College moving tips.

This post is going to give you some tips on moving to a college dorm. Moving to a dorm might be challenging for young people who have never experienced moving. Whether you’re moving to college for the first time or returning for another year, we know it can be an exciting yet stressful process. Every college has its own rules and requirements regarding the moving process, anyway there are several things you can do to make the process run more smoothly. Here are 7 tips for moving into a college dorm.

First check the paperwork. Your college should provide you with plenty of details about how to move into your college dorm, as well as what to expect on the move day. Important guidelines may include when and where to check in on moving day, how to register, where to park, who to ask for assistance, etc. The college’s housing and residence life guidelines may also provide you with the list of forms to bring in and sign once you move in. Second, pack only the essentials. Normally colleges provide all students who are moving into student housing with a checklist of necessary items to bring, in addition they send you a list of items that are already in the dorm room to prevent you from over packing. For instance, dorms typically come furnished with a mattress, dresser, desk and a chair. Oftentimes, a dorm room also comes furnished with a mini fridge and bookshelf. 

Number three, contact your roommate. If you haven’t met your future roomie, the college should provide you with the roommate’s contact information. You may want to reach out before the move to establish who is bringing what, not only will this help lighten your load, but it will also make the moving experience easier overall. For instance, both of you do not need to bring kitchen supplies and utensils, or one of you brings a floor lamp, while the other brings a set of curtains. Fourth, bring tools and first aid supplies. A toolkit with basic hammers, screwdrivers and pliers can be lifesavers on the move day and throughout the entire school year. You may need to bunk the beds, raise the lower mattresses, or deal with minor repairs. Another essential dorm item is a basic first aid kit that should contain at a minimum disinfectant wipes, bandages, sports tape and an over-the-counter painkiller such as ibuprofen. 

Number five, ship what you can’t fit in your car. Remember you don’t need to bring everything with you at once. Items such as TV’s, extra pillows and books can wait if you can’t fit everything in your car. It is recommended to ship them prior to your move, items should arrive within the first few weeks. You may also want to hold off on shipping certain items, such as seasonal clothing until the time comes when you actually need it. Sixth, use laundry baskets. Assembling and packing cardboard boxes takes time and effort, not to mention you’ll likely have to purchase these boxes for one time use. Instead of using boxes, it is recommended to use storage options that you already own such as laundry baskets, vacuum bags and plastic bins. You likely won’t need to keep these bins and bags in your room throughout the school year, though they can also be used as storage if you need it. 

Number seven, have someone help with the move. Don’t move to college by yourself, it would be a good idea to bring a friend or family member along for the ride. You’ll likely need help lifting heavy items and boxes up and down those college dorm stairs. Having an extra set of hands will also be useful when assembling furniture, unpacking your room and setting everything up. If a family member is unable to drive you to college make sure to ask a friend well in advance, so they can make arrangements to drop you off.