This article was written to help give new first time college students an idea of what to prepare and buy before moving out to the dorm.
We give you all the options or the best ways to book custom moves as well as Pricing Van Lines expert tips to making student moving life great!
Starting College Post-Dorm Move
Moving into your dorm can be exciting yet overwhelming, especially if you’re trying to keep costs down. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make the transition smoothly and affordably, along with tips for maximizing a smaller space. Get to class faster when your personal space is friendly, and inviting and makes you want to study.
Budgeting and Planning for Your Move
- Set a Budget: Determine how much you can spend on moving and dorm essentials. Don’t forget to factor in transportation, car bills, if relevant, school supplies, and any new items you might need, such as a better laptop or expensive textbooks.
- Necessary Items List: List what you absolutely need versus what you want to have in your dorm. Prioritize essentials like bedding, toiletries, and school supplies. Remember that the space you will have in your dorm is much smaller than any previous space you have had. You will likely be sharing as well/
- Understand What You Need: Find out who your soon-to-be best friend and roommate placement is. Make a list of what each individual is responsible to bring so you don’t bring duplicate items.
Gather Supplies
- Use What You Have: Before buying new things, see what you can repurpose from home (or your parents home). Old boxes, suitcases, or plastic bins can be great for packing.
- Thrift Stores & Garage Sales: Look for second-hand furniture or decor so you can save on the more significant pieces you might be missing. Many stores offer discounts for students, so always ask!
Transportation and The Moving Options
- Carpool with Friends: Share rides to save on gas. Plus, it makes moving more fun! If you are able to fit everything you need into a car together, then enjoy your savings on beer money!
- Shared Transport: If you don’t have a car, check public transportation options or see if your school has shuttles for new students from your city. You could also take an Uber to campus but make sure the driver understands the task.
- Rent a Van or Truck: If you have a lot of stuff, renting a moving truck for a day can be cheaper than multiple trips in a personal car. This DIY style move is bound to save you money in the long run rather than booking a full moving service for not so many items. Pricing Van Lines offers the ability to customize your move and simply book the vehicle rental itself.
- Moving Service: If you don’t want to ask friends and family for help or a ride sometimes it really does just make sense to pay a little extra and have the professionals handle your move. You can book your dorm move with Pricing Van Lines and add as many or as few extra services as you want to adjust pricing. We always keep moving affordable as we too were students back in the day.
Tips For Packing Up and Moving In the Dorm
- Pack Smart and Small: Use clothing and towels to wrap fragile items. This saves space and protects your belongings and then you will have your towel for the shower which you need anyways. Only pack the essentials as a cluttered dorm with a million items will feel even smaller.
- Label: Clearly label boxes with their items inside. This will save time when unpacking and keep things neat and organized. Keep a list of everything you brought in case moving in with a roommate so that you can split the items at the end.
- Keep Essentials Accessible: Pack a bag with immediate needs (clothes for a few days of classes and parties, toiletries, important documents, school related items) to avoid digging through boxes later.
- Check Dorm Guidelines: Familiarize yourself with your dorm’s rules to stay out of trouble.
- Plan Your Layout Ahead: Before you move in, consider how you and your roommate want to arrange your space. Measure your room to ensure your furniture fits. Don’t waste time and space bringing too large items that won’t fit or duplicate items.
- Unpack Strategically ASAP: Start with essentials and set up your space in the first few days. Whatever you leave as a task for later is bound to never get done. It’s okay if it doesn’t look perfect right away!
- Ask Friends for Help: If possible, enlist friends to help with packing or moving smaller items, which can save you money on labor costs.
- Consider Storage: If you have items you don’t need immediately, look into affordable storage options nearby if you can’t leave all your junk at the parents home..
Tips for Moving into a Smaller Space and How to Maximize the Dorm
- Declutter: Every few months reevaluate what you really need. Donate or recycle items you haven’t used in a while. Other broke students would always be happy for free items.
- Smart Storage Solutions: Use under-bed storage boxes, vacuum-sealed bags, stackable bins, or hanging organizers to make the most of every nook and cranny.
- Create Zones: Define areas for sleeping with the right lighting and ambiance, studying, and relaxing. This can help make a small space feel more organized and functional.
- Maximize Vertical Space: Use shelves, hooks, and over-the-door organizers to keep things off the floor and utilize wall space. Anything stackable should be stacked.
- Multi-Functional Furniture: Furniture that serves multiple purposes, like a bed with storage underneath or a desk that doubles as a dining table, will prevent your dorm from feeling like a war bunker.
- Limit Decor: Choose a few meaningful pieces to decorate. This keeps your space feeling personal without cluttered and small.
Final Thoughts Before the Big Move To College
Moving into a dorm doesn’t have to break the bank and can actually be a really fun adventure for you and your roommate. With a bit of planning, resourcefulness, and creativity, you make it feel like home. When you move in get unpacked as quickly as possible even if it isn’t perfect so you can get off on your way to that frat party to enjoy your college life. As for the move itself, you have multiple options depending on the volume of items you need to bring and access to a car.
