7 Tips for Moving Into a College Dorm Room

It’s August, and that means that many parents & students have BACK TO SCHOOL on the mind. If you’re heading off to college for the first time, then we’re guessing you’re pretty psyched to get the year underway. But before classes begin, you’ll need to get your dorm room in tip-top shape and no one wants to start things off with a chaotic, moving day!

Don’t worry, we’re here to help! Consider yourself enrolled in Dorm Room Moving 101.

1. Do your Homework

Before you even step foot on campus, you need to do some homework. Yep, we’re those kinda teachers who assign summer homework. Gather all of those documents the university sent over the summertime and pinpoint the essential information.

Photo via OCM blog

• Move-In Date & Time, Dorm Address, Vehicle Parking on Move-in Day, etc.
• A list of items included in your room (desk, bed, closet…)
• A list of items that are not permitted in your dorm room (microwave, candles…)
• Your roommate’s contact information
• Room floor plan and dimensions of included furniture

2. Get Packing

Now that you’ve got the basics covered, it’s time to start packing. We suggest making a master list of all of the items you need. Then from that list you can figure out what you need to buy, and what you already own. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time, so you’re not stressed right before school starts. And remember, don’t overpack! Dorm rooms are usually pretty small, so make sure you’re only bringing things along that you’ll actually need. Plus, you can always have Mom & Dad ship items or pick them up when you go home for Thanksgiving!

3. Chat with your Roomie

So you have your roomie’s info (See #1), now it’s time to get to know them. Introduce yourself and get acquainted! This person will be a big part of your life once the semester begins, so try to start off on the right foot. You’ll also want to chat with your roomie about what exactly they’ll be bringing into the room. Divide & conquer the list of room essentials (She brings the TV, you buy the fridge). That way you don’t have 2 of everything crammed into your teeny tiny space.

4. Enlist Help from Family

photo via Huffington Post

Move-in day can be a family affair! Enlist the help of family & friends to make move-in day a breeze! That means less time lugging boxes, and more time getting settled in your new home away from home.

5. Bring Tools

Be sure to pack a small tool kit for moving day, because it just might come in handy! Extra credit if you can find a small tool kit that you can keep with you all throughout college.

6. Shop when you Arrive

A trip to the store is a must when you arrive on-campus. As you unpack and get settled in your new space, be sure to keep a running list of items you need. Whether it’s snacks to fuel your first week of classes or a power strip to keep your gadgets charged….a run to the store is most likely going to happen.

7. Pack Treasures from Back Home

This is most likely the first time you’ve lived away from home and it’s a-okay if you get a little homesick in your first few weeks of school. To make the transition a little easier, be sure to pack plenty of treasures that remind you of home. Make your space cozy & comfortable and you’ll start the semester off on the right foot.

Good luck to all of the college students out there! We hope you Ace your move-in day!