These 12 Simple Hacks Will Make College Dorm Move-in Day Easier

The essentials you need to help making college dorm room move-in easier and less stressful. Be prepared with these must know hacks.

If you are like thousands of parents across the country, you are getting ready to move your baby into their freshman dorm.

And if you are like us, you feel a little overwhelmed about the entire process. You are probably feeling all the emotions right now: sadness about them leaving home, excitement for what is to come, and trepidation about the entire move-in process.

You may have bought all the things to make their first year great (if not, check out these posts: Dorm Room Essentials For Girls – Must-Haves, Practical, And a Little Fun and Teen Boy Dorm Rooms Essentials – Why You Don’t Need So Much Crap.)

What you may not know is what to do and bring to make move-in day a little easier for both of you.

What you need for an easier dorm move-in day

We were rookies for our first move-in day, and while we’re often over-planners, there were things that we just didn’t think of. Here is our suggested list of move-in day supplies that we now use again (and again!)

Put Together a College Dorm Move-In Kit

This is a game-changer. The last thing you want to do when your nerves are already shot is freak out about trying to find the things you need first.

The last thing you should put in the car (so it’s easily accessible as the first thing to take out) is your move-in kit. We put ours in a clear bin, clearly labeled, obviously, “Move-In Kit.”

Here’s what we included:

1. Trash bags-you may want to leave that as something you pick up after, but trust us, bring some with you. You will have a lot of trash and it’s easier to keep the room organized.
2. Small tool set/drill/tape measure: You will most likely need to assemble a few storage items or move some things around, and a small tool set that includes both types of screw drivers, a hammer, small wrench, etc. always comes in handy. Also, you may want to bring a rubber mallet in the instance you need to loft your bed. Note: we left this small tool kit behind with them and we were surprised how much they said they used it.
3. Zip ties (or twine): Someone mentioned this to me on our first move-in, and I couldn’t imagine what we would use them for, but they are the best! They can help secure headboards, wire racks and black out curtains. We’ve seen people zip-tie power strips to bed posts to keep them neater and use them to hang up fairy lights.
4. Cleaning products: Some Clorox wipes, paper towels, and a small broom or vacuum can help clean up messes as they occur. We also loved Magic Erasers to clean up some old scuff marks and other grime (just be careful not to remove paint!) Most of the dorm rooms we’ve moved into have been pretty clean, but it’s always nice to wipe everything down before you move in.
5. Scissors/box cutters for opening stuff.
6. Door Holder: While safety is important, a doorstopper makes move-in day so much easier with everyone going in and out. Our kids also liked using it during the day to encourage others to stop by and hang out.
7. Command strips, gorilla tape, and rubbing alcohol. If you are going to want to hang stuff, this is the best way to do it. The rubbing alcohol will help the adhesive stick better, especially on older walls.
8. Hand sanitizer
9. Extension cords: these were great as we set up some of their electronics or needed to charge phones during move-in.
10. Rain ponchos/tarps (check the weather!)
11. Roll of toilet paper if they have their own suite.
12. Sharpie/pen.
13. Advil/tylenol (separate from the simple first aid kit you should leave behind.)
14. Shirt change (you will be sweating.)
15. Mister (see 14. you will be hot and sweaty)
16. Small Clear Storage Bins
17. Ziploc Bags
18. Labels

Hefty Strong Large Trash Bags, 30 Gallon, 74 Count (Packaging may vary)FASTPRO 160-Piece Home Tool kit with Drill, 12V Cordless Lithium-ion Drill Driver and Household Repairing Tool Set with Storage Case, For DIY, Home Maintenance, GreenABN 25-Piece Tri-Fold Mini Tool Set for Dorm, Travel, Office, Home Tool Kit with Case – Basic Tool Set for Home RepairsBOSCH PS41-2A 12V Max 1/4-Inch Hex Impact Driver Kit with (2) 2.5Ah BatteriesZip Ties Assorted Sizes 4+6+8+12 inch, 200 Pack, Black Cable Ties, UV Resistant Wire Ties for Indoor and Outdoor Use, LOCKLOCKT.W Evans Cordage 06-120 12 Poly Cotton Twine 2-Pound Cone, 3200-FeetDorm Room Multipurpose Cleaning Kit Value Pack with Formula 409 Multi-Surface Cleaner – Lemon Fresh, WINDEX Original Glass Cleaner & MoreMr. Clean Magic Eraser Extra Durable, Shoe Cleaner, Cleaner Pads with Durafoam, 10 CountDust pan Broom Brush Dustpan – Small Broom and Dustpan Set, Mini Broom and Dust pan, Small Dustpans and Brush Set for Home Cleaning,Sofa, Desk, Guinea Pig Cage, Cat Litter etc.（Green）Bounty Select-A-Size Paper Towels, Prints, 2 Triple Rolls = 6 Regular Rolls (Packaging May Vary)MR.SIGA Microfiber Cleaning Cloth,Pack of 12,Size:12.6iBayam Scissors All Purpose, 9.3 Inch Scissors Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Shears for Home Household Cutting Fabric Leather, Sewing Shears, Paper Box Cutter, Package Opener, Hand Cutting ToolsDIYSELF 2Pack Utility Knife Box Cutter Retractable Blade Heavy Duty(Red)Gorilla Tape Tough & Wide, White Tape, 2.88Command General Purpose Variety Kit, Various Sized Hooks, Wire Hooks, and Picture Hanging Strips to Hang Up to 19 Items, Organize Damage-FreeAmazon Basics 91% Isopropyl Alcohol First Aid Antiseptic, Unscented 32 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) (Previously Solimo)PURELL Advanced Hand Sanitizer Refreshing Gel, Clean Scent, 1 Liter Pump Bottle (Pack of 1) – 9632-04-CMRBN-LINK 3-Outlet Indoor Extension Cord, 6/9/12 ft Variety 3-Pack, 16/2 SPT-2, 2 Prong Polarized Plug, White Household Power Cord for Home, Office & Holiday DecorationsGrizzly Tarps by B-Air 8′ x 10′ Large Multi-Purpose Waterproof Heavy Duty Poly Tarp with Grommets Every 36Atickyaid Mini First Aid Kit – 140 Piece Small First Aid Medical Kit for Car, Home, Office, Travel, Camping, Sports, Outdoor, School – Emergency First Aid Supplies and Survival KitO2COOL Deluxe Handheld Battery Powered Water Misting Fan (Purple)Sharpie Permanent Markers Variety Pack, Featuring Ultra-Fine, Chisel Tip, And Fine Tip Marker Set, Writing And Poster Markers, Black, 6 CountRubbermaid Cleverstore 95 Quart Clear Stackable Large Plastic Storage Containers with Lids for Office and Home Organization, Clear (4 Pack)Sterilite 64 Qt. Latching Box,(Clear.6 Pack)SLOOSH Foam Pool Noodles-Multicolor Floating Foam Tube, 6 Pack 48 Inch Hollow Swim Noodles for Swimming Floating and Craft Projects,Multi-Purpose Swimming Pool Noodle Bulk Buoyancy150 Pcs Labels for Storage Bins, 6 X 4 Inch Removable Labels for Storage Bins, Tear Resistant No Residue Storage Bin Labels, Matte White Blank Box Labels for School, Home, BusinessZiploc Stand and Fill Big Bags, XL Big Bags, 4 Count (Pack of 2)CRAVEBOX Snacks Box Variety Pack Care Package (65 Count) Easter Treats Gift Basket Adults Kids Grandkids Guys Girls Women Men Boyfriend Birthday Cookies Chips College Student Office School

 

Other tips to make dorm move-in day easier

We have a few college move-ins under our belt, and here are a few things that we’ve learned along the way.

1. When possible, remove things from the packaging.

It may seem like a good idea to keep everything in its original boxes, but once you are in that crowded dorm room, having boxes all over the place will only make it harder to move around and get organized.

We took everything out of the packaging (except mattress toppers, because those things will expand and take up your whole vehicle!) and packed it up in these blue storage bags. We also tried to label each bag with what was in it (nothing fancy, just taped an index card with terms like fan, hoodies, towels, sheets, etc.)

2. Use clear bins for small loose items.

Our kids had many small, loose items for their desks, snacks, make up, toiletries, etc. We used these small clear bins to store these items for transport and then left a few behind for them to store shoes, snacks, etc. We also taped a piece of paper on the outside where our kids could write down what they put in there each time so we could keep track.

3. Wash everything before you get there.

One of our kid’s roommates did not wash their bedding before they got to school, and when they opened it up out of the plastic, it had a smell to it that stunk up their whole room.

If possible, wash bed linens, towels, and anything else before heading to school. It’s not worth the risk.

4. Tape everything shut

Nothing is more mortifying to a college freshman than having all their belongings spilling out in the middle of the street for all the world to see!

But seriously, tape everything, EVERYTHING, closed. Even containers with snapped lids. Whether you are moving everything in yourself or you have a team of current students lugging your stuff up to your child’s room, you never know when something may fall and open or drawers come crashing out. Simple making tape can help with this.

5. Print out paper labels with the student name/dorm and room number to tape onto each box, bag, or clothing bundle.

6. Pack snacks and water

It is still summer in a lot of places for move-in day, so it’s important to stay full and hydrated. Nothing is worse than a hangry teenager and thirsty father on move in day!

7. Find out if there will be carts, dollys, or wagons you can check out or reserve on move-in day.

If not, bring your own. It saves time and trips up and down the elevators/stairs! Also, bring some bungee cords to keep everything secure on carts and dollys.

8. Leave clothes/coats on hangers

Pro-tip: for the clothes that have to be hung up, simply zip-tie the hangers together, make a hole at the bottom of the trash bag, and cover them up in groups for easy transport. Space was really tight in one of our daughter’s closets, so we bought these space-saving hangers, which worked out great.

9. Pool noodles for the win

Another great tip we got from a fellow parent: attach a pool noodle to the bed frame with a long zip tie and then push it up against the wall. The noodle will stop phones and other items from falling down behind the bed, and often behind desks and other hard to move furniture. Also, we’ve heard of computers that have fallen into the cracks and been damaged.

10. Check for dorm room damage before you move in

Take photos or video before moving anything into your room to ensure nothing is damaged, including paint, furniture, door frames, etc. You do not want your student to be charged for something they did not do, and it might be hard to get someone to check out the damage the day of move-in.

11. Add in some time for shopping

Plan to make a trip to a local store for anything you may have forgotten, snacks, toiletries, etc.

If you’re traveling by plane to move in, take advantage of in-store pick-up options available at many home stores. (Walmart, Target, etc.)

12. Bonus: if possible, leave some cookies or other treats behind

Those last few moments before you leave are HARD, no matter how put together their dorm room is. Leaving a care package of snacks for them to share with their new friends is a great way to leave them with a full belly and a full heart.

Don’t worry parents, you got this!

Here are a few other posts parents of teens found helpful during this challenging phase:

How Do You Say Goodbye to Your Baby When It’s Time to Let Them Go?

We Raised Our Little Girl to Leave Us, But My Mama Heart Still Hurts

You Will Feel Joy and Heartbreak When You Leave Your Teen at College

3 Unexpected Things I Learned After My Daughter’s Freshman Year at College

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