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What to Pack and What to Toss When Moving Out of UCLA Student Housing

Moving out of student housing at the end of the semester or school year can feel overwhelming especially when you're staring at piles of clothes, textbooks, and random takeout containers from late-night study sessions. Whether you're graduating, changing apartments, or heading home for the summer, knowing what to pack, toss, donate, or sell can save you time, stress, and money.

Here’s a practical guide for every college student preparing to move out—with real tips on what to keep and what to leave behind.


What to Pack (Take It With You)

These are the essentials you’ll likely need wherever you're going next, whether that’s a new apartment, your parents' house, or summer storage.

1. Important Documents

  • Passport, ID, driver’s license, student ID

  • Lease agreement, financial aid documents, transcripts

  • Medical insurance cards and prescriptions

Pro tip: Pack these in a separate, clearly labeled folder or zip pouch that stays with you during the move.

2. Electronics & Chargers

  • Laptop, phone, headphones, tablets

  • Power strips, charging cables, portable battery banks

These items are expensive to replace and essential for school, work, and travel.

3. Clothing (Only What You Wear!)

Pack seasonally appropriate, versatile clothing—and donate or toss anything you haven’t worn in the past 6 months. Keep:

  • Daily wear

  • Workout gear

  • One business outfit (interviews or presentations)

  • Jackets or weather-specific items

4. Personal Items

  • Toiletries (if still good)

  • Makeup or skincare

  • Prescription meds

  • Towels, bedding (if still in good condition)

Make sure liquids are sealed and stored in leak-proof bags if you’re traveling.

5. School Supplies

  • Laptops, tablets, notebooks

  • Textbooks you’ll reuse or resell

  • Flash drives or hard drives

If you're continuing classes, these will come in handy. If not, donate or sell what you can.


What to Toss (Let It Go)

Some items just aren’t worth packing or donating. Save space and energy by tossing these:

1. Old Toiletries

Used shampoo bottles, half-empty toothpaste tubes, expired meds — toss them.

2. Broken or Outdated Electronics

If it's damaged, outdated, or unused, recycle it responsibly. Many campuses or local stores offer e-waste drop-offs.

3. Worn-Out Bedding or Pillows

Old sheets, torn comforters, or flattened pillows aren’t worth hauling—especially if you can get new ones affordably.

4. Paper Clutter

Notes from gen-ed classes you’ll never need again? Toss or recycle them. Digitize anything important before letting go.


What to Donate or Sell

Not everything needs to go in the trash. Gently used items can be donated or sold to students staying on campus.

1. Clothing You Don’t Wear

If it’s clean, in good condition, and hasn’t been worn this semester—donate it to a local shelter, thrift store, or clothing drive.

2. Extra Kitchenware

You only need one of each: one bowl, one plate, one set of utensils. Donate duplicates or unused appliances like toasters or coffee makers.

3. Furniture or Storage Items

Can’t take your desk chair, cube shelves, or bed risers? Post them on:

You might even earn some cash back!


Final Packing Tips for Students

  • Start early – Don’t wait until the last 48 hours. Begin decluttering 1–2 weeks before your move.

  • Sort by category – Use bins or bags labeled: Pack, Toss, Donate, Sell.

  • Ask roommates – Coordinate with roommates to avoid duplicate packing or missing shared items.

  • Clean your unit – Most landlords require cleaning before move-out. Wipe down surfaces, vacuum, and take out trash.


Bonus: Create a Move-Out Checklist

Print or screenshot this quick list before your move:

  •  Pack important docs

  •  Donate extra clothes

  •  Toss expired toiletries

  •  Sell furniture or kitchen extras

  •  Clean the apartment

  •  Return keys and take move-out photos (for deposit proof!)


Ready to Move?

Moving out of student housing doesn’t have to be chaotic. By knowing what to pack, what to toss, and what to donate, you’ll save time, space, and unnecessary stress. Keep it simple, stay organized—and tag us @uclauniverse_housing if you need help finding your next apartment or roommate near UCLA!

 
 
 

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