7 Tips That Will Make Moving Into College Dorm Easy

Most people look at moving into a college dorm with a sense of nervousness. The unknown can be frightening, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips that will make the experience much easier and less stressful. Following these simple guidelines will make you ready to start your new adventure in no time!

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August 4, 2022 Posted in Moving Tips

Making the transition from living at home to residing in a college dorm can be tough. For first-time college students, relocating to a college dormitory can be especially exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. On the one hand, you’ll finally be living on your own and experiencing all that college has to offer. But on the other hand, you’ll be living in close quarters with a complete stranger, which can be intimidating. But with a little bit of planning and some helpful tips for living in a dorm, it doesn’t have to be so stressful.

#1 Make a List of Things You Need to Pack When Moving Into College Dorm

Colleges should give a moving into college dorm checklist of what each student going into student housing has to bring to them before the start of the academic year. In order to avoid overpacking, the institution should also give you a list of the objects that are already in your dorm room.

As an illustration, dormitory rooms often include a bed, mattress, wardrobe, desk, and chair, so you won’t have to move that much furniture with you. A mini-fridge and bookcase for all your books are frequently included in the furniture package in a dorm room. A packing list of the precise supplies you’ll need, including twin sheets (many dormitory mattresses require extra-long twin sheets), laundry basics, toilet essentials, and more, should also be distributed by the college.

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Give Your Roommate a Call and Discuss Who Will Bring What

Get to know your roommate before the first day of your move. If possible, exchange emails or phone numbers so you can start getting to know each other before you even meet in person. This way, you’ll feel more comfortable when you finally do meet. If you and your college roommate haven’t already talked about who will bring what to the room, now is a good time to have that discussion. You’ll want to figure out what each of you is bringing so that you don’t end up with too much or too little of anything.

Some things that you’ll need to decide on are who will bring the mini fridge, microwave, and TV. You’ll also need to figure out who is bringing what furniture. If you’re both bringing beds, you’ll need to decide who is bringing the bed frame and mattress. It’s also a good idea to discuss who will bring items like packed dishes, silverware, and towels. You’ll want to make sure that you have enough of these items so that you’re not constantly having to borrow from each other or go without.

Once you’ve decided who is bringing what, it’s a good idea to put it in writing so that there is no confusion later on. This way, if anything does come up, you’ll have a reference to refer back to. Having this discussion early on will help to avoid any potential conflict later on down the road. It’s better to figure out these things now so that you can enjoy your time together as roommates.

A group of roommates hanging out
Making arrangements with your roommates before you move in is a great way to cohabitate in harmony

#2 Take a Look at Housing and Residence Guidelines When Moving Into Dorm

You should receive lots of information from your college about how to settle into your dorm and what to expect on relocation day. Important instructions may include things like how to enroll, where to park, where and when to check in on move-in day, who to ask for help, etc. You may also receive a list of important documents to provide and/or sign once you move in from the college’s Housing and Residence Life policies.

A pile of white folders
Ensure you check your college's Housing and Residence Life policies before you move in

#3 Buy a Toolkit and Bring It to College With You

You’ll need tools that can help you build and repair things in your dormitory room, from hanging drapes and putting furniture together to tightening loose screws and hanging art. This toolkit is not only a must-have on move-in day, but it will also come in handy all year long. Make sure to get a compact toolbox that can fit underneath your bed. All necessary basic tools, as well as photo-hanging hardware, should be included in the toolkit.

Just in Case – Bring a First Aid Kit

A first aid kit is a relocation essential for any college student. You never know when you or a friend might need it. Having a first aid kit on hand can help you handle minor injuries and illnesses, and it can also be a lifesaver in an emergency situation. Here’s what to include in your kit:

  • Band-aids of various sizes,
  • Gauze pads,
  • Adhesive tape,
  • Antiseptic wipes,
  • An antibiotic ointment,
  • Pain relief medication (ibuprofen, acetaminophen),
  • Cold medicine,
  • Allergy medicine,
  • Tweezers,
  • Safety pins,
  • Scissors,
  • A thermometer,
  • A first aid guidebook.

Keep your kit in a convenient location, such as your dorm room or backpack, so you can find it quickly when you need it. Inspect the contents of your kit regularly and restock any items that are running low. We advise assembling your own box with all the preferred first aid and cold/cough medications. But if you want the essentials covered, purchasing a bundle like this will suffice.

You can easily assemble your first-aid kit by watching the video below.

#4 Use Storage Bins for Your Stuff

It requires time and dedication to assemble and pack cardboard boxes, not to mention that you’ll probably need to buy them only once. We advise using storage solutions you already own, such as linen baskets, vacuum bags, and plastic bins, before using boxes. Though they can also be utilized as storage, if necessary, you probably won’t need to keep these containers and sacks in your room throughout the entire academic year.

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#5 You Should Make a List of Things You’ll Buy Once You Relocate

Spare room in your vehicle for the necessities. Grab supplies from your neighborhood grocery shop or the campus store, like pens, notepads, laundry detergent, and utensils. When you get on campus, make a separate list of the things you’ll need to acquire.

You may have a lot of things on your mind when you think about college, but one of the most important things to do is make a list of all the things you need to buy for your new place. This way, you can be sure to have everything you need and not forget anything important. Here are some items to put on your college shopping list:

  • Bedding – sheets, blankets, comforter, pillows,
  • Laundry detergent and other cleaning supplies,
  • Kitchen items, such as pots, pans, dishes, silverware, blender, coffee maker,
  • Food and snacks,
  • Some side money for books, entertainment, and other incidentals,
  • Toiletries like shampoo, soap, toothpaste, razor,
  • Pack clothes and don’t forget to pack shoes,
  • Pack your computer and school supplies,
  • Furniture (if needed) like a bed, dresser, chair, desk, lamp,
  • Entertainment, such as TV, video game console, movies, and music.

This is just a general list to get you started. You may think of other items you need as you start packing for college. Just be sure to make a list, so you don’t forget anything important.

#6 Hire Long Distance Movers for Things You Can’t Bring With on Your Own

There are plenty of things you can do on your own when it comes to preparations for college. But, there are also some things that are better left to the professionals. Here are some items you may not be able to bring with you on your own and why it’s worth considering searching for “long-distance movers near me” to assist you with their long-distance moving services.

Leave the Furniture to the Professionals

Most college dorms have extremely limited space and no room for larger furniture items. If you have any furniture that you want to bring with you to college, investing in a packing service is likely your best bet. Professional movers can safely and securely transport your furniture to your new location, so you don’t have to worry about it getting damaged in transit or not fitting in your new space.

They Will Handle Appliances With Ease

Appliances can be heavy and difficult to move, especially if you have multiple appliances that you need to transport. Hiring long-distance movers to help with this process can take a lot of the stress and worry off of your plate. They can ensure that your appliances are properly packed and transported, so they arrive at your new place in working condition.

Cross-Country Movers Can Handle All Breakables With Care

Any items that are fragile or breakable should also be left to the professionals when it comes to cross-country moving. Hiring a long-distance moving company that has experience in handling and packing fragile and delicate items can give you peace of mind knowing that they will arrive at your new place safely. Perhaps they will even offer wooden crating, which is the best solution for breakables.

Let Them Do All the Heavy Lifting

If you have any heavy items that need to be moved, it’s always best to hire long-distance movers. They have the proper equipment and know how to safely lift and move heavy items, so there’s no risk of injury to you or damage to your belongings.

You Can Use Storage for Seasonal Items

Are you relocating far from home? Investing in storage service and renting a unit close to the college might be a fantastic idea if you don’t already have a free location to keep your belongings. Self-storage facilities offer just the right amount of room for storing items that won’t fit into dormitories. Additionally, these units make it simple to temporarily store possessions from your room over the summer or while on a study abroad vacation. Also, students could use storage units to keep seasonal and recreational things (such as snowboards, ski gear, surfboards, etc.) that they won’t use every day but might need on occasion throughout the year. Just ensure you protect all the items correctly.

#7 Take a Breathe, Relax and Have Fun

Moving into a college dorm is just like moving into a new home – stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. With a little planning and organizing around the relocation tasks, you can make a move go smoothly and stress-free, so you can start your college career off on the right foot.

If you need help getting started or want to take some of the burdens off your shoulders, consider hiring a professional and reliable long-distance moving company. They will take care of everything for you so that all you have to worry about is unpacking your boxes and settling into your new home. They can even offer secure auto transport services, so you won’t have to drive across the country.

And, in the end, bear in mind that this is the beginning of a fantastic journey. It is simple to become emotionally drained and feel some anxiety on your move-in day. There is a lot going on and a constant feeling of dread. But it’s crucial to take a moment to process everything. Actually, this holds true throughout your entire college experience. Time seems to move differently at college, if not actually.

Kate Holland

A true grunge and rock music fan born in Seattle, Kate has moved across the country and started writing about her experience.

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