College Move-In Day Tips Every Student & Parent Should Know
It feels like summer just started, but somehow the school year is right around the corner. That means it’s time for my annual college move-in day essentials blog! 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 college move-in, it was already time for graduation! If you’re prepping 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 her aesthetic covered, the day-of logistics weren’t as front of mind. However after plenty of research, we showed up to move-in day with all the college move-in day essentials we could think of. Some things were absolute lifesavers, and others… Well, we wish we’d thought of them sooner. I’ve highlighted a few standouts below, but make sure to keep reading for my full list of college move-in day essentials, favorite dorm decor retailers, and move-in day tips!
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Tools & A Tool Kit
A tool kit is one of those college move-in day essentials that you’ll be thankful to have not just on move-in day, but all year long. Even a basic set of tools is incredibly useful for hanging art, assembling storage, or fixing last-minute dorm room surprises. 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 Stopper
This might surprise you, but what’s my BIGGEST move-in day hack?? A door stopper!!! Truly such a helpful item on the list of college move-in day essentials. With so many people (and boxes) crammed into a small dorm room, it’s common for things to overflow into the hallway. The last thing you want is to be constantly fighting with the door while unloading. Plus with so many people in one room, it’s bound to get warm fast… a door stopper adds much-needed airflow. Just trust me and pack one!
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 prior to unpacking. This Dorm Room Multipurpose Cleaning Kit is a great place to start. Tiffy Tip: Bring a small caddy to store everything in when you leave. Your student will (hopefully) reach for the cleaning supplies again.
Basic products I recommend: disinfecting wipes, all-purpose cleaning spray, paper towels, and a broom with a dustpan
Handheld Vacuum
The handheld vacuum deserves its own spotlight. Not only is it helpful on move-in day, but it becomes a dorm room staple all year long! My daughter swears her mini vacuum was the most-used item in her room. Dorms get dusty fast, and having a handheld vacuum on hand made quick clean-ups so much easier. Kennedy and her roommate actually became known as “the girls with the mini vacuum,” and it was constantly being borrowed by others on their floor!
A few great handheld vacuums (from splurge to save):
Dyson Handheld Vacuum, Shark Cord-Free Handheld Vacuum, BISSELL Hand Vacuum, Black+Decker Cordless Hand Vacuum, Dirt Devil Cordless Hand Vacuum
Rolling Cart
If you take just one thing from this blog post, let it be this! A rolling cart was hands-down the best investment when it came to our college move-in day essentials. 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 makes the most out of each trip to the car and helps you move items of all shapes and sizes with ease. Tiffy Tip: Bring a few bungee cords to help secure larger or bulkier loads to the cart.
College Move-In Day Essentials & Dorm Room Packing List
While there are plenty of additional items that should be in your students’ dorm room for move-in day and thereafter, I’ll keep the remainder of the list short! These are the items that came in handy for us!
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Zip Ties: Speaking of emergency trips, we had to make one for zip ties when attaching a bed skirt to Kennedy’s lofted bed (and other projects). They came in so handy!
- 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. These black trash bags came in so handy.
- 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
- Clip Mini 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 Door Rack: Oftentimes, dorm room closet space is limited. The girls put this rack over the end of their beds to conveniently 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 (more spacious). 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 the college move-in day essentials, I thought I’d briefly touch on the interiors! 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:
Crate & Barrel, 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! 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 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.
