MOVING FROM HOME TO CAMPUS can be pretty stressful. There’s the mental challenge of figuring out how to fit 18 years of your life into the back of your parents’ car and the physical challenge of carrying everything up three flights of stairs to your dorm room. Mix in a bit of emotion when your mom breaks down in the parking lot and— WHAM! Stress bomb!
But now that you know what to expect use the following 10 tips to make for smooth sailing on moving day.
1. GET TO THE DORM EARLY. The first one in the room gets first pick of beds. In some rooms you’ll get bunk beds. If you have a preference for the top bunk or bottom bunk don’t risk losing it by rolling in late.
2. TO ARRIVE EARLY YOU NEED TO KNOW WHEN YOUR DORM OPENS. Call ahead to get the first available move-in day and time. Ask about elevators dollies and where to park to unload.
3. INSPECT YOUR WALLS FIXTURES AND FURNITURE AS SOON AS YOU SET FOOT IN THE ROOM. Report anything broken damaged or marked up (such as the walls) in writing so you don’t get charged any fees later.
4. BRING CLEANING SUPPLIES INCLUDING A DUSTPAN SET. Even if the room is spotless you might drop a picture frame on the way up the stairs or find a giant spider chilling in the hall outside your room.
5. KEEP YOUR SET-UP TOOLS IN A SEPARATE CLEARLY MARKED BAG OR BOX. You don’t want to have to dig through all your stuff to find the screwdriver measuring tape or double-sided tape. (Or better yet make sure one of your parents has the tools!)
6. CREATE A CHECKLIST WEEKS IN ADVANCE. This will give you time to buy everything you absolutely need.
7. WEAR LAYERS. Even if you’ve heard that Wisconsin is always cold or Florida is always hot weather is fickle—especially in August. Not to mention that dorms don’t always properly reflect their occupants’ need for A/C or heat. And don’t forget to pack rain gear.
8. FIND OUT IN ADVANCE WHAT’S NOT ALLOWED IN YOUR DORM. Common no-nos include pets of any kind (though sometimes fish are OK) candles halogen lamps space heaters and toaster ovens.
9. MAKE A LIST OF THINGS YOU’D LIKE HELP WITH BEFORE YOUR PARENTS LEAVE. This might include installing bed risers moving heavy furniture assembling furniture or hanging blackout curtains.
10. BRING SNACKS DRINKS AND CHANGE FOR THE VENDING MACHINES. Moving is hard work and if you get dehydrated you’ll want to nap just as the fun begins. You’re going to need your energy to meet all your new dormmates!
