Back to College Move-in Tips

I fondly remember my college days. The excitement of starting a new semester and meeting up with friends motivated me to start packing weeks before the semester started. Several move-in tips sped up the packing and moving process, and they can help you efficiently move back to college, too.

Start Early

You’ll never go wrong if you get ready ahead of time instead of waiting until the last minute. I’ve been guilty of not following this advice, which always ends in last-minute stress. Starting early also ensures you pack everything you need. I suggest writing a list and checking off items as you buy and pack them. That way you won’t arrive at campus and realize you forgot your laptop charger, favorite shampoo or tennis shoes at home.

Pack Light

There’s nothing more exhausting on move-in day than lugging dozens of heavy suitcases up five flights of stairs to your college dorm room or apartment. I know because I’ve been there. Then, you have to fit all that stuff into a small space that includes only an extra-long twin bed, a basic closet, and a desk. Save yourself time and aggravation by packing light.

Do you remember the packing list you wrote while preparing for your college move-in day? On it, including essential items like:

• Bedding: Consider bringing two sets of sheets, a pillow and case, and a blanket.
• Toiletries: At a bare minimum, pack soap, shampoo, and shaving supplies in a shower tote. Additional toiletry essentials include two towels, washcloths, and shower shoes.
• Clothing: Bring only the clothes you need for the current season, and switch your wardrobe to the next season when you go home for a break.
• Laundry Supplies: A mesh tote, the detergent of your choice, fabric softener, and plenty of quarters make laundry day easier.
• School Materials: Standard supplies like pens, scissors, tape and notebooks are essential, but remember to pack your laptop and power cord, thumb drive, surge protector, desk lamp and extension cord too.
• Storage Supplies: Maximize your compact space with storage options like cascading hangers, suitcases, or duffel bags that fit under the bed, and a hanging shoe organizer for shoes, school supplies and toiletries.
• Miscellaneous Items: Feel free to customize my essential miscellaneous list, but don’t go overboard and pack tons of unnecessary stuff. My list includes a Red Cross-approved first aid kit, trash can and bags, cleaning supplies, tissues, noise-canceling headphones, a framed family photo and a stainless steel drinking cup.

What’s Included and Prohibited

Find out what the school offers by giving them a call in advance. There may or may not be a microwave and refrigerator in the dorms. Consider what equipment you might require while living on campuses, such as a gaming console for entertainment or a flash drive for presentations.

Find out whether there are some goods you are not allowed to bring as well. The obvious restrictions are drugs, alcohol, and firearms, but your school may also forbid goods like hot plates, space heaters, and extension cords.  There aren’t many things that your school would forbid, but that doesn’t mean you should pack and bring everything you have or believe you’ll need.

Move Smart

If you attend college close to home, move essentials in first and pick up decorations, extra pillows or your beanbag chair when you go home. Attending college far away, though, means you need to pack and move everything in one day. I’ve found that following some smart move-in tips makes the entire day easier and less stressful.

1. Label each bag with your name and room number. The label helps ensure your stuff gets to your room instead of being lost in the pile of abandoned bags on busy dorm move-in day.

2. Plan to arrive early on a moving day and beat the crowd. If you arrive too late, you’ll have to fight the crowd and drag your bags from the backspace in the parking lot.

3. Bring a dolly in case you do have to haul your bags across campus. Like following proper lifting techniques, a dolly also reduces strain on your body.

4. Relax. You don’t have to unpack and organize everything right away, especially if you’re feeling stressed or harried. Remember that you want to meet to make a good impression on your roommate, so relax as you move in.

Move-in Day

The weekend of moving in is a very busy time. Not only do most students move in a matter of days, but they frequently bring their parents and other people with them. You might take a very long time to cover a relatively small amount of territory, depending on the size, quantity, and layout of the roads going to campus and the layout inside the school’s boundaries. You can plan more efficiently if you are aware of the precise time you can arrive to begin the procedure.

Understanding the proper entry times inside structures is also crucial. During busy times, access to equipment like wheeled carts and elevators may be restricted for large dorms. You won’t always have access to those if you arrive at the start of the specified move-in time.

College move-in day marks the start of a new semester and a new adventure. Plan ahead to make your moving day smooth and easy. What other move-in tips do you have to share with college students?