A Guide to Moving Into a College Dorm or Apartment
This summer over 2 million students will enroll in their freshman year of college. This huge transition comes with mixed emotions and a ton of uncharted territory. Many students will be living away from home for the first time ever and may be leasing an apartment or dorm room. This can be an intimidating and overwhelming process, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. Here is a list of tips and tricks you should consider as you plan your big college move:
Read the Fine Print
You’ll want to carefully review the leasing terms of the apartment or dorm rental agreement. You’ll want to understand the hours of the facility, security measures, rules of the building, and any prohibited items. This will ensure you don’t waste time packing things that aren’t permitted on the property and you show up at a time when you can gain entry. The agreement may also contain things like room dimensions and storage areas which will give you an idea of how much stuff your new space can accommodate.
Pack Conservatively
Most first-time apartments are relatively small and many don’t even have a closet space. Therefore, you can expect to pack minimally for your move. Before you begin packing and hauling your stuff, consider doing a deep purge. A great rule of thumb is: if you haven’t used or worn it in the past year, it’s probably safe to throw it out or donate it. Completing this initial cleanse will lighten your load as you begin the move.
Additionally, you won’t need to pack any big purchase items like furniture or appliances. Most dorms or college apartments typically come with these big ticket items. You’ll just need to bring things like clothing, bed linens, and any art or decorative materials for personalizing your space.
Use the Right Packing Tools
It’s easy and convenient to pack using things like garbage bags or boxes that are laying around the house, but it may not be the smartest move. Instead, invest in space conserving mechanisms like packing cubes, storage boxes, or air tight bags. This allows you to pack more items in a smaller space and will ensure there is no unnecessary overflow.
Label Everything
Although heading to college is exciting, you can’t rush through the packing process. It can be tempting to throw things in random boxes and load up quickly, but you’ll regret this later. Instead, make sure to pack things in a logical way. For example, pack all of your winter gear in one box and your kitchen items in another. Make sure to boldly label each box and list the contents so you can easily find them once you’re settled in your new space.
Consider a Moving Company
If you’re not comfortable lugging your belongings up several flights of stairs in the summer heat, you might consider enlisting the help of a local moving company. Most moving companies will offer student moving packages to meet your specific needs. Moving services can be hired for relatively cheap and will do all the heavy lifting for you.
Bring Loose Change
Most dorms or apartments on a college campus will have a lot of machines that require quarters or other loose change. Things like vending machines, laundry facilities, and games or activities in the student union will call for exact change. You’ll want to be prepared for this and plan accordingly.
Bring Shower Equipment
A lot of dormitories or older apartment complexes have communal bathroom spaces. This can be an adjustment for people not expecting this type of setup. You’ll want to pack shower shoes, purchase a shower caddy, and invest in a bathrobe for your new dorm. This will ensure you can maintain your privacy and hygiene in this unique setting.
Hold Off on Shopping
It can be tempting to run to the store and grab things you think you’ll need for your new space. However, it’s best to hold off until you’ve surveyed your new home for the first time. You might be surprised by some of the items that already come equipped with your new pad. Plus, you and your new roommate can make a shopping list together, split the costs, and have fun making a shopping trip together.
Request Discounts
When you are ready to hit the shops, don’t be shy about asking for a student discount. You can save a host of money with this little trick as most grocery stores and restaurants offer small discounts to new students. You’ll likely be asked for your student ID, which shouldn’t be a problem once school gets rolling.
These are just a few of the many helpful tips to consider as you make the transition into a new dorm or apartment. With some careful planning and attention to detail, you can be one step ahead of the game when it comes to moving into your new space. You’ll be glad you made the effort to plan ahead.
Ready for move-in day? Get a free quote from Roadway Moving today and start your journey!
