Moving away and going to college is an exciting and also scary time for many students. There are so many firsts and so many unknowns. These tips for move-in day for the first time can help you or your student feel more prepared for that next step!
Almost 200,000 students attend higher education institutions in Utah each year. A large percentage of those students live in college dorms on campus or in off-campus apartments. Each school year means finding a new lease and, thus, moving yourself or your college freshman to a new location. If you or your student are anything like the adults/young adults in my life, that may mean procrastination and messy moving conditions. We have provided a list of things to help move out your college student as efficiently and painlessly as possible.
7 Dorm Moving Tips For New College Students
If you or your student are moving away from home for the first time, we would definitely suggest a box or two of tissues for the tears. But aside from that, here are the key elements in making your college move-in day as smooth as possible.
1. Know Your Layout
When figuring out what to pack, it is vital that you know and understand the layout of your dorm room or apartment. Things to consider include:
- Am I sharing a bedroom with another roommate?
- What size bed will I have? Do I need a mattress topper?
- Do I need to provide my own furniture or is my accommodation fully furnished?
- Will I have a meal plan, or will I be cooking for myself?
- Do I need a mini fridge?
- Do I need a shower caddy?
Knowing these things will help you know what to bring and to know how much space you have to work with. You don’t want to move and then find out, upon arrival, that you do not have a bed… Been there. Not fun or comfortable.
2. Storage Solutions for Small Spaces
Dorm rooms are known for being “cozy” — translation: cramped. But with a few smart storage solutions, you can maximize your space and keep your room tidy. Under-bed storage bins are perfect for items you don’t need every day, like winter clothes or extra bedding. Over-the-door hooks and shoe organizers can save valuable floor space, giving you more room for the essentials. Consider collapsible storage bins that can easily be tucked away when not in use. And don’t forget to bring a set of hangers—you’ll want to keep your hanging clothes wrinkle-free and ready to wear!
3. Pack the True Essentials
Before packing your life away you will want to bring the essentials first and foremost. That medal from your high school mathlete competition? Maybe that can be better served in your parents’ basement, or your local storage facility.
If you are living on campus, most Residence Life Departments have a packing list that can help you identify those practical and essential items that they suggest for your specific accommodation. Don’t forget to include toiletries, cleaning supplies, hangers, and a first aid kit in your packing.
4. Plan Ahead & Stay Organized
Procrastination is your enemy when it comes to moving. Give yourself plenty of time to organize and sort through your items. Organizing your items in separate moving boxes/ totes or even suitcases can help streamline things for you. Start by labeling the box and filling it accordingly. If you’re using a storage unit, follow best storage organization practices like keeping the items you’ll need access to first towards the front and making full use of vertical space.
But try not to get overwhelmed. Remember you can always use Amazon to order last-minute supplies like screwdrivers or towels and toiletries you forgot. Don’t let these small worries take away from this important milestone day.
5. Decorate As You Live
When living on your own, most people like to have a specific aesthetic that reflects their personality. This means lots of decorations and just “extra.” Before moving into your new location, we suggest limiting the shopping for all aesthetically pleasing items until after you have moved in all of the essential items. This will alleviate any extra spending that may come from just ideas and fluff and do as my mother always said and “keep it simple” when first moving into your new place.
6. Know (& Contact) Your People
When I started college, I moved from Pennsylvania to good ol’ Utah and knew a grand total of 2 people in the area before I moved on campus, none of whom were my roommates. My room assignments came with the contact information of my new roommates. Because of this, I was able to contact the people ahead of time, and we were able to coordinate who would bring what community space items. No need for excess refrigerators when you live in a small space.
So my suggestion to you is to contact the roommates beforehand and try to coordinate who will be bringing what to limit the amount of things you will need to bring with you.
7. “Hey Siri, Where's Walmart?”
When moving, be sure to know where the closest store or shopping center is to you. And if you do not have a car, knowing how to get to those places would also be smart. No matter how prepared you may be there will ALWAYS be a few things you will be missing. If you’re planning to pick up supplies like cleaning wipes, garbage bags, or any missing school supplies, stores like Target or Walmart could be your best bet.
Remember - You Got This!
Moving away and going to college is exciting and challenging. Remember to get to know your people so you know what to bring with you on this journey. If you need a little extra space for important items that won’t fit in the dorm, consider renting a small storage unit nearby. Stay organized and plan ahead so you know what to bring with you on your move. Pack the essentials, and check with your housing accommodation to see if they have a packing list to make that even simpler. But most of all, take a breath and soak it all in. Good luck! You’ve got this!
