sheets you can find without opening the other three.

Ask housing before you drive

• Bed size. Many dorms are twin XL. A packed CasaBella bag is 27 × 14 × 15 inches, so measure the bed. A comforter set is a plan, not a guarantee.
• Under-bed clearance. The packed height is 15 inches. Measure, or plan to loft the bed.
• What the room already has. Desk, dresser, and closet vary. Don't pack a second lamp until you know.
• Mailroom and elevator rules. Some halls restrict dollies and delivery hours. The bag still has to go up the stairs on someone's shoulder if the elevator is reserved.

On the day

Carry with both wrap-around handles together, bag close to the body. Side handles are for pulling a bag out of the trunk, not for a three-flight haul of books. Leave the books in a small box. When the room is set, empty bags fold to about 10 × 7.1 inches and can live in a drawer, or stay zipped as summer storage if housing allows it. Campus storage rules differ. Ask before you assume a soft bag is accepted.

Pink and blue can be bought as their own packs, or as a mix where that pack is offered.