College Dorm Move-in Day! A super exciting day that can also be very hectic and emotional. Be sure to have a solid plan in advance so that you are not having to make last minute decisions when you may be exhausted.

Most colleges will have rules that need to be followed on move-in day and you’ll probably need to schedule a time through the university for your dorm move-in window. There are details about where to park, where to sign in and get his keys, how to unload and where to grab a bite to eat on campus.

Double check that you have everything as you pack your vehicle before heading out based on a list that you likely have been using all summer to buy the essentials. Be sure to read our Tips section before you start packing your vehicle(s).

Move-in Day Essentials

Let’s take a look at a few items that will help with planning your move-in day.

Blue Moving Bags

An absolute dorm move-in essential are the blue moving bags. They make it easy to carry many items from the car to your room. The backpack straps make traveling from the car and up or down stairs SOOO much easier. Comes in various quantities depending on how much stuff you’re moving. Many students even use them when they come home each time for holidays to carry stuff together. Be sure to label them with your name and room #.

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Moving Cart

A Collapsible Wagon or Cart is a great idea to save time and your back.
This one has side handles to make it easier to carry up stairs with a helper and is available in a number of different colors. Holds 220lbs and comes in a few different colors and a couple side pockets for water for moving in the heat!

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Platform Hand Truck

A moving platform cart with handle or collapsible handtruck with bungee cords might be super helpful for boxes or plastic bins/bags.

Cleaning Supplies

Clorox wipes, Spray Cleaner, a Swiffer, trash bags and paper towels will be needed as most dorm room will have lots of dust collected over the Summer.

First Aid Kit

Accidents happen, so not a bad idea to have a first aid kit around to leave with your student after move-in. Also, bring some ibuprofen for aches and pains!

Tool Kit

Recommended tools are a screwdriver set, tape measure, hammer, scissors, wrench, pliers and a level. Grab a set like this for your student who will use it moving in and out of dorms and apartments over the next four years…and beyond. For move-in bring a rubber mallet, scissors, zip ties, tape measure, level, hammer, pliers, screw drivers and furniture sliders.

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Some other helpful college dorm move-in items to take:

A Door Stop
Folding Step Stool
Water bottles and snacks in a cooler, enough for everyone helping
Command damage-free Strips/Hooks for hanging stuff
Masking tape / Sharpie – for labeling boxes/bins/bags

General Tips

If you have a Memory Foam Topper leave it in it’s packaging until you get to your dorm as it takes up less space for transporting. Then, open immediately to let it expand and air out while you’re setting up.
Wash all bedding and towels ahead of time so everything will be fresh when you set up their room.
Label bags or bins by category and a list of contents inside, all labels should have the students name and room # so that if there are volunteers helping move items in they won’t get lost.
If you are bringing drawers or other types of storage use the space inside for packing smaller items
Pack breakable items with towels.
For clothes use slim hangers and bundle them in trash bags
Tape lids and drawers shut as things may shift in your car and while you’re carrying items to the dorm.
Put the cleaning supplies, tool kit, snacks, fan, door stoppers, mattress topper, and rug in last so those can come out first.
Wear comfortable clothes for climbing stairs and lots of walking that can also get dirty.
Check ahead of time where you can park after unloading all the items from your car.
Carry a change of clothing for the drive back home.
Plan a little shopping time after move-in to grab items you may have forgotten or didn’t have room to pack.

A few things to do first:

Get a Fan going immediately as it will likely be summer and very hot.
Open your mattress topper to air out while you work on setting up other items.
Clean the floor, under the bed and your bathroom if you have a private bathroom.
Set up your WiFi and your cable if you are using a TV. For many laptops you may need a USB C to Ethernet network adapter. For many TV setups the coax jack coming from the wall may be male so you may need a female to female coax cable adapter.

Long Distance or Out-of-State Moves

Look at in-store pick up options
Check with your campus housing office to see if items can be shipped directly to campus or what the other available shipping/storage options are like a short term u-haul facility or a UPS store.
Sign up for Amazon Prime Student – if they have an on-campus mailbox

Time to Leave – For Parents

Finally, bring your smile, sense of humor, and bring an overabundance of patience because you’ll probably need it. And follow your student’s lead — it’s not your room; it’s theirs.
You are there to help but not to dictate. College move-in day can be very long, hot, and exhausting. However difficult the day is, it’s also tremendously exciting and should be remembered fondly.
When the move-in is complete and it’s time to walk away, no matter how cranky everyone may have been during the move, when you leave your child tell them you love them, you’re proud of them, and assure them that you will be fine and so will they.
You may even leave a note or small gift under their pillow that they can find after you leave.

With these college dorm move-in ideas, your move-in day can be an organized, stress-free, enjoyable and memorable experience. – If you are looking for a more extensive list of dorm room items consider visiting our Dorm Room Essentials post.