Move In Day

Firstly, start by planning the events of move in day. Creating an itinerary for the day will certainly help keep you on track and everybody happy. These are the rather important things to include and know ahead of time.

Travel – How are you getting there? If by air, buy your tickets and rent a good size vehicle big enough to hold all your boxes and bags. Make sure you have hotel reservations if you’re staying overnight. If you’re driving, get any special directions and parking information ahead of time. 

Restaurant and food reservations – Make reservations at a place nearby campus so you have a place to eat. No one wants to be hangry!

Parking – Knowing how far you’ll have to trek with items will prevent unnecessary arguments.

Rules – Know the specific rules + times about how you can load in your stuff, if there’s an elevator and where you can dispose of trash after you’re finished moving in. What are the rules about mounting on the walls and electrical appliances? 

Helpers available – Space is particularly limited so you’ll want to keep your move in helpers to a minimum. Decide ahead of time who will be coming into the room, and who is doing what job. For those family members who aren’t coming in for the set up, figure out where they will go while you’re setting up. Then they can come back and see the finished product.

PROTIP: There may be a big Target or Walmart near campus but trust us, the shelves will generally be bare. Don’t wait until you get to town to buy the necessities. Either order the items ahead of time for instore pickup (and give yourself enough time for ordering) or pack the items and bring them with you. Earlier is better than later!

Create a Day of “Move In Bag”

Our first tip to a smooth move in day is unquestionably packing a small duffle bag with tools + items you’ll need to assemble furniture and set up the room. As well as, we love using this crossbody bag for the tools because your items are convenient at all times. With all the commotion, it’s easy for tools or your phone to get lost. If you wear a crossbody or fanny pack your items are where you are instead of scattered about.

Here’s what you should fill it with

Tools – Small rubber mallet (helps from damaging items) allen wrench, scissors, screwdriver (with both phillips + flat heads), a drill, tiny level, wrench, foldable dolly, flat head extension cords to put behind the furniture, step stool

Securing stuff – painters tape, command strips + zip ties

Writing – small notepad, pen, pencil + a sharpie

Accessories – felt pad sliders, screws in case any items you need to put together are missing them, heavy duty command hooks

Snacks – snacks + water (you don’t know what will be available nearby)

Label Everything

As you pack, label, label, label. Especially the outside of bags and boxes. It will help immensely when you unpack. Painter’s tape is just fine for this type of labeling. When bags are clearly marked, you decide which items to bring in the room to unpack first. Moreover, while we’re on the subject, labeling bins, drawers, and shelves can furthermore help you and your roommates keep things in their proper places. It’s a simple step that certainly makes a big difference in maintaining order. This portable label maker uses an app on your phone!

Create a Plan Beforehand

You’ll generally get your room layout and dimensions beforehand and that is the perfect starting point to organizing your space. Not surprisingly when you have a small area to work with, making the most of every inch is significantly more important. Don’t forget to take that information with you when you go shopping because you don’t want to end up buying items that don’t fit.

Our number one suggestion is using these Collapsable Moving Bags instead of boxes and totes. They take up practically no space, are reusable and easy to transport because they have handy straps to carry the bag on your back! Second to that, a collapsible dolly! If your school doesn’t have carts to use, also consider bringing a Hulken bag. We LOVE these puppies, super smooth wheels and they hold a lot.

Don’t forget to take our Dorm Room Move In Checklist with you! (you can download it or print it out!)

The Day Has Arrived

You know where to park your car and you know where the dorm room is located, now what? This is where this foldable dolly and Collapsible Moving Bags come in handy. Time to take that trek with ease.

During the move in process we find it helpful to unload in the hallway (in a neat + respectful manner) so you aren’t shuffling things around the entire time. 

Plan the order you’re going to set up the room, putting a rug down first, then bedding, assembling furniture, drawers, etc. then clothes can get the bulkier items out of the way. Next, filling up the drawers, bins and caddies. Last order of business is any decor you may want to add. Keeping an order like this will nonetheless pay off in the end.

Bedding 

Creating a comfortable bed is key! You’ll need a mattress topper (xl twin), a mattress cover, comfy sheets, pillows and blanket. Consider using a bed tray that will act like a nightstand. When the bed is elevated, there’s no place to put your cup, charger or any other item you like to keep close by.

Maximize Vertical Space

First, you’ll want to think vertically since dorm rooms often lack square footage. Use stackable drawers like these Elfa drawers and, we love this over-the-door Elfa organizer, and foldable shelves to keep your belongings tidy and accessible. And bed risers will give you more space to store items, if your bed isn’t already elevated.

Command hooks are also great for hanging bags, hats, and accessories.

Smart Storage Solutions

Invest in multifunctional furniture. Ottomans with hidden storage like these Poppin Storage Seats can save space and keep things orderly. Under-bed storage bins and these wide underbed drawers from The Container Store are perfect for stashing extra bedding, shoes, or seasonal clothes.

Food Organization

Go disposable and save yourself the hassle of washing dishes in the bathroom down the hall. Use disposable plates, napkins + cutlery. Remember to bring a can/bottle opener and a good stack of napkins. This Efla cart is perfect to put a small fridge on and the drawers are perfect to hold snacks for you and your roommate.

Desk Organization

Your desk is the hub of productivity, so keep it clutter-free. This light is compact and has usb charging ports. Use drawer organizers to separate pens, paperclips, and other supplies. We are loving this hutch from The Container Store because it adds shelving and pops right on top of your desk. This desk caddy can hold frequently used items in one space that is portable so it can be moved to make more room. Another item to consider are cable organizers so you aren’t fishing for cords that fall behind furniture and will keep them from turning into a tangled mess. Bring lots of extra charging cables (which we recommend labeling so they don’t walk off with a study pal).

Vanity

Further more your vanity will likely also be your desk. Lighting in the dorm is usually not great. Rather than settle for the darkness, having a lighted mirror will give you the perfect lighting to get ready for those college parties. In the same fashion as everything else, to maximize space, for either your desk or beauty supplies, or both, we absolutely love these carts. They hold a ton of stuff, are mobile and surprisingly a breeze to put together.

Closet Control

Furthermore closet space in dorms can be significantly limited, but with a few tricks, you can surely maximize it. Use slim, non-slip hangers to save space and keep clothes from falling off and use these hanger hooks to double the hanging space. An over the door shoe organizer can store more than shoes, you can put folded clothes and accessories in them making them markedly great in dorms! Additionally they don’t need to be mounted so basically they’re perfect, lol!

Bins are equally great for packing as well as storing. Once you’re moved in you can use the top shelf for items you don’t need every day. Using storage bins like these our bins up top to rotate seasonal clothing while simultaneously freeing up space. Equally important it helps keep your clothes in better condition. As long as we’re talking clothes, for laundry either get a laundry backpack or a hamper with wheels. Both options are good to help you carry your dirty clothes. The option you choose, depends on how and where the laundry is set up in your dorm. 

Start With A Clean Slate

Straightaway, before unpacking, you will undoubtedly want to clean your space. While no one has lived in there for a few months it will surely need a a cleaning. Obviously you’ll want to dust off surfaces, wipe down shelves and drawers, and vacuum the floor. Having a handheld vacuum like this for instance, takes up little space and makes an otherwise tedious job breezy. Secondly, don’t forget to keep disposable cleaning wipes to stay on top of your cleaning routine. A clean start consequently sets the stage for effective organization. Don’t forget about a trash can and bags. The trash cans they provide you with in the dorms are usually pretty small therefore you should invest in a larger trash can, with an easy access lid.

Personalize With Purpose

Without a doubt, decorating your space is the most fun part. So you’ll want to surround yourself with items that make you feel comforted and certainly stuff that makes you smile. Start with art prints and decor that speaks to you but equally choose things with intention. Use decorative storage boxes and baskets to hide clutter while adding style. Command hooks (the heavy duty Velcro type) to display photos, string lights, or artwork without damaging walls.

Emergency Kit + Medicine

Keep an emergency kit with essentials like a first-aid kit, flashlight, batteries, and basic tools. Store it in an easily accessible place so you’re prepared for anything. Remember to pack medicine. A heating pad and ice pack are also great to have in your kit. 

With this in mind, whatever you like to take when you have a cold, aches and pains or a stomach ache. Indeed the last thing you want to do when you’re sick is have to run out to get medicine.

Think Outside the Box

Of course you’ve thought of everything, but just in case here’s some items you may not initially think of bringing, but will really put you ahead of the class (wink!) A big umbrella to cover you and your bookbag in the rain and snow, thus arriving warm and dry. Nobody wants to go to class with a soggy backpack. A good fan (this one folds and can be put away!) you’ll surely want for the warmer months and days when the air is stuffy and hot. Lastly an air purifier to keep you and your roommate from sharing colds. Perhaps a bunch of earplugs (lol!) for whenever you’re trying to study.

You’re All Set

Organizing a dorm room may seem daunting, but on the positive side, with these tips you’ll undoubtedly create a functional and stylish space that’s perfect for studying, relaxing, and on the whole a great foundation to enjoying life in the dorm.

 All of our Amazon recommendations are listed here and The Container Store items are here!

Don’t forget our Dorm Room Move In Checklist!

Above all it must be remembered, the key to staying organized is creating systems that work for you specifically  and maintaining them regularly. You’ll certainly be setting yourself up for a success during this first year of learning and indeed making memories. Now that being said, go team!!