Going away to college is as exciting as it is nerve-wracking. Emotions run high in both students and parents, leading to feelings of apprehension and uncertainty. Luckily, there are ways to make this monumental event more manageable. A smooth and easy move is the first step in making the transition to college easy and anxiety-free. With just a few simple steps, students will be ready for dorm life in no time.
Consider Moving Equipment
Moving into a dorm room often requires transporting loads of personal belongings into narrow elevators and down long hallways. Therefore, it is useful to obtain helpful equipment such as a hand truck with caster wheels to easily maneuver boxes and suitcases through busy corridors. These apparatuses allow several items to be moved at once, significantly cutting down your move time.
Communicate With Your Roommate
Sometimes students choose to live with someone they know, and other times undergraduates are assigned unfamiliar roommates. Either way, communication prior to arrival is key. This is the time to divide duties and determine each roommate’s responsibilities. Who will provide the microwave? Is a TV necessary? What color scheme works best for the room? Discussing these details before arriving on campus makes moving day much easier.
Bring a Helper
Where moving is concerned, an extra pair of hands is always welcome. Enlist a friend or family member to facilitate your relocation. This support will come in handy when lifting boxes, unpacking clothing and assembling furniture. Furthermore, dorm rooms are notorious for being incredibly cramped, so a second set of eyes can help determine the best layout possible to maximize space.
Remember Your Toolkit
Don’t forget to pack a set of basic tools to assist you on moving day. Tools are necessary to build furniture, hang pictures and make repairs. Young college students typically don’t own a kit of their own, so it’s a good idea for parents to leave a set of tools with their child upon their departure. Inevitably, a hammer or screwdriver will come in handy throughout the year.
Additionally, pack a first aid kit to stow in the room. Moving can result in various injuries including cut fingers and stubbed toes, so it is important to always have proper supplies on hand.
Moving into a college dormitory is undoubtedly an unforgettable experience. For students and parents alike, it is a day full of excitement and emotion. Make moving day smooth and simple with proper planning and organization. Hopefully, this preparation will result in less stress and fewer tears!