College Moving Checklist

Two Months Before
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Before the neighborhood starts, visit the school to familiarize yourself with the surroundings. Acquaint yourself with key landmarks and buildings like libraries, student centers, and the lecture halls where your classes will be held. During your visit, ensure you visit the Admissions Office. The staff at the Admissions Office can provide you with valuable resources like maps and advise you on what to pack for college.

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Create a moving binder to consolidate all the important documents you’ll require, like your driver’s license, state-issued ID, and official school documents.  

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Start collecting packing supplies like packing tape, boxes, permanent markers, scissors, and labels for your move. Gathering these supplies will make your move smoother.

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If you opt to hire movers, start comparing various moving options. Starting your research sooner rather than later will allow you to pick a suitable moving option for your needs.

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If you plan to reside off-campus, start looking for housing early. Starting your house search soon can help you familiarize yourself with the neighborhoods next to your college and avoid the last-minute rush for housing units. Sites like Neighborhood Scout can give you valuable insights into nearby neighborhoods.

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Your move will be different depending on whether you’ll live on-campus or off-campus. If you live on campus, you’ll need to carry much less since most of your furniture will be provided by the university. On the other hand, if you live off-campus, you’ll have more things to move. In this case, it might be advisable to hire college movers or move bulky items separately.

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Look into the meal options at your school. Some colleges offer a flexible meal plan that can allow you to pick your preferred meals, while others require students to buy a meal plan. Research about available meal plans so that you don’t have to worry about how you’ll pay for meals when you’re trying to settle.

One Month Before
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If you applied for on-campus housing, check whether your application has been approved and the dorm you’ve been assigned.

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Overpacking is a common mistake many freshmen make. Avoid overpacking by only carrying essential items you’ll require for school. If an item feels unnecessary, leave it.

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The moving method you choose will largely depend on various factors like whether you’ll live on or off-campus, how far you’re moving, and your budget. If you’re moving with only a few items to a campus nearby, you could drive yourself or ask a family member or friend to drive you. However, if you have several boxes and bulky items like furniture, consider hiring professional furniture movers.

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Request quotes from various moving services to help you pick a moving service that meets your needs and budget. 

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After going through various quotes, book a service that meets your requirements. Booking a moving service in advance will help you avoid the last-minute rush for movers when the peak moving season arrives.  

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Write out your packing list. Group the packing list for college dorm items into categories such as kitchen supplies, school supplies, and clothing. Categorizing items will guide you during packing and facilitate the process.

One Week Before
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Gather any items you’ll carry but won’t require at hand, and put them into boxes. The sooner you start packing, the less stressed you’ll be on moving day.

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Remember the college packing list you wrote with your college dorm essentials list? Refer to it and start shopping for any essentials you may not have, like beddings, stationery, and toiletries. Be careful not to buy too much, though – you can always stock up on depleted supplies at school.

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Pay your doctor a visit for a checkup and replenish any medication you’ll need to carry to school.

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Once you have ticked off most of the items on your College Checklist, start saying your goodbyes. Plan a farewell party, even if it’s just a small party with a few close friends.

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If you booked movers, confirm your moving arrangements to ensure you’re all on the same page.

A Day Before
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Moving to college can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. Hire Sunshine Movers and use a college move in checklist for a stress-free and even somewhat enjoyable move.  

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Pack any valuable items like your laptop separately and carry them with you, either in your backpack or personal vehicle.

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Double-check the documents you’ll need to carry to college to ensure they’re all in order when the moving day arrives. 

In Conclusion

Moving to college can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. Hire Sunshine Movers and use a CollegeChecklist for a stress-free and even somewhat enjoyable move. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can a College Student Move Across the Country?

You can move across the country by hiring professional movers. As professional college movers, we’ll ensure your items are transported safely and on time.

Can I Connect with My Roommate Beforehand?

Some colleges may connect you with your roommate before the semester starts. If your college does, seize the opportunity to coordinate your living arrangements with your roommate.

Are There Items I Can’t Bring with Me?

You can’t carry flammable items like lighter fluid and paint. Also, while we may carry most of your items, you may be prohibited from bringing certain items into your dorm room. Check what items are disallowed in your dorm to avoid disappointment.

When Am I Allowed to Move In?

The move in day will depend on your campus, but freshmen generally move in a few days before other students to help them adjust to their new surroundings. Check when you can move in on your school’s online calendar.

What About Elevators, Carts, or Dollies for Moving In?

Freight elevators can make your move smoother. Check whether they’re available before the move. For bulky items, we provide carts and dollies to make moving easier.

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