Essential Moving Tips: What To Know Before Heading Back to College
![A college student and her parents load up their car to move back to college.](https://cdn.devonselfstorage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/college-1-1200x836.jpg)
Moving back to college is an exciting time filled with anticipation for reuniting with friends, new classes, and another opportunity to take in the glory of the college experience. Whether you live in an on-campus dorm or off-campus with friends, the process of moving in and getting settled is equal parts thrilling and stressful.
To help you make a smooth transition back to school, the experts at Devon Self Storage have put together this guide for college move-in season. We’ll provide you with a packing checklist for moving back to college, advice on how to stay productive, and more tips for a stress-free move back to college.
Packing Checklist for Moving Back to College
Creating a comprehensive packing checklist is the first step of a successful move back to college. By making sure you pack these items, you’ll ensure you have everything you need to have a comfortable and organized living space. Here are some must-haves for your college dorm room, apartment, or house:
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- Bedding. Sheets, pillows, comforter, and mattress topper
- Furniture. Couch, coffee table, desk chair, lounging chairs, and patio furniture
- Personal care. Toiletries, shower caddie, shower shoes, towels, and first aid kit
- Snacks and food. Groceries, kitchen utensils, pots, pans, drinks, cooler, and minifridge
- Clothing. Hangers, laundry basket, and seasonal clothes such as swimsuits, coats, etc.
- School supplies. Notebooks, pens, laptop and charger, and backpack
- Cleaning supplies. Disinfecting wipes, vacuum, and laundry detergent
- Decorations. Posters, rugs, string lights, photos, and plants
- Entertainment. TVs, video game consoles and controllers, HDMI cords, and speakers
Efficient Packing Tips for College Students
Smartly packing your things can save you time, space, and stress. Begin by using vacuum-sealed bags for clothes and bedding to save space, clearly labeling all your boxes and bags to help with unpacking. You should prioritize essentials by packing a separate bag with items you’ll need immediately upon arrival, such as toiletries, a change of clothes, and important documents.
Along with sturdy packing supplies, consider utilizing items that serve multiple purposes, like putting your folded clothes in your laundry hamper or dresser drawers instead of in a box. Rolling your clothes instead of folding them can save significant space and minimize wrinkles. When packing fragile items, use towels, newspaper, or Bubble Wrap to protect them during transport.
Dorm and Apartment Decoration Ideas
Decorating your dorm room or apartment makes it truly feel like home. Start by adding wall art like posters, tapestries, or photographs to personalize your space. Lighting plays a crucial role in creating a warm and inviting ambience, so consider adding string lights, desk lamps, or floor lamps as you see fit. You can also incorporate low-maintenance plants to add a touch of nature and improve air quality.
What Am I Not Allowed To Have in My Dorm Room?
Before you start decorating, it’s important to know what items are not allowed in your dorm room. Commonly prohibited items include candles and incense due to fire hazards, extension cords without a built-in surge protector, and large appliances like hot plates, toaster ovens, or space heaters. Always check your college’s specific regulations to avoid getting in trouble with your RA.
Create a Dedicated Study Space
Having a dedicated study space is crucial for staying on top of your academic responsibilities. It’s important you have a place outside of your bed—in fact, studying in bed can hurt your focus and ability to get quality sleep. Choose a quiet corner in your room with minimal distractions, and invest in a good chair and desk. Keep your study materials within reach using desk organizers and shelves, and ensure your study space is well lit to reduce eye strain.
Tips To Stay Organized Academically
Staying organized academically will not only keep you on the right track but will also reduce stress and make your social life easier. Use a planner to track assignments, exams, and deadlines, and set goals by breaking down large projects into smaller tasks. It can also help to use digital tools and apps for note-taking, time management, and task tracking, or you could go the old-fashioned route and join a study group for accountability.
Keep Your Home Decluttered and Organized
Maintaining a clutter-free space can boost your productivity and well-being in all facets of your life. Set a weekly cleaning schedule and stick to it, delegating duties to your roommates if you have them. If you’re feeling overcrowded or cluttered in your space, you may need to consider investing in a student storage unit.
Rent a Student Storage Unit From Devon Self Storage
If you find yourself with more belongings than your dorm room or apartment can fit, renting a storage unit is a great solution. Devon Self Storage offers affordable and secure storage options for college students in a variety of helpful sizes. Storing seasonal clothing, sports or music equipment, and extra furniture is a convenient solution you can depend on, thanks to our security features and top-notch customer service.
Summer can’t last forever. Prepare yourself for the start of next school year and rent from Devon Self Storage! Find the closest storage facility to you or your campus to get started today! You can also browse our FAQ and general storage tips page for more information.