Q: Any tips for moving out at the end of the year?

Dear Reader,

I’m so glad you asked this! College move-out can feel like controlled chaos, but with a bit of planning, you’ll be out the door stress-free.

First, start early. Don’t wait until the night before. Begin by packing things you don’t use daily, like extra clothes, decorations or textbooks. Donate, sell or toss what you don’t need—less to haul means less to worry about.

You can even donate through the school! I work at Lula Bell’s and every year International Student Engagement (ISE) and Lula Bell’s Resource Center, in partnership with the Sustainability Office and others, collect gently used dorm essentials to support incoming and international students. Donations go towards the Free Store in the fall semester and also help students arriving from abroad!

If you’re moving out, consider donating clean, working items such as:

Mini-fridges, microwaves and small kitchen appliances, kitchenware, storage containers, lamps, and hangers, dorm decor and small furniture, business or winter clothing, school supplies (paper, pens, backpacks, etc.) and unopened, unused bedding.

Donation Drop-Off Dates & Locations:

May 13–15 (Belk Hall Parking Lot): 1–5 p.m. (Tues./Wed.), 9 a.m.–1 p.m. (Thurs.)

May 18–19 (Ridge Road near Flowe Apartments): 1–5 p.m. (Sun.), 9 a.m.–1 p.m. (Mon.)

Something else important to remember is that each year the move out pods face challenges caused by well-meaning but inappropriate donations. Common issues include students bringing oversized furniture that can’t be stored or transported, clothing in poor condition that should be recycled rather than reused and open food items that must be discarded for safety reasons. These donations not only cannot be used but they also take staff weeks to sort through, creating a significant burden on the team.

Another recurring problem is items being left outside the donation pods when they are not staffed. Even if the items are acceptable, they must be thrown away out of caution when left unattended. To reduce these issues, the number of collection days has been increased, and students are strongly encouraged to make a clear move-out plan that includes following the approved donation list and using the designated times and locations.

After you’ve donated anything you don’t need, get organized. Use bins or sturdy boxes and label everything clearly by category (e.g., “Kitchen,” “Desk Supplies”). Keep similar items together so unpacking later is easier. If you’re storing items near campus, book your storage unit early—those fill up quickly by the time May rolls around!

Also, coordinate with your roommates. Schedule different move-out times if possible to avoid hallway traffic jams and make elevator use smoother. That way you both can help each other!

Don’t forget the small stuff—return textbooks, clean your room (so you don’t get charged a cleaning fee) and double check Davidson’s move-out policies so you’re prepared. 

Finally, ask for help if you need it! A friend, a parent or even a dolly cart can make a huge difference.

You’ve got this. Finish strong—and enjoy your well-earned summer!

Wishing you a successful move-out,

Annabel Groseclose ‘27