Moving Your Child to College? Here’s How to Do It

Moving Your Child to College? Here’s How to Do It

It’s about to be that time again – time to put that online learning of the lat year aside and get ready to move back to the college dorms, or into a new apartment on or off campus. So what are the do’s and don’t’s of dorm life and how do you get ready for moving to college?

Moving Out

Most people are moving into their dorms or college apartment from their parents’ house, so a lot of the initial moving process is figuring out what to take with you from your bedroom, and what you need to live on your own. 

Declutter

The first step of any moving process is to clean, declutter, and get rid of anything you may not need. No matter if you’re moving out of your parents’ house or from another situation, you might be surprised to find all of the things you’ve accumulated over the years. Clear out anything you don’t need, want, or use, and then start the packing process.

Figure out what you might be doing  during breaks or over the summer – a lot of colleges require students to move out of dorms during their break, so make sure you’ll have somewhere to move your stuff back to once you’re out of your dorm. Additionally, if you’re planning on moving back to your parents’ over your breaks, coordinate what to take with you for the semester and what to leave at home. 

Make a List

Make a list of what you’re bringing, and what you might need to buy for your dorm. You might need kitchen supplies, or food or toiletries (or larger items like lamps) that you’re not used to buying for yourself. Make sure to plan ahead instead of having to run to the store on your way to the dorm!

Label Everything

Just as is the case with a regular move, make sure to keep track of where your things are and which boxes or containers they’re in. Stay mindful of any fragile items, and back efficiently! This is just a dorm or starter apartment, no need to pack enough stuff for a family of four. 

Separate Day One Items

Have items that you’ll think you need for your first day packed separately so you don’t have to unpack everything as soon as you get to your dorm in order to brush your teeth. Don’t put yourself under unneeded stress!

Check Move In Day Times

If possible, get to your dorm as early as possible on move in day to miss the hoard of new college students moving into their dorms. The last thing you want on moving day is to wait around to get a cart or to use the elevator – you’re under enough stress!

Clean

Make sure to clean your dorm or new apartment before you start unpacking – who knows how good of a job (if any) any cleaning service did before you got there. Bring cleaning supplies and make sure your space is sparkling before you unpack any of your items. 

Hollander is your trusted Chicago moving company – if you or your child are moving to college and need some assistance, contact us today – we would be happy to help!