The big move to college is not only the first major move of most teens’ lives, but also a new way of living. No parents, no nagging siblings, yet many more responsibilities. Packing and lugging your entire life is an experience that you will never forget; hopefully for good reasons.

With so much to pack, obvious essentials are overlooked. Did you remember extra batteries? Band-aid’s? Because you will no longer have access to your garage or home junk drawer. However, some items come with unexpected prices. Therefore, being economic and packing smart is just as important as packing right. A comforter from a big name department store may be $50 more than the same comforter at Walmart. Here is an example checklist:

Essentials:

• Bed sheets/blankets/pillows
• Transportation plan, such as a car, a bus pass, a bike, etc.
• Computer, related cables, and printer
• Snacks
• Bath Towels
• Water Bottle
• Clothes
• Kitchen appliances (microwave etc.)
• Hamper

Things you might forget:

• Utensils for food
• Shower flip-flops
• First Aid Kit
• Nail Clippers
• Quarters (for laundry)
• Batteries
• Bike Lock (If necessary)
• Childhood Keepsakes
• Stamps/Envelopes to keep your loved ones in the loop

Your environment will affect your studies, so don’t pack what you don’t need. Create your own college checklist today so you are prepared for your big move. Download “The College Checklist” app on your smart phone for an easy and organized list that you can customize. But don’t forget to talk with your roommates; you wouldn’t want three microwaves–or maybe you would. Make your first college experience a good one.