Daymakers Moving & Storage understands that moving to college is exciting, but it can also be stressful. Packing, organizing, and getting ready for dorm life can feel overwhelming. However, the process can be much easier with some planning and helpful tips. The transition can be a lot of work, whether moving into a dorm for the first time or heading to an off-campus apartment.
So, if you are looking for student moving tips on local and long-distance moving, this blog will cover everything from when and how to start packing for college to making the most of moving day.
When to Start Packing for College?
It’s best to start packing 3-4 weeks before your move-in date. This gives you enough time to plan, gather essentials, and avoid the stress of last-minute panic packing. Start by listing everything you need and break the packing process into two stages:
- Non-essentials first: Begin with items you won’t need in the weeks before moving. This includes extra bedding, winter clothes, and dorm decorations.
- Daily essentials last: Pack things like toiletries, electronics, and clothes last as you’ll use them up until the day of your move. This approach helps you stay organized.
Tips to Start Packing
Most students get overwhelmed when they think of the entire moving process. It can feel like a big task, but breaking it down into steps makes it easier. Create a packing checklist. List everything you need for your dorm or apartment. This helps you stay organized and ensures you don’t forget anything important.
Start by gathering the essentials for your dorm, including:
- Bedding: Pack your sheets, pillows, and blankets.
- Toiletries: Don’t forget your toothbrush, soap, and shower caddy.
- Electronics: Pack your laptop, chargers, and headphones.
- Personal items: Add in your clothes, favorite books, and photos.
Label everything to make unpacking easier once you arrive. If you are packing dishes, then make sure to follow the right dish packing tips to prevent damage.
Use Space-Saving Storage
One of the best tips for moving to college is to use space-saving storage. Dorm rooms are usually small, so making the most of your space is important. If you have many items, opt for space-saving storage solutions, as they can help you fit everything you need without cluttering your room, such as:
- Collapsible bins: These are great for items like clothes or shoes, as they can be easily folded and stored when not in use.
- Vacuum-sealed bags: Vacuum-sealed bags are perfect for bulky items like bedding or winter coats, as they compress your items to take up less space.
- Under-bed storage: Storage under your bed is smart for keeping extra clothes or supplies out of sight but easily accessible.
Label Everything
All the above tips for college moves simplify dorm room packing, but if you want to make unpacking easy, you must label everything properly. As you pack, write clear labels on each container to indicate what’s inside — like clothes, electronics, toiletries, or school supplies. This will save you time and effort when unpacking since you’ll know exactly where everything is.
Luckily, with Daymakers’ professional moving service, you’ll get free boxes/packing material and a free personal moving consultant — this will save you time.
If you want to make the unpacking process more convenient, you can label items based on the room or section of your dorm where they’ll go. This will help you avoid the hassle of digging through multiple boxes to find what you need on a moving day.
Pack in Phases
Packing in phases helps keep the process manageable and less overwhelming. Start with items you won’t need immediately, like extra clothes, decorations, or bedding for colder months. As moving day approaches — whether this is for a long-distance or local move — you can start packing the essential stuff you use more frequently, such as toiletries, electronics, and everyday clothes.
Although there is no “best way”, this method makes sure you’re not rushing at the last minute and still have access to your essentials until the day of your move. Dividing it into smaller steps makes packing easier and less stressful. With professional packing, your valuables will be safe. Daymakers provides professional local moving services, so let us help you with your next move.
Sort Your Documents
When moving to college, keeping your important documents organized is crucial. Here’s how to manage them effectively:
- Make copies: Students must create digital scans and photocopies of important documents such as their ID, passport, health records, insurance information, and any important academic paperwork — this is especially important if you’re doing a long-distance move.
- Sort and organize: For easy access, you can categorize your documents into logical groups — personal identification, medical records, academic papers — and use folders or binders to keep them organized. Keep them in a designated, secure spot to easily access during your move.
Moving Day Checklist
Here are some essential packing and moving hacks to keep in mind.
Pack an Essentials Bag
Moving day can be hectic, so having an essentials bag with water, towels, food, and medication makes it easier. This way, you won’t feel fatigued during the day and when unpacking.
Arrive Early
Getting to your dorm or apartment ahead of time gives you a head start on unpacking and arranging your space. You can set up your essentials and organize before things get too hectic. If you arrive early, you can avoid the rush of other movers or students. This means less waiting time for elevators, less competition for parking spaces, and a more relaxed environment for unpacking.
Wear Comfortable Clothes
On a moving day, comfort is key. Avoid wearing anything too tight or uncomfortable. A basic tee and pants will keep you cool and allow you to move freely as you lift and carry boxes. Choose breathable fabrics like cotton or moisture-wicking materials, especially if you’re moving in warm weather.
Experience the Daymakers Difference
Moving to college doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You deserve to enjoy your next move with end-to-end services. Let Daymakers make the transition to college easier for you. We’re proud of our team and track record of over 800 five-star reviews.
Get your free moving quote today and experience the benefits of our moves.
