Moving for college might seem overwhelming. If you’re moving across the country or even just down the road, there are loads of things to think about and prepare for.
But your big day doesn’t have to be a pain.
If you plan ahead by following this weekly timeline and checklist, your moving day can be a stress-free and enjoyable milestone for you to look back on.
Seven Weeks Out
Get organized.
Find a place to save all of your receipts, shopping lists, and any other important documents you might need later. This can be a physical folder or binder, or just a folder on your computer.
Research movers
and learn about their contracts to avoid being overwhelmed when the time comes to move. Ask for a contract ahead of time and read all of the fine print -especially when it comes to liability!
Six Weeks Out
Contact your future landlord or your university’s housing department
to make sure you have all the info you need for move-in day. Find out when and where to pick up your keys.
Learn what you’re allowed to have in your apartment or dorm room.
Many dorm rooms don’t allow things like hot plates or coffee makers, so make sure to plan accordingly.
If you’re going to be living with a roommate, talk to them
about what they’re bringing and what you should bring. Don’t purchase any furniture or appliances until you’ve figured out who will be bringing what. There’s a good chance your roommate will be willing to split the cost of some things, too.
Five Weeks Out
Ask friends or family members for help moving
your things or loading them onto the moving truck. Extra hands are always, well, handy.
Book a hotel for the night before your move-in day
if you’re able to (especially if you’re moving far away). This will take a ton of pressure off you on move-in day and give you a chance to rest well the night before.
Hotels around college campuses will fill up the closer you get to move-in day, so don’t put this off!
Start decluttering
by sorting things you want to take with you and what you want to leave behind (or donate). Start a pile for each. Keep in mind, the less stuff you take, the easier moving will be!
Four Weeks Out
Visit your doctor
to collect any medical documents you might need for college or to refill prescriptions you take regularly. Many campuses require verification of certain vaccines, so find out what’s required and take care of this when you go.
Book your moving company or reserve a moving truck
if you plan to use one for your move.
Continue organizing your clothes and living essentials.
Keep sorting things into two piles, and begin packing what you want to take with you.
(We recommend getting some reusable plastic bins. They’ll last you all through college, and you won’t have to get cardboard boxes every time you move.)
Three Weeks Out
Start buying college supplies,
like notebooks, folders, pens, paper, etc. If possible, we recommend renting your textbooks from your university’s bookstore to save time and money. Check your school’s website for information on purchasing or renting books online.
Continue packing.
At this point, consider taking a load of things to a donation center or moving what you aren’t taking into storage.
Two Weeks Out
Confirm with anyone who’s going to help with your move.
A simple text or phone call will do. Just take five minutes and make sure you’re going to have the help you need.
Log in to your online student account
and make sure your payment plan is ready to go and your housing and meal plans are set. If not, call the school and set those up right away. Most universities will have the option to do this online.
Go over everything you’ve packed,
and continue sorting to make sure you don’t leave something precious behind!
The Day Before
Check all of your moving, medical, and school documents
to make sure everything is in order. Don’t forget the keys if you have them!
Pack the last of your personal things,
like hygiene items, laptops, or anything else you haven’t packed yet. Then, go through everything one last time to make sure you haven’t missed anything.
Relax — enjoy your last night at home with friends and family!
other related articles of interest:
Moving Day
Today is your day, and you’ve done everything you can to ensure that it goes smoothly.
You only get to move out of your parents’ house for the first time once, so soak it up!
Conclusion
If you procrastinate on your packing, travel, and moving plans, moving for college can be hectic.
We all know how easy it is to put things off, but taking a little extra time per week and following this guide will make your college move-in day easy!
Image Credit: moving for college by twenty20.com
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