College move-in day during your freshman year is as hectic as things can get. It’s a new living situation, new environment, tons of kids and parents running around trying to figure out where to go, etc. Make life easier on yourself with our college moving day tips.

Very few days will be as stressful in your college career as that very first move-in day. To make things run smoother, follow our college moving day tips listed below.

Before arriving at the dorm, here are some helpful college road trip tips to check out.

Arrive A Day Ahead Of Move-In Date

Get there 24 hours in advance to rest and prepare.

If you’re traveling a long distance, try to arrive in the campus town a day in advance. By doing so, you can check off the following tasks:

• Pick up groceries and other toiletries locally
• Pick up previously shipped items to UPS or Fed Ex offices
• Pick Up Student ID and Room Key (if possible)
• Full night’s rest before move-in day

Arrive At Dorm Early On Move-In Day

Get to the dorm as early as possible on move-in day itself.

It’s going to be hectic with students and their parents navigating the halls, hauling belongings, and figuring out where to go.

Arrive as early as possible so you’re among the first wave of students to unpack and settle in your room. This way you can wrap up the process as fast as possible.

Have Tools On Hand

Be ready with the necessary tools for unpacking and moving in.

Before leaving, prepare a toolbox or bag with the necessary items you’ll need to facilitate moving in faster. Items include:

• Scissors
• Duct tape
• Markers
• Hammer
• Screwdrivers
• Doorstop
• Paper towels and spray

You’re going to be unpacking boxes, assembling items, and generally getting things dirty. Be ready for all that commotion with the right tools.

Don’t Forget First Aid Kit

Make sure to have a first aid kit ready for any accidental scrapes or cuts.

Just to be safe, bring along a first aid kit. You can buy one readily prepared at any store or assemble your own. It should contain, at minimum, the following items:

• Bandages
• Disinfectant spray or wipes
• Sports tape
• Small scissors
• Tweezers
• Aspirin or Ibuprofen

Cuts and scrapes happen, especially on move-in day, so be ready to fix them up fast.

Bring Storage Bins

Use plastic storage bins to make packing and unpacking easier.

Storage bins are easier to use when doing college move-in for a few reasons. First, they are normally made from sturdy plastic, so there’s no need to worry about them breaking apart while jostling them around.

Second, they almost always have built-in handles to make griping and carrying much easier. Regular boxes work, but storage bins will make the process easier and quicker to finish.

Dress Appropriately For Moving

Be comfortable and ready to sweat.

Don’t show up on move-in day wearing anything fancy or uncomfortable. You’re going to be doing a lot of lifting boxes, walking up and downstairs, and assembling furniture or other items once inside.

It’s going to be a long, sweaty day. Wear comfortable shoes, and casual clothes you don’t mind getting dirty in. Also, don’t forget to bring water with you for hydration.

Examine The Dorm Room Beforehand

Make sure to note any pre-existing damage or items of concern.

You will likely be asked to check the room over for any pre-existing damage. Make note of any of the following items:

• Chipped furniture
• Damaged walls or doors
• Carpet stains or rips

Make sure to check everything off the provided list before signing off. Otherwise, at the end of the year, you end up getting charged for damage you didn’t commit.

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