CREDIT: NUBRY.COM
When you’re packing up your stuff, don’t think like Jenna Want - pare your items down for a much happier suitcase-cramming experience.

With the end of the school year finally here, you may be celebrating by going on a warm holiday with friends or by preparing to move home for the summer. No matter what you're up to, it's time to start packing!

Sometimes I think if I hadn't been named Jenna, I would've been given the name “Over-packer.” I'm the girl who brings a suitcase and a duffel bag for a weekend getaway to Grandma's.

As soon as my empty suitcase is unzipped, my alter ego takes over. During this two-day expedition I am under the impression that I will go on a hike, go to an art gala, the gym, a royal ball, the beach, a night on the town, and a cooking lesson. Each and every one of these activities requires a different outfit and a different pair of shoes, so it's safe to say that the suitcase fills up pretty quickly between the hiking boots and the ball gown. Mind you, in reality, my weekend consists of sweatpants and apple pie in front of the TV.

I really don't know how you rational thinkers do it. It makes sense on paper: two outfits, one pair of pajamas, and the necessary toiletries. So what is it that makes it so difficult?

In my defense, accidents do happen, in which case more than two outfits are necessary. You never know when your spaghetti dinner will end up on your shirt instead of in your mouth.

When it comes to packing for a longer period of time, I used to rely on the old “sit on the suitcase” technique to get me by. Fortunately, I'd like to think that I'm improving, one pair of socks at a time. My general rule of thumb for a short vacation is that if I haven't worn the item of clothing in two weeks, leave it behind.

If you're moving back to your hometown, consider doing some spring cleaning to make things a bit easier for yourself. The tie-dye shirt you made in the fifth grade won't be missed, trust me.

My biggest piece of advice when it comes to packing is not to follow in my footsteps. Be realistic — unless you genuinely have plans to hike the Swiss Alps, leave your gear behind.

Best of luck to you all! I am writing this last sentence as I get my roommate to jump on my suitcase in attempts to zip it shut.

Have a fabulous summer, wherever you go!