So you have completed your high school with good grades and are all ready to step your foot into higher education – college. Students who can attend college are more likely to have access to unlimited job opportunities and career growth. It is no secret that attending college is one of the most-awaited and exciting parts of an individual’s life. After all, you are entering a fresh new chapter of your life.
Unfortunately, it is also the time when most students decide to move out of their parent’s homes. They either chose to live in a dorm or a shared apartment. Chances are you have decided to move into your college dorm and start a new beginning. Moving to a college dorm comes with a range of emotions and to-dos. You have to say your goodbyes to your parents, pack and transport your belongings to your new home, and so much more. And while all these hurdles are inevitable, you can practice some expert tips to make your move smoother. So read on the below guide to assure your college life starts with the right track:
Go For Storage Unit
Answer this. Is your college miles away from your home? Moreover, have you had a chance to visit your dorm and check the size? Getting a glimpse of where you will be staying will give you an idea of how many possessions you can take with you to your new place. Most dorms aren’t large enough to allow students to store extra or seasonal items. If such is a case, what’s the point of transporting all the additional items to your dorm. However, don’t get too upset with this limitation. You can consider renting a self storage unit near your college to store all your possessions. The best part about these secure storage units is you can access them whenever you want.
Check Out Your Dorm Housing Website
It might be tempting for you to start packing for your move. However, before you start your moving preparations, make sure to check your dorm’s moving day official web page. The housing website consists of a checklist of items students can bring with them and what they need to avoid bringing in during their move. For instance, some college dorms come with a bed, chair, desk, minifridge, etc. So if your dorm already has all these items, you don’t need to take them with you. In addition, some dorms have the policy to let students start their moving once they have completed their registration process and signed the papers. So make sure to read the paperwork correctly to avoid any stress on a moving day. You can also learn other essential details from the official website by asking questions in the FAQs section.
Learn About Your Roommate
No wonder, amidst all the chaos of packing and moving to a new dorm, you might be putting off contacting your roommate. However, not knowing about your roommate until the day you both start living together might not be a wise idea. Thus, now is the best time to reach out and get to know your roommate. Make sure that both of you make a list of items about who will bring what. For instance, if your dorm doesn’t come with a minifridge, oven, etc. Distributing the items can help you avoid cramming your dorm. It is also the best way to split the cost for such heavy items. You can also check with your roommate at what time or date they are moving into the dorm.
Pack & Move Smartly
With the help of your dorm website or even online resources, make sure to create an inventory list of items you will take with you to your dorm. Creating a packing inventory list can keep you organized throughout your moving process. Moreover, your dorm might be smaller in size than your room back in the parent’s house, so make sure to pack items wisely. For instance, don’t pack clothes season-wise. Instead, go with versatile clothes to save space in your closet. It is also advisable to sort and organize your belongings while packing to save yourself from unpacking hassles. Also, packing your stuff in cardboard boxes might not be a good idea. You will be using them only once and have to dispose of them off later on. Instead, go for bins, vacuum bags, or laundry boxes.
Furthermore, don’t forget to be careful with the move-in time. Choose less peak move-in time to find parking spots easily, and the corridor won’t be full of people.
Don’t Forget Your Tools & Supplies
It might seem trivial to you, but having a toolkit can be a lifesaver for you on many occasions when you start living on your own. There is a high possibility that the items you bring in or already present stuff might need adjustments. That is why having the necessary tools and supplies is essential. For example, you might have to fix the loose screw on any furniture, or you might be thinking of putting on some artwork or curtains in your dorm. For cases like these, purchasing a small toolkit might be a perfect idea. Your toolkit must consist of scissors, screwdrivers, pliers, hammers, etc. In addition, don’t forget to take a first-aid kit with you in case of any emergency.
Make Sure To Inspect & Clean Before Your Move
You might have this belief that the person living previously in the dorm would have cleaned the room before leaving, right? Well, unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Therefore, keep cleaning supplies with you, such as disinfectant, wipe, duster, vacuum, etc. You have no idea how the previous occupant used the dorm or whether or not it is safe to live in a filthy dorm. That is why take some time to clean the dorm before you move in with all your belongings.
Furthermore, your dorm might have some problem areas such as chipped paint, carpet stain, broken furniture, etc. Therefore, make sure to inspect your dorm thoroughly once you move to avoid paying for the damage you haven’t done. A pro-tip is to take pictures to use as proof.
Final Thoughts
There is no denying that move-in day is one of the most stressful days. You might be feeling a range of emotions – excitement, nervousness, etc. You might be worrying about what to bring with you and what to leave behind. Moreover, you might be in constant fear of forgetting your essential belongings on your moving day. These are normal behaviors, no matter if you are moving for the first time or have been there before. However, you can save yourself from many confusions and frustrations and make your move easier with these handy tips at your fingertips.
