Bharat SainiLast Updated on February 12, 2021 by Bharat Saini
The period when you move to college is generally viewed as an exciting chapter in life. A rite of passage of sorts.
And understandably so. After years of school and not knowing life outside of mum’s and dad’s, this is a time when you finally get to have some freedom and experience life by yourself.
Of course, not everyone is elated by the idea of flying out of the nest and leaving all the comforts of home behind, especially when the trade-off is a life of uncertainty – college or not.
But whether you find it exciting or anxious, this is a step we all have to make at some point – perhaps with the exception of those attending college closer home and are happy to commute from their parents’.
Otherwise, if you’re enrolling some distance away, chances are you’ll be boarding a dorm room. Or apartment or small house. In that case, there are a few important things to keep in mind about college moving that will make your transition easier.
Start packing sooner rather than later – and consider hiring professional college movers
A lot of people underestimate the effort that goes into packing, never mind the time it takes. The thing about packing is that it almost always takes longer than you think it will.
It’s best to start early and tackle your packing gradually. This not only reduces the anxiety of the upcoming transition, but also helps you better prepare mentally for what’s to come.
This is an aspect that you won’t actually appreciate until you get to experience it. It gives you peace of mind and a sense of calm that only good preparation can bring. Plus, nobody wants to be caught in the “Dammit, I forgot something very important!” moment.
If you’re attending college some distance away and have a sizable amount of items you want to take with you, consider hiring professional college movers. The same goes for anyone who would rather avoid the hassle of lugging their belongings around campus.
Assess your space
Most college dorms are not what you could call fresh and new, unless of course, you’re lucky and manage to get a dorm in a new building. For that reason, you might want to bring a personal desk fan with you as air conditioning might be hard to come by.
If you will be staying in an apartment or house instead, scope the house for any damage that could have been left behind by previous tenants and bring it to your landlord’s attention.
This should ensure you’re both on the same page regarding the condition of the house so you won’t be charged for any damages caused by someone else.
Save the shopping for later
Many students are tempted to do their shopping early in advance before moving into their door or apartment.
While that’s all noble, stocking up before the move only adds to the amount of items you’ll be taking with you, especially if those items involve cumbersome stuff like a microwave or mini-fridge. Plus, you might end up buying stuff you don’t really need.
If you can, it’s best to hold off on the shopping and do it after moving in. Besides, shopping in your new neck of the woods should be an excellent time to explore life on the other side.
Not to mention, if you’re sharing your room with other students, you can decide to split up costs and have a good grasp of what items are actually needed.
Reach out to your roommate
These days, it’s easier than ever to reach out to your roommate once your college notifies you who you’ll be sharing your room with. That’s thanks to social media and the convenience of smartphones.
Knowing your roomie in advance never hurts.
Moreover, it means you can also coordinate important things related to co-sharing ahead of the move such as what to bring so you don’t end up buying the same expensive items to outfit your dorm room with.
Check what is and is not allowed in your school
Speaking of fridges and microwaves, not every college and university allows freshmen to bring cars and other pleasantries like microwaves and refrigerators.
Before you go out spending money on these buys, you might want to double-check what your school allows and doesn’t allow first.
Avoid moving during rush hour
If you’re flexible, plan your move during midweek as opposed to the weekend as this is when everyone else will be moving in.
If you’re pulling off your move DIY as opposed to hiring dorm movers, this should make life much easier for you.
