College Move-In Day Tips Every Student & Parent Should Know
I know it feels like summer just started, but the school year will be here before we know it. As we prepare for the new school year, it’s time to share my annual college move in checklist! I remember moving Kennedy into her freshman dorm at TCU like it was yesterday. Move-in day is full of emotions, a little (okay, a lot of) chaos, and so many boxes. I swear by the time we truly got the hang of move-in day, it was already time for graduation! If you’re putting together your own college move in checklist, you’re in the right place. I’m sharing our must-haves, helpful tips, and lessons learned to help you feel organized, calm, and ready for move-in day.
The key to a smooth move-in day? Preparation! Kennedy and her precious roommate had every detail of their dorm decor planned to perfection (thank you, Room 422). While Kennedy had the aesthetics covered, the day-of logistics weren’t quite as front of mind. After plenty of research, we showed up with every move-in day essential we could think of. Some things were absolute lifesavers, and others… we wish we’d thought of sooner. I’ve highlighted a few of my true standouts, but make sure to keep reading for my complete college move in checklist, favorite dorm room must-haves, and best move-in day tips to help make move-in as smooth as possible!
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My College Move-In Day Must-Haves
Before we dive into my complete college move in checklist, I wanted to highlight a few standout products I would never show up to move-in day without.
Tools & A Tool Kit
A tool kit is one of those essentials you’ll be thankful to have, not just on move-in day, but all year long. Even a basic set of tools comes in handy for hanging artwork, assembling storage, or tackling unexpected dorm room projects. Tiffy Tip: If your student plans to loft or unloft their bed, don’t forget to pack a hammer or rubber mallet!
Other tools to include: zip ties, scissors, duct tape, small nails, electric screwdriver
Door Stop
This might come as a surprise, but a door stop is at the very top of my college move in checklist. With so many people (and boxes) crammed into a small dorm room, things can get chaotic fast. A door stop keeps you from constantly fighting with the door while unloading and adds a little much-needed airflow to an oftentimes stuffy room. Just trust me on this one… pack it!
Cleaning Supplies
Most dorm rooms are cleaned before move-in day, but I still recommend bringing a few basic cleaning supplies to wipe down surfaces before unpacking. I love that this dorm room cleaning kit has everything you need in one place. We went through cleaning wipes like crazy on move-in day, so be sure to pack a few extras! Tiffy Tip: Bring a small cleaning caddy to keep everything organized. Your student will (hopefully) reach for the cleaning supplies throughout the year.
Basic products I recommend: all-purpose cleaning spray, paper towels, and a broom with a dustpan
Handheld Vacuum
Trust me when I say that a handheld vacuum is one of those college move in checklist items your student will use all year long. Kennedy swears her mini vacuum was the most-used item in her dorm room year after year. Dorms get dusty fast, and having this on hand makes quick cleanups so much easier. In fact, Kennedy and her roommate became known as “the girls with the mini vacuum” because everyone on their floor was constantly borrowing it!
A few great handheld vacuums (from splurge to save):
Dyson Handheld Vacuum, Shark Cordless Hand Vacuum, Bissell Cordless Hand Vacuum, Black+Decker Handheld Vacuum, Dirt Devil Cordless Hand Vacuum
Rolling Cart
If you take just one thing from this blog, let it be this! A rolling cart was hands down the best investment we made for move-in day. If your child is anything like mine, move-in day will involve lots of stuff and multiple trips to the car. A rolling cart (or even a HULKEN bag) is a total game changer. It helps you make the most of every trip while easily transporting items of all shapes and sizes. Tiffy Tip: Bring a few bungee cords to secure larger or awkwardly shaped items to your cart.
College Move In Checklist & Dorm Room Essentials
While there are plenty of other items you’ll want to include on your college move in checklist, I’ll keep the rest of the list short! These are the dorm room essentials that came in handy for us year after year.
- Small Personal Safe: A small personal safe is a great way to store medications, important documents, emergency cash, jewelry, etc. Kennedy used hers all 4 years!
- Storage Bins: We used clear storage bins to transport clothing and other personal goods. I recommend the clear bins for ease in locating items in a hurry.
- Tape Measure: Emergency runs to Target or The Container Store are almost a guarantee on college move-in day. A tape measure allows precise measurements when picking up last-minute items.
- Tiered Rolling Cart: Dorm room space is oftentimes limited. Kennedy kept this 3 tier rolling cart next to her desk to store school supplies, keys, snacks, makeup etc.,!
- Step Stool: A folding step stool is great for hanging decor, storing items in harder-to-reach places, etc., This one is foldable and can be easily stored under a dorm bed.
- Label Maker: We used a label maker to label drawers for quick and convenient access to clothing throughout the school year.
- Command Strips & Small Nails: These items speak for themselves. Make sure to check the university’s guidelines on hanging items, required nail size, etc.!
- Trash Bags: TRUST me on this… trash bags are one of those very useful yet often overlooked college move-in day essentials. We went through more of these black trash bags than you could imagine.
- Box Cutter: Move in day typically consists of countless boxes. Hence why a retractable box cutter is a must on any college move in checklist.
- First Aid Kit: Though (hopefully) not a move-in day staple, every dorm room should have a first aid kit on hand!
- More medical must-haves: DormDoc Medical Kit, thermometer.
- Mini Clip Fan: This small personal fan was Kennedy’s best friend freshman year! Attach it to the bedframe, desk, you name it.
- Surge Protector & Extension Cord: Electrical outlets in college dorm rooms can be both sparse and inconveniently placed. An extension cord is such an easily forgotten necessity!
- Over The Door Rack: Oftentimes, dorm room closet space is limited. The girls put this rack over the end of their beds to store backpacks, raincoats, umbrellas, etc. Another option here.
- Hanging Storage Mirror: So functional and takes up minimal space!
- Mini Fridge (if allowed): This mini fridge was added Kennedy’s sophomore year when she moved into a suite with her own room. She loved having her own fridge for water and a few small snacks!
Dorm Room Decor and Interiors
Now that we’ve covered most of my college move in checklist, let’s get to the fun stuff! The beauty of the items we purchased for Kennedy’s freshman year TCU dorm room is that we were able to repurpose them year after year. Many are still used in her home 6 years later! Kennedy loved the convenience and style of Room 422… truly a one stop shop! Here are a few more options that have college dorm-specific shops:
Ballard Designs, Pottery Barn Dorm, Dormify, Urban Outfitters Dorm Shop, Wayfair, West Elm, Amazon
College Move-In Day Tips & Tricks
- Dress for comfort: This one speaks for itself, but above all else…. wear comfortable shoes (these would be my choice). You’ll be on your feet most of the day, so comfort is key for surviving college move-in day.
- Pack a few snacks: No need to get hangry! Bring a few easy, grab-and-go snacks to keep your energy up throughout the day.
- Bag hanging clothes in trash bags: Pack hanging clothes on their hangers inside tall trash bags. Once you’re in the dorm, simply hang them in the closet and slide the bag off. Easy and efficient!
- Take pictures: TRY to remember to snap a few photos during the college move-in day chaos! These moments make for fun and meaningful memories to look back on.
- Keep the guest list short: “The more the merrier” doesn’t always apply…. especially when you’re cramming into a small dorm room. If possible, try to limit the number of people helping out on move-in day.
- Pack inside of your storage: Using storage drawers in the dorm? Pre-pack them with what you plan to store during the school year. It’s one less thing to worry about unpacking and organizing on move-in day!
- Know the university protocol: Every college move-in day looks a little different. Be sure to review your university’s protocol ahead of time so you’re fully prepared. I even kept a note in my phone with key times, addresses, and building info for easy access.
