College Move-In Day Hacks Every Freshman Needs To Know
Here are some of the best college move-in day hacks!
1. Find or Bring a Moving Cart
Most apartment complexes will usually provide students with big rolling bins for move-in, but there are not that many available typically. So if you aren’t fortunate enough to grab one, be sure that you have a backup plan. Bring a dolly or collapsible cart to make the move easier. This is one of the best things that you can do on move-in day.
2. Label Boxes
Label all of the boxes you are taking with you with exactly what is inside, and make sure to label on multiple sides and on top of the bin for clear visibility when they are stacked. It is also helpful to number them so you know pretty quickly if you are missing anything.
3. Dress Comfortably
Make sure that you wear comfy clothes for moving in! It will make your day so much easier. So avoid jeans and flip-flops and opt for things like yoga pants and tennis shoes. Workout clothes are probably your best bet since you will probably sweat a little bit from hefting boxes all day.
4. Bring Cleaning Supplies
Cleaning supplies will be your best friend before the day is out. You’ll want to wipe down the desk, vents, and closet before moving all of your stuff in since you have no idea who was living there before you. So make sure that you have cleaning supplies close at hand. Lysol Wipes are an absolute must!
5. Pack things separated into categories
To make moving in a lot easier, you should separate your stuff into categories and then pack them. You should pack an entire bag with just clothes, another with just your shoes and another one with kitchen and bathroom supplies. This will make organizing your stuff in your dorm a whole lot easier. And moving in and organizing will be a lot easier if you make sure that everything is organized. This is another one of the crucial college move-in day hacks!
6. Be patient
Being patient is a must. Move-in day is going to be busy and crowded, so be patient and realize that everyone is in the same boat as you. Staying patient will make your day a lot easier. And maybe offer to help others move in once you are done, it will help them to stay calm and patient as well. And you may get a friend out of it too! So stay calm and be patient will everyone around you, it will make for a less stressful day all around. This is another one of the crucial college move-in day hacks!
7. Have everything ready the day before
Plan everything out! What time will you be leaving your home? What time will you be getting there? And check to make sure that you have everything you need for college. Being ready a few days before you have to leave is going to make for a smooth move-in day, and you will have a better chance of not forgetting everything if you are ready a few days in advance instead of rushing the morning of moving day. This is another one of the crucial college move-in day hacks!
8. Wait to go grocery shopping
Grocery shopping truly depends on what kind of dorm style you have. Some places have a full kitchen and some have nothing at all. But the typical dorm room style is sharing a room with two people and having a community bathroom that you share with the whole floor, which means there is no space for cooking really. If you do have this dorm style, then you’ll want to think of quick snacks or things you can easily make in a small space. Wait to go grocery shopping until after you find out what kind of dorm situation you have.
9. Double-check any paperwork & any bills before the official move-in day
This is very important! You don’t want to be the student that shows up on move-in day and can’t actually move-in because you didn’t complete all of the paperwork or pay any outstanding bills. This doesn’t usually happen, but it is smart to double check everything before the big day. It will also keep you calm and collected knowing that everything is in order. This is another one of the crucial college move-in day hacks!
10. Connect with your roommates before the big day
Being able to chat with your new roommates will allow you to meet them and learn as much as you can about them before you all move in. You can also discuss any questions that you might have, like if they will be having overnight guests. And you can coordinate your room décor if you want! Another big question you’ll want to ask if you both want to split the bigger items in the dorm, such as a trash can or a mini fridge. Talking to your new roommate over the summer will ease the anxiety that comes with living with a stranger as well as being able to make your first college friend. You will know someone on move-in day which is totally awesome and stress relieving!
