Start with the items that need another person
Large items fail late because pickup, acceptance and transport have limited windows.
- Four weeks beforeList furniture, electronics, appliances, unopened food and anything that cannot enter ordinary trash.
- Three weeks beforeReserve storage or transport and confirm donation condition, size and drop-off rules.
- Two weeks beforeSell or give away accepted items with a firm pickup window and backup destination.
- Final weekPack the keep items, clean donation goods and use verified recycling or special-disposal routes.
- Final dayRemove everything, document the room, complete checkout and return keys through the required process.
Make every destination specific
A label such as donate is not complete until the receiving route is confirmed.
- TakeAssign a bag, vehicle or shipment and confirm that the item fits the route.
- StorePrice the full period, access, transport, insurance terms and the date you will retrieve or reassess it.
- Reuse or donateVerify condition, accepted categories, hours and whether pickup is actually available.
- Recycle or disposeUse local rules for electronics, batteries, chemicals, bulky goods and other restricted material.
Use the lowest-waste workable path
Condition and timing determine whether an item can keep serving someone.
- KeepThe item is used, fits the next space and costs less to transport than replace.
- SellThere is enough time to describe it accurately, arrange safe payment and enforce a pickup deadline.
- DonateThe item is clean, functional and accepted by a verified organization or campus collection.
- ShareA roommate, incoming student or community member can receive it through a permitted exchange.
- DisposeThe item is unsafe, damaged or unaccepted and follows the correct local waste stream.
Protect finals from the move
Keep one bag for coursework, medication, sleep, cleaning and travel so essential items do not disappear into sealed boxes. Set a daily move-out stopping time during finals week.
