If you’re preparing to move out of your college dorm or apartment, you’re likely wondering what’s on your to-do list before you leave and what will happen once you actually leave. We’ve put together a guide with useful tips that will help you prepare for this endeavor and ensure there’s no unnecessary stress during the process of moving out during college.
Set a Move Out Date
In order to successfully move out of your college dorm or apartment, you need to set a date for moving out. It’s good to set a firm move-out date and stick with it in order to avoid paying costly fees.
If you are living in a college dorm room, it’s important to know when your residence hall closes. Most colleges or universities will require all residence halls to be empty by a certain date. This date usually corresponds with the end of finals week. If you are a student who lives in off-campus housing, such as an apartment, verify with your leasing office when your required move-out date is.
Even if you are staying on campus in summer housing, you will most likely have to move out of your current dorm room and into a new unit for the summer. Check with your university on summer housing availability.
Gather Supplies
Before you start to pack boxes, gather your supplies. You should also clean out any junk that isn’t going with you. In order to make the packing process as smooth as possible, make sure you have plenty of trash bags, boxes, tape, etc. on hand. Your campus bookstore might carry the supplies you need for moving out. If you’re having trouble locating supplies, ask a friend or your resident hall assistant for help.
Take Inventory
After you gather the appropriate supplies for your move-out day, take inventory of everything you need to pack. Start by compiling a move-out checklist of everything you own: clothes, household items, books, electronics, sports equipment, and anything else that takes up space. Having a checklist to reference and knowing exactly how much stuff you have will make things easier in the long run.
If you are sharing any items with roommates, like a coffee maker or mini-fridge, be sure to clarify who is responsible for moving what.
Pack It Up
Once you’ve taken an inventory of all your belongings, it’s time to start packing. As you’re packing to move out of your college dorm or apartment, it’s crucial to keep organized. Stick to your checklist if you start to get overwhelmed or lose track of things.
Depending on how much stuff you have, you might want to consider hiring a moving truck or getting help from a moving company. Some students also opt to rent a storage unit in their college town during the summer months to store their belongings.
Label Everything
As you are packing your boxes, label everything. Tape your boxes, label them, and number them (in order). This way you will be able to unpack exactly how you packed. Label each box in a way that makes sense to you, but try not to overthink it! Labeling your boxes will prevent confusion when it comes time to unpack.
Load Up & Double-Check
When all of your boxes are packed, start loading up your car or moving truck. To avoid missing anything, refer back to your checklist.
Finally, once everything is cleared out of your room go back and double-check that you have everything. Residence halls or apartments might have certain requirements that need to be completed before your keys can be turned in. Make sure you have completed every step of the required checkout process before leaving. This should put you in a great spot to complete your move-out process and take on your next chapter in a new living space!
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