Meagan's Top Ten, Part II

Firstly, readers... allow me to apologize for my absence. It's been a hectic week packing and moving to Drake and starting RA training. That's not to mention that until recently, there was no internet in the residence halls. But, I'm back online now and I'm here to pass on a bit of advice to you regarding the move-in process. So, here we have Meagan's Top Ten Moving Tips.

#1. THE FAN GETS MOVED IN FIRST! Today in Des Moines was 87 degrees with 67-percent humidity... which yields a "feels like" temperature of 102. Pack the fan last and unpack it first... plain and simple.

#2. THE FRIDGE GOES NEXT! You're going to want some chilled water bottles or something after hauling things to and fro. There are vending machines but, if at all possible, bring your own water and get it going in the fridge.

#3. ARRIVE AT CHECK-IN EARLY! Halls open at 8am and if I were you, I'd be sitting in front of the building at 7:30. The sooner you can make it through the line and get your key, the sooner you can start hauling things into your room. Plus, it's the coolest part of the day so hopefully discomfort will be minimal.

#4. LET SOMEONE UNPACK AS YOU GO! You'll probably be bringing a few extra bodies for some man power. Might I suggest the student stay in the room while things are being unloaded. That way, things can get put away as they get brought in and you don't have a huge, overwhelming mess of junk on the floor to deal with for the next few weeks.

#5. BASKETS! Baskets are a great tool to use while unloading the car. They hold lots of the little loose stuff like socks and stuffed animals.

#6. TAKE BREAKS OFTEN!!! You're not Superman! It's going to be hot and you're going to be sweaty. Maybe carry in a couple of loads of stuff and then chill out in front of the fan for a few minutes.

#7. STAY HYDRATED! This goes back to the last point. Take a break, and have some water, even if you don't feel thirsty. Nobody wants to pass out on the exciting day!

# 8. COOL WASHCLOTH! Seriously, if you're one of those road trip types and just happen to have a cooler full of ice in your car, dunk a washcloth in the ice water and put it on your face for a few minutes. It cools you off... quickly.

#9. ARRANGE YOUR FURNITURE BEFORE BRINGING ANYTHING IN! Before you even think about unloading your car, go to your room, make sure the key works, and see what you have to work with. If you don't like the furniture, rearrange it THEN bring in your things. This will make it easier... much, much easier.

#10. BE FRIENDLY WITH THE OTHER STUDENTS! Sure, you're hot and sweaty, but they're hot and sweaty too, and this is a great opportunity to at least introduce yourself. Start forging those bonds now!

Get excited! Move in day is in a week!!!!!!!