Officially beginning this weekend, thousands of Georgia Southern Eagles will invade this town, swarming in like an excited colony of ants that just discovered some poor kid’s dropped Popsicle melting on the ground.
    Both baby freshmen Eagles (we’ll call them Eaglets) and returning upper-class Eagles will move in and revive the Boro, still sleepy from those long dog days of summer. Whether it’s into a dorm room or an apartment complex, Grandma’s basement or their brother’s couch, students from all over the country will be jamming, cramming, packing and stuffing their way into the new school year.
    If you're lucky enough to be one of them, we've got you covered. Here are our simple tips to keep the moving-in process as painless as possible.

1. Be realistic and clutter free. Let the size of the space you are moving into, not your emotions, determine what you bring.

2. Think ahead and buy green. Remember that in May, you will no longer need a lot of the new stuff you’re buying now — especially the dorm-specific items. For now, avoid buying too many things you won’t be able to use later, and when it’s time to move out, donate your used stuff to local nonprofit organizations.

3. Coordinate with your roommate before the move. Share decorating ideas, and plan which items each roomie should bring so you don’t waste money and end up seeing double.

4. Pack according to your priorities. Organize your belongings in boxes by importance, and clearly mark which boxes hold the essentials — medicines, toiletries and valuable jewelry and paperwork. Also, be sure to pack heavy items, like books, in smaller boxes, and lighter items, like linens and pillows, in larger ones. Trust us, it will make the job so much easier.

5. Pack a survival kit. Make sure to pack one clearly marked box of items you’ll need for the first night in your new place, just in case you don’t finish unpacking. This will save you the hassle of dumping out boxes and bins in a frantic search for your toothbrush and PJs.

6. Wrap smart. Don’t use printed newspapers for wrapping because the ink can rub off and damage or stain your valuables. Instead, use clean, white newsprint — like the kind available for purchase from the Statesboro Herald! Also, bundle breakables, and don’t forget to tape your boxes well. A couple of extra wraps all the way around the box’s top and bottom edges — where the stress is concentrated — is always a good idea.

7. Label it. Avoid mixing items from different rooms in the same box. Instead, pack according to which rooms things belong in. Label each box so you’ll know where to drop it when you’re unpacking the car.

8. Don’t forget the decorating essentials. Pack a small toolkit with items like a screwdriver and tacks. Be sure to include removable adhesive strips that won’t damage the walls when you hang your pictures.

9. Stick to a schedule. It’s tempting to begin personalizing your new space immediately, but make sure all the big stuff is moved in before you begin unpacking personal items.

10. Take a break. If you haven’t noticed, it’s really hot here. To avoid burnout, take short breaks and stay hydrated throughout the day. Stopping for a meal or a little sightseeing around campus is a great way to take a breather.