Tips For Moving Into A Dorm

The end of summer is slowly creeping in. For some families, that may mean someone will be heading off to college come August. This is such a huge milestone in life, and it’s also a big transition. Incoming students will be heading out on their own and exchanging their original home for a shared living space–which more than likely will be a dorm.

Whether this will be your first time moving into a dorm or you’re transferring to a new school, move-in day on college campuses can be quite busy and challenging. There are a lot of moving pieces and a lot of people doing the same exact thing as you, which can leave you feeling rushed or crowded. Hiring a professional can make things easier for you on moving-day by taking care of item transportation and unloading. 

Research And Plan Ahead

Before moving day it is very important to research and plan ahead. This will allow you and your family to create a checklist of everything you need to keep the process organized.

Know The Layout

Being able to understand the floorplan and space available to you is very important when packing for a dorm move. Most dorms aren’t very big, and the young adult in your family will most likely be sharing with at least one other person. You should also try and familiarize yourself with any nearby amenities, like a study longue or laundry facilities. Knowing this information will help you choose what is essential to pack.

Create A Checklist

As we mentioned previously, creating a checklist will help you keep organized during this transition. Sort items by groups, with essentials being the most important. This includes things like bedding, toiletries, cleaning supplies, or even kitchen supplies if your living arrangements include an area for cooking. 

You can also make a list of things you plan to buy when you move in so you don’t have to pack as much beforehand.

Coordinate With Roommate(s)

Speaking with your roommates beforehand about certain shared items, like cleaning supplies, can help remove the chance for there to be double of everything. Collaborate to see what each person should bring and be responsible for, or make a list together to go and collect the rest of what you need after you move in.

By researching and speaking with everyone involved in the living arrangement, you can save future trips to the store and you will have a comfort knowing you’re dropping your child off well-prepared and equipped for this new lifestyle. 

Pack Smartly And Efficiently

This step may be the most important. With limited space, you don’t want to arrive and realize you have to get rid of half of the things you packed. Here are some tips to help you pack efficiently: 

• Prioritize your essential items
• Avoid overpacking
• Utilize space-saving techniques, like vacuum-sealed bags or other folding methods
• Label boxes and bags to avoid confusion or misplaced items

When moving into a dorm, it’s important for families’ to remember that not everything can make the trip. That’s why narrowing down the most important essentials first will help you get a better gauge on what else you may have room for in your new dorm.

For The Best College Move-In Experience, Hire A Professional

If you don’t want to worry about hauling all of your belongings to your new college-home, consider hiring a professional! Even just hiring a small crew to help bring items to your new home on moving day and unload them can help take a burden off of your family’s shoulders.

Contact NL Wilson for help packing and unpacking as you move into your new dorm. We offer both local residential moving and long-distance moving across Kansas and Missouri.