This post is all about 25+ college move in day tips all students need to know.
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No matter how big or small your college is, move in day can be stressful! But it doesn’t have to be. College move in day should be a fun memory that you look back on. After all, it is the day when you finally get to meet your college roommates, decorate your dorm room, and start your new life full of independence!
I remember being so nervous for college move in day and finding other blog posts like this super helpful! After moving myself into college 3 times now and helping my sister move into her dorm room, I have a ton of college move in day tips that will make your life so much easier!
I have also put a lot of time into researching college move in day so I know that this post is chalk full of all the best college move in day information so that you’re totally prepared and have ALL the tips and tricks!
I wish that I would have known all of these tips before my college move in day.
Want a Free 2022 College Packing List For Girls? It will make college packing so much easier!
25+ College Move In Day Tips All Students Need To Know
College Move In Day Tips About Things To Do Before Move In Day:
1. Pick an early move in time
Before moving into college, you will usually be given a choice about what time you want to move in. I definitely recommend choosing one of the earlier time slots.
Moving in earlier will give you the chance to pick which bed/side of the room you want, more time to unpack, and will end up making the rest of your day a lot more relaxed because you won’t feel like you have to rush to finish unpacking and setting up.
If you can’t move in early, don’t worry! You don’t have to do everything on move in day. You can spend the next couple days unpacking and setting up your room how you want it. It actually might make the process a lot less stressful!
2. Try to figure out when your roommates are moving in so that you can try to get there before them
This one might just not always be possible, but if there is any way for you to do this, I definitely recommend at least trying to move in before your roommate.
This will allow you to pick the bed, closet, desk and side of the room that you want. It will also make moving into such a small space a lot less stressful if you’re the only one moving in at first.
If this doesn’t work out for you, please don’t worry. You can still make it work and enjoy college move in day even if your not the first to the room, I promise!!
3. Have an idea of where you want things in your room
It will make your life a lot easier if you already have an idea of where you want some of your things to go in your room. I definitely recommend looking at pinterest dorm room inspiration and trying to figure out how you want to set up your dorm ahead of time.
This will also help to save time on move in day because you won’t have to waste time figuring out where you want everything to go.
4. Neatly pack as much as you can in it’s storage bin or where you’re planning to keep it in your dorm beforehand
This is probably one of the best tips!! There is so much organizing that you can do before you even move in that will make move in day a lot easier for you!
I definitely recommend getting storage bins like these and labeling them. For example you can keep technology in one, first aid & medicine in one, cleaning supplies in another, etc. This free college packing list is broken down into categories that will help you better organize your things.
You can keep the bins underneath your bed or on the top shelf in your closet so that they are easily accessible. It always helps if everything you’re bringing to college has a place!
5. Check with your roommates to make sure you don’t bring duplicates
There are some college essentials that you just don’t need two of like a vacuum or microwave. Check with your roommates to see what they are bringing so that you don’t end up with two of these things.
It’s also smart to make sure that your school doesn’t already provide a fridge and/or microwave before buying them. I know that some schools already provide these things.
Related Post: 30 COLLEGE ESSENTIALS YOU SHOULD SHARE WITH YOUR ROOMMATES TO SAVE MONEY!
6. Use the garbage bag over hangers trick to pack your clothes
This is such a good packing hack that my friends and I have used many times! All you need are some big trash bags.
All you do is open a trash bag and wrap your clothes while they are still hanging in your closet. Tie the bag’s drawstring around the top of the hangers and you’re all set. Now all of your clothes will stay together, they are a lot easier to carry and you don’t have to waist time folding them into boxes, just to have to re-hang them in your dorm.
You can also tie two smaller garbage bags like I did in the picture above if you’re trying to wrap up longer clothes like dresses and only have small garbage bags.
7. Pack your bedding in these plastic storage bags- they are the BEST!
I use big storage bags really similar to these and they are SO helpful! They are perfect to pack your comforter, pillows, sheets, etc in. They also stack up really nicely in your car and make unpacking a lot more organized.
I usually just keep them in my room all year so that I have them when it’s time to pack up my dorm. Your parents can always just bring them back when it’s time to move out. They are seriously so helpful!
8. Organize your pads/tampons in a photo box
I definitely recommend bringing extra pads and tampons to college so that you don’t have to worry about buying them during the semester. U by Kotex is my favorite pad brand because the wings actually stick.
Storage/Organization Idea: My college roommate stored hers in such a smart way! She bought a box of pads, tampons, and liners and filled a memory/photo box up with them. It took up a lot less room and was very organized. I liked it so much that I’ve done the same thing ever year since.
Make sure to keep some in your backpack as well.
College Move In Day Tips About Things To Do On Move In Day Before Leaving
9. Eat a good breakfast
Unloading everything from your car, unpacking, and starting to set up your dorm the way you want it can take a lot more time and energy than you think. Make sure to eat a sustainable breakfast/lunch before so that you’re not starving or hangry while moving in.
I promise the process will be a lot harder if you’re hungry.
10. Put on a cute and comfy move in day outfit
You definitely want to be comfy on move in day! Sometimes it can be super hot when you’re moving so make sure that you have clothes on that are good for the heat. I hate wearing jean shorts on hot days because they feel so sticky. Especially when you have to make a ton of runs to your car.
You’re also going to want to look cute since you’re meeting your roommates and other people on your floor for the first time.
I definitely recommend wearing comfortable and cute athletic shorts, cute flowy shorts, or a comfortable romper.
11. Have these items handy
These items are very helpful to have on move in day. I definitely recommend putting them in a basket/bag that is easily accessible in your car.
-Rubber Mallet: I personally didn’t need this to raise or loft my bed but I know that some of my friends that go to other colleges use a rubber mallet like this. Your dorm’s front desk will probably have one but everyone will be using it, so it’s best to bring your own.
-Cleaning Supplies: Dorm rooms are dirty so you’ll definitely want to wipe down surfaces with Lysol or disinfectant wipes before unpacking. I also recommend bringing some disinfectant spray to spray on high touch areas like light switches, door knobs, etc.
-Trash Bags: You will be opening a lot of stuff, so having a couple of trash bags nearby for plastic wrap and cardboard is very helpful! If you can, keep the cardboard separate so that you can recycle it.
-Scissors: Scissors are so helpful on move in day! You will need to cut zip ties, open boxes, etc. I promise you’ll use them.
-Velcro Command Strips: Velcro command hooks are actually new but they are so good, I have to include them in this post! I always had trouble hanging up heavier items like wall art, frames, my mirror, etc. But these velcro command hooks can hold a lot of weight and work so well.
My roommates and I used them in our college apartment last year to hang up our mirrors and wall art. They work so well and don’t damage the walls.
-Cart: If you’re going to a big school, the carts will be a hot commodity and might not always be available. Bringing your own cart is definitely a smart move and will make your life a million times easier!
This cart is a little pricier but it will hold even more and definitely decrease the amount of trips to your car.
Nothing will feel better than wheeling your stuff past everyone else struggling to move in. You can also let some other people borrow your cart when your finished which is so nice and will make their day!!
12. Pack your car the right way
Packing your car in a specific way will make it easier to find specific things when you get to school. You’ll definitely want to keep the items mentioned above in a bin/bag close to the top of your car so that you can get it when you first arrive at your school.
I recommend packing any clothes that are in bins first so that they are towards the bottom of your trunk. Then you can pack your labeled bins and bedding.
On top I keep any clothes on hangers that I wrapped in trash bags. This way I can make my bed and put my clothes that are already hung up on hanger in my closet when I first get there.
College Move In Day Tips About What To Bring and What Not to Bring:
13. Bring fans!
Move in day can be hot and your room will probably be hotter! You will most likely already be bringing a fan for your dorm room so definitely keep it towards the top of your trunk so that it’s easy to find. When you first get to your room plug it in. You’ll be so happy that you did.
14. Bring a water bottle and snacks
During all the moving you’ll probably be thirsty and eventually hungry so definitely bring some water and snacks.
15. Have your personal information easily accessible
I didn’t need my personal information on move in day but I know that some of my friends at other schools did. Just in case you should have your social security card, insurance card, covid vaccination card, student ID, license, etc. handy.
You might have a lot of forms to fill out and knowing this information will make filling them out a lot easier and faster.
16. Don’t bring too many clothes, I promise you’ll thank me later
One of my best tips when it comes to packing clothes for college is to only pack clothes that you know you will actually get a lot of use out of. Before my freshman year, I thought it would be nice having all of my clothes but it ended up just being super stressful!
It really does make it easier if you only bring the clothes you know you will wear. Most college students live in leggings and sweatshirts anyway. You can still bring cute outfits too but you won’t need a ton.
It’s a good idea to bring one fancy dress in case your school throws a dance or there is a special occasion. Convocation, induction ceremonies, sorority events, etc come up a lot quicker than you think and it’s better to just have 1-2 cute dresses you can throw on.
I also recommend bringing a professional outfit in case you have an interview or something for a class where you need to dress professionally.
17. Only pack what you know you will need- use this free College Packing List
Over packing can seem like a good idea but it ends up just making your room messy and being very stressful. I definitely recommend using this free College Packing List to help you pack.
After my freshman year, I worked on creating this list so that it has everything college students will need to pack. I wish that I had this list before my freshman year!!
18. Bedding
Dorm room mattress are not comfortable!! They are hard, not comfy, and pretty much guaranteed to make your back hurt. A mattress topper will be your best friend in college and will make your bed extremely cozy!
I have a 4-inch mattress topper really similar to this one and it’s perfect! Seriously, you’ll get the best, hotel-like sleep of your life with a good mattress topper (and you’ll never wanna go back)!!
I recommend getting 4″ or more and make sure that you get a twin XL size to fit the standard dorm bed size.
Related Post: The Top 4 Best Amazon Mattress Toppers You Will Love!
19. Don’t bring too many people with you
Everything you’re bringing in your small dorm room will already take up a lot of space, not even including the people that are helping you move in. I recommend bringing 2 people to help you move in. It can be really stressful if you’re all on top of each other trying to move stuff in.
If you have other family members that what to help, just try to limit having all of you in your dorm at the same time. I promise it’s for the better.
20. Bring a cart
If you’re going to a big school, the carts will be very popular! Bringing your own cart is definitely a smart move and will make your life a million times easier!
This cart is a little pricier but it will hold even more and definitely decrease the amount of trips to your car.
College Move In Day Tips About What To Do While Moving In
21. Leave your door open
When your moving in definitely leave your door open. You want to be as social as possible on move in day. Leaving your door open will allow you to see more people on your floor moving in.
It also shows the people on your floor that you’re friendly and want to interact with them.
22. Clean/disinfect your room before unpacking
Before unloading all of your stuff, I definitely recommend wiping down surfaces with Lysol or disinfectant wipes. Dorm rooms can be gross and you don’t want to dirty up your stuff on the first day. I also recommend bringing some disinfectant spray to spray on high touch areas like light switches, door knobs, etc.
23. Say hi and wave to the other people that you see outside or in your hall
As your moving in, you’re going to see a lot of other people on your floor moving in too. I definitely recommend waving and smiling at the people you pass.
You want to be the person who seems really friendly, excited, and approachable. Everyone is nervous so when you smile or wave at others, they will feel good and be more likely to remember you.
24. Unload everything from your car as close to your dorm building as possible first
When we moved my sister into school, we had to unload everything outside and then one of us had to go park our car in the parking garage.
After, we decided to move everything from where we unloaded it to a spot right next to her dorm building so that her stuff was a lot closer and our trips would be easier. This ended up being a lot better because then we could start to move all of it inside, and up the stairs to her floor.
25. Use the elevator if you can
If there is an elevator that you can use, use it!
26. Raise or loft your bed
I definitely recommend raising or lofting your bed so that you have more storage underneath your bed. Storage is the name of the game in college, especially in freshman dorm rooms.
I also just think it’s fun to have a raised or lofted bed.
27. Be patient and calm
Move in day can be overwhelming at times but try to be patient and stay calm. If you need to take some breaks throughout the day that is okay. Everything is going to work out!!
28. Have fun!
I really tried my best to really have fun and enjoy move in day as much as I could freshman year. I look back on that day often and it feels like it was just yesterday.
Try your best to take it all in because college goes by so fast. You’re so lucky to be attending college and should enjoy move in day as much as you can!!
Good luck and happy move in day!! I hope that these college move in day tips help you!
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