1 Know how long you'll be home.

1. You may not know the exact number of days, but it's a good idea to have an estimate of how long you'll be home. This way, you'll know how many of your essentials you'll need to pack, and how big what you pack your things in will need to be.
   • If you find you'll need something bigger than bags you own, and someone from home is coming to pick you up, see if they could bring a larger bag for you.

2 Prioritize packing your essentials.

1. This includes clothes, medications and toiletries. You definitely need enough room for these, so get them packed first. Try and pack enough for the amount of days you'll be home, plus enough for an extra day, just in case.
   • If you have extra clothes at home, you may not need to pack as many.
   • Be sure to pack for the weather, which may be different from your college. For example, it may be sunny at home, but snowy where you are. Research the forecasted weather at your home about a week before you leave.

3 Be sure to bring any travel documents.

1. This includes things like your passport and photo ID. If you're driving, you'll also need your driver's license and registration. You'll also need to bring your ticket, or subway or metro card if you're using any form of public transportation. Pack these items early on in the packing process, or keep them in an area you'll remember, so that you don't forget them.
   • Before you go home, take the time to research the necessary documents for traveling home if you're unsure of exactly what you need. People at home may also have this information.

4 Take some homework with you.

1. It's good to spend time with loved ones while you're home, but you may also have some free time. If so, you may wish to fill that time with homework. If this is the case, bring at least a little homework with you, as well as course syllabi, textbooks, notes, and anything else you may need to complete it.
   • If you're ahead or right where you need to be in your classes, you may not need to bring any homework. However, you may want to consider bringing some if you're behind in any of your classes, or have a big test or project coming up.

5 Throw out or bring with you any perishable foods.

1. Especially if you'll be gone for more than one day, decide whether to throw away or bring any perishable foods with you. If you know you won't finish something, throw it away. However, if you know you'll be able to finish the food before it expires, bring it with you.
   • Even if you don't think you'll finish something, someone at home, or even your roommate, might. Check with them before throwing any food away!
   • You'll likely be required to do this if you're leaving for a school break. Even if you're not, though, it's still a good idea to prevent your room from smelling.

6 Consider taking your laundry with you.

1. If you'll have access to laundry facilities, you may want to consider bringing your laundry with you. This way, you can get a load or two of laundry done while you're at home. Most schools have these facilities available for students to use, but bringing laundry home can help you save time, and even money if your school charges money to use the laundry facilities.
   • Be sure to also bring laundry supplies, such as detergent, fabric softener and laundry sheets if those won't be available at home.

7 Remember your electronics and chargers.

1. Electronics can be helpful for completing homework, and entertainment once you're home. However, be sure to remember chargers for any electronics you bring home! The last thing you want is to get home and find you forgot your laptop charger, so you can only finish a little of that assignment due when you return, or video chat with friends from school only once because your phone charger is back at school.
   • Check whether there are other chargers at home for any of your electronics before you start to pack. If there are, don't bother packing the charger you have at school for that electronic device.

8 Take spending money and/or a credit card with you.

1. Whether you're flying, taking a train or driving, there's a chance you'll need to buy something. That's why it's a good idea to take spending money and/or a credit card with you. The amount you bring is up to you, though it's a good idea to at least set aside enough money for gas (if you're driving), any public transportation fares and a few meals and snacks.

9 Consider an interview outfit if needed.

1. While at home, you may have decided to schedule interviews for jobs and/or internships. If this is the case, and you have an interview outfit and accessories to complete that outfit at school, bring it home with you. This way, the interview time won't approach and you won't be left without a nice outfit to wear.
   • Bring this outfit with you even if you think you'll only be dropping off or asking about job applications. This way, you can make a good first impression.