Moving into a college dorm seems easy, right? Of course, there's nothing specifically difficult about the process and most importantly your parents will be there to assist you in every step you take. Simply, you need to understand a few important things before moving into the dorm and make yourself ready for the moving day without much fear and stress of dealing with the unknowns.
College will be a time in your life when you would be aspired to do great things like any other young man and woman. You may find the world to be an oyster, where all your dreams would be possible if you have sufficient willpower, studying as well as putting your efforts. Moreover, if you are moving for the first time into a college dorm, perhaps you will be overwhelmed with anxiety as well as excitement.
Here we have a few tips that will help you move smoothly into the college dorm and fight against the challenges that might come across your path.
Read the Paperwork Carefully before you begin packing
It would be extremely important for you to go through the housing documents which the residence office has sent you. You need to pay careful attention to the check-in time, address and necessary procedures you need to follow on the moving day.
A few colleges would allow you to park the car right at its doorstep, while the others might need you to park at a distance and request a number. Many colleges would require you to first complete the registration process, obtain your photo id and sign multiple forms before you unload your belongings into the college dorm. We recommend you read the papers well and submit all the necessary documents like your health report and student’s id number. This will probably minimize your stress on the moving day.
Obtain proper information about the college dorm
- You need to call the college dorm and find out the list of items they would be providing you. Check if they will be giving you a microwave and refrigerator or any other electronic items like flash drive or a gaming system.
- Find out the list of items that you won’t be allowed to bring with you in the college dorm. Normally, drugs, weapons and alcohol are prohibited but there might be other items like space heaters, extension cords and hot plates that your college might prohibit you.
- A college dorm will only prohibit you from bringing a few items, but you shouldn’t bring everything you have to your house. For example, it would be useless if you carry the school supplies with you when you can easily get them at any office supply shop near your college campus.
Tip: You can connect with your future roommates to find out what appliances they are bringing with them. For instance, if they are getting a microwave, then it would be pointless for you to bring another one.
Not all of us can afford to hire full-service movers, here are a few packing tips that you might need to consider.
Consider packing the essential items only
- Prepare a list of items that are necessary for you and those that you want to take with you in the college dorm. Try to bring down the unnecessary items to a minimum.
- Include the basic items like your bedding, toiletries and towels in your essential list. You should consider the size of the bed before you pack your bedding. Make sure to keep an extra bedding with you, in case the one you are using gets dirty.
Even if you forget to pack an essential, there’s no need to panic. Your parents can always mail it to you later or you can get it when you go on vacation. Another good idea would be to buy it, if you can’t wait for long.
What can you use to pack your items?
- You can use a few cardboard boxes to pack your items. Also, you can break and recycle these cardboard boxes and keep them for future use. We recommend you write the correct number in the boxes to keep them in alignment with your inventory checklist.
- Another option to pack your belongings would be storage bins, if you don’t want to use cardboard boxes. Possibly, you can use these storage bins to organize any miscellaneous items in the college dorm.
- Ensure to pack any similar items together as this would make it easier for you to unpack your items.
- While loading your belongings into the car, consider placing the heavier items first and then start placing the lighter ones on top of it. It would be a good idea to keep lighter items like clothes on top of the heavier items in open spaces.
Select a minimal wardrobe
- Try to choose a small wardrobe for your college dorm and pack outfits only for the present season.
- Keep comfortable outfits and shoes for walking across the college campus. Don’t forget to keep a pair of formal shoes as well as an outfit that would be ideal for a career fair, job interview or a networking event.
- Consider packing a few neutral color pellets, so that it goes together with all your pieces. We recommend you keep a few pieces of workout outfits as you might not have the time to wash them after each workout session. Also, don’t pack your winter outfits until you move far towards the North. You can always take your winter clothes with you while you go home for winter break.
Time-saving tip
Keep your clothes in the hanger while packing them. With this method, you can directly hang your outfits in the wardrobe after reaching your college dorm.
Space-Saving tip
Do you prefer space over time? You can pack your towels, bedding and clothes in a space bag. Such bags are reusable, airtight and water-resistant and will probably reduce the space your items would occupy in a trunk or suitcase.
Buy clothing storage accessories
You can consider buying a shoe rack or bag for your college dorm and maximize the storage space. We recommend you check with the college dorm in advance to see whether you will get clothes hangers or need to bring them with you.
Categorize and organize your groceries
Avoid packing your groceries into random boxes. You need to pack your laundry in one box while the food items are in another box.
Bring a first-aid kit and tools
Ensure to pack a toolkit with you as this might act as a lifesaver for you on the moving day. You can keep basic screwdrivers, pliers and hammers in the toolkit, that might help you to board your bed, lower or elevate the mattress or manage a small repair. Zip ties, duct tapes and cable ties are a few other items that you can keep in the toolkit.
A first-aid box is another important item which you must keep with you because accidents can occur at any time. You need to keep bandages, spray, disinfectant, sports tape and painkillers like ibuprofen in your first-aid kit. Don’t forget to put a small pair of scissors and tweezers in the first-aid box as well.
Pack your treasures
Don’t forget to keep the photos of your friends and family with you as this can help you cherish your old days. This won’t occupy much space and you easily impart a homely touch in your utility items. For example, a personalized pillow or a mug with a picture of your favorite pet can prevent you from getting home sick.
Pack a box of tissues
You may feel like crying while moving out of the house and starting your new college life. So, it would be a great idea to keep a few tissues handy for the moment.
Inspect the dorm room before you move in
It seems important for you to inspect your room in the dorm very carefully and check for any issue in the room. For example, if you find any chipped furniture or stains on the carpet you should immediately report it to the authorities. Otherwise, you would be asked to compensate for it at the time of winding up from the dorm.
Here are a few steps which you can take to avoid such problems:
- Click pictures of any issue you notice in the room.
- Apart from checking the boxes, you need to check your bedding for any stain, bed bugs or rips, before bringing any gear.
What’s Next?
If you have too many belongings to take with you in the college dorm, no need to panic. Simply, you can rent a moving truck or a trailer that would help you make the move efficiently. Probably, you can move in your own car, if you don’t have many items to take with you by following the tips that we have discussed in this guide.