An exodus is about to take place in Ames, and those who have moved before and know about moving have tips to keep the chaos to a minimum.

Start early

If you live close to Ames and can afford the gas, make a quick trip home to drop off items you won’t need for finals week. That stack of ISU sweatshirts and snow boots won’t be needed and will also make less to pack when you actually move out.

Beth Kamienski, senior in apparel merchandising, design and production, recommended working on packing each day before leaving for the best results.

“Plan ahead so that when your friends and family get here to move, things go more quickly and people don’t become agitated – it’s good to keep your help happy,” Kamienski said.

Figure out your residence hall’s procedure

Cindy Peck, hall director for Martin Hall, said she encourages students to read up on the move-out procedures of their residence halls to help the process run smoothly.

“We require students to clean their rooms before they can officially check out,” Peck said.

She said cleaning prior to your move out date will help save time.

“If you save figuring out what to do and you don’t clean, moving out can easily become chaotic and nerve-wracking,” she said.

To find out what you need to do in your residence hall, Peck said to ask your community adviser or look for fliers posted around your dorm.

Rent a storage unit

When your car is full and you still have more stuff in your room, remember that renting a storage unit is often a good idea.

For those items you do not need at home over the summer, you and your friends can rent a storage unit in Ames to save on space.

“A lot of people go in with their friends on it so a few people can share it and it doesn’t cost very much,” Kamienski said.

Use plenty of boxes

“I think people look silly if they only carry out one thing at a time, so plan on how to best fit your stuff into boxes and bags,” Kamienski said.

Boxes allow you to more effectively use the space in your car.

If you do not have boxes, she said the dining centers often place stacks of boxes outside their doors during finals week so you can take them.

“You can also go to the grocery store’s produce section or meat department, and if you catch them at the right time they will give you boxes for free,” she said.

Don’t pack heavy items together

“It seems like common sense, but people often pack all of their books in one box. It gets a little heavy when you do that. It’s better if the weight is distributed,” Kamienski said.

Try to allocate heavy items evenly between your boxes and bags in order to save you and your family from some major back pain.

Defrost the fridge

If you are taking home a refrigerator with a freezer, remember to defrost it about a day before you leave.

“Otherwise, all the ice in the little freezer will melt on the way home,” Kamienski said.

Donate to charity

This year, the ISU Department of Residence organized systems of donating to local charities. Dorms have boxes to place those extra cans of soup that you do not want to take home.

“In addition, a truck will be outside dorms that will take any appliances, clothing and furniture that is clean and in good condition,” Peck said.

From May 7 to May 9, trucks will be located between residence halls from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to collect objects you would like to give away or you cannot fit into your car.

“In the past I’ve seen piles of things outside that people just can’t take home, so we’re trying to be careful about recycling and reusing things,” Peck said.