College Move In Day

Fall is quickly approaching, and that means it is time to head back to school. Last year Dillon lived on campus for Freshman year and it was not quite the experience he was looking for (thanks Covid). This coming semester he will transition to apartment style living close to campus. We are only a little over a week out to move in and still have so many loose ends to tie up!

If you are starting school in a new town, it can feel a bit overwhelming. What can you bring or not bring with you? How are you going to transport everything from your home to your new university? Some schools have a list of approved items that you can have as well as what is denied. Even more important, if you are sharing a dorm room or apartment with someone you can save time money, time, and space by deciding how you’ll be sharing your living space and what you each will be bringing. Consider discussing ahead of time adding or removing items to better meet the needs of your dynamics. Below are a few things to consider.

Packing Clothes and Bedding: Of course when you are moving, you’ll want to be packing clothes but not your entire wardrobe. If you are close to home, only bring those clothes you will need for the currrent season to save space and trade them out with a quick trip home as the temperature changes. Using slimline hangers such as these are very helpful to keep your close organized without creating extra bulk. We found it very helpful to use these heavy duty bags for packing shoes, clothes and bedding. We also grabbed these bins which seemed to come in handy for organizing socks and under garments.

Living Space: You want your apartment or dorm room to feel like home because it is your home base for an entire year. There are many ways to make it cozy, comfortable, and personable. Adding a few items such as a desk lamp, posters, or even an area rug can create a welcoming environment that is personal to you. Discuss with your roommate a color scheme as well to make sure the common space is welcoming to each of you and then decide what each of you will contribute to the shared space. Don’t forget the command hooks to keep the damage to the walls to a minimum.

Bathroom: If you are moving into a dorm you will most likely have less personal bathroom space and a shower caddy or hanging toiletry kit would be more ideal. For apartment living you will need a few basic towels, wash cloths and possibly a shower curtain and bath mat to get you started. Again, if you are in a shared space, coordinating with your future roomate could help reduce duplicating some items and save on space.

Kitchen: Whether in an apartment or a dorm, my kids loved having a mini fridge of their own. Even in an apartment setting, having a fridge to store drinks and personal snacks seemed to be preferred. Keeping it simple with a few basic pots/pans, dishes and utensils will not only save space but help them stay on top of keeping the kitchen clean (or so we boy moms dream). We are adding an air fryer to Dillon’s space this year as it really is an easy tool for cooking some food quickly and also warms up leftovers perfectly. If smoothies are a favorite then the Nutribullet is another tool that has always been a favorite for my college kids.

Renters Insurance: As much as you hope and pray for a safe and quiet year, things to happen. Making sure you have secured insurance which covers both personal property and liability for damages will add protection and peace of mind.  

Image:Gameday Moving Services

This year Dillon is moving into an unfurnished apartment so there will be alot more to relocate. Depending on how far you are moving from and your access to proper vehicles you may be asking the question, how do I move all of these items plus school supplies to a new loccation? You could rent a truck and attempt to do it yourself or you could hire movers to help you move! If you live in Texas, a popular company, Gameday Moving Services Houston can assist you. These Houston, Texas safe movers are true professionals to help you pack, lift, move and unpack your belongings no matter how far your home to your new university may be. They are a dedicated moving specialist to assign specifically to your home. The company can provide you with a moving plan which is tailored specifically to your requested needs. Take the stress out of moving to your new home and enjoy this time to explore, meet new friends and make memories! 

Do you have a college student transitioning to a home away from home this fall? What have been some of the tips you have found will make the move easier?