The Ultimate College Moving & Packing Checklist

Moves to college can be both exciting and nerve-racking. A moving checklist will help ensure a smooth transition, saving time and energy to focus on academic life!

Here, we present you with a comprehensive college moving checklist covering essential documents, packing tips, and what items should accompany you as you transition into dorm life. By following this list, you can confidently approach college life, knowing all necessary steps and items have been covered.

So let's dive in and look at key aspects of a college moving checklist and how to move a college student across the country. When finished with this guide, you should have a solid plan in place that ensures you're adequately prepared for this life-altering transition.

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Packing Essentials

At the top of your college moving packing list should be all of your everyday essentials. Some items include:

Clothing Items

When packing for college, be sure to include clothing that covers various temperatures and activities - this list should include items like:

• Shoes: Sneakers, sandals, boots, and casual or formal shoes for special events.
• Socks and underwear: Bring enough for about two weeks.
• Pants: Include jeans, casual pants, and shorts.
• T-shirts and tops: Pack a mix of short and long-sleeve t-shirts for layering.
• Outerwear: A light jacket, raincoat, and winter coat, if necessary.
• Accessories: Hats, gloves, scarves, and belts.

Review your school's dress code before packing accordingly. 

Electronics

Staying connected and productive in college is essential, so include these electronics in your packing list:

• Laptop or tablet
• Smartphone and charger
• Extension cords and surge protectors
• Headphones or earbuds
• USB drive or external hard drive

Consider packing a power strip as well to ensure there are enough outlets for all of your devices.

Bathroom Items

To stay healthy and look your best during your journey, don't forget these bathroom necessities:

• Towels (bath and hand)
• Washcloths
• Shower caddy and flip flops (for communal showers)
• Toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, etc.)
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss
• Razor and shaving cream
• Hairbrush or comb

Health & Safety Kit

To ensure you're prepared for unexpected illnesses or injuries, you’ll want to bring a few health and safety essentials with you. Some items to include on your college moving packing list include:

• First Aid Kit
• Medications and prescriptions
• Tylenol or Aspirin
• Bandaids

Cleaning Supplies

Whether you're living in an on-campus dorm or an apartment close by, you'll need a few cleaning supplies. Some items to include on your checklist include:

• Paper towels
• Dish soap
• Sponges
• Dustpan
• Disinfectant wipes
• All-purpose cleaner 

Kitchen Items

No matter the size or style of your dorm kitchen, having basic supplies for snacking and meal prep is helpful:

• Reusable water bottle or travel mug
• Plates, bowls, and utensils
• Can opener, bottle opener, and scissors
• Food storage containers
• Snack foods and non-perishable items

If you have access to a kitchen, consider bringing additional items like pots, pans, and small appliances.

Bedroom Items

To create a comfortable and functional living environment in your dorm with these bedroom essentials:

• Bedding (sheets, pillow, and comforter)
• Mattress pad or mattress topper
• Laundry bag or hamper
• Clothes hangers
• Desk lamp and supplies
• Storage bins or under-bed storage

By covering all the essentials for each category, you will be ready for college life and will experience it with less anxiety.

Documents & Financial Essentials

If you plan to bring any of your important documents with you to college, you'll want to ensure you have a safe and secure place to store everything. Items you'll want to keep in one place include:

• Bank information
• Passport
• Social security
• College financial documentation

Transportation

Whether you're going to college out of state or across the country, here's what you'll need before you embark on the journey. 

Car Essentials

Before setting out on your journey to college, make sure your car is in good shape. Begin by making sure all necessary maintenance is up-to-date, such as oil changes, tire rotations, and brake checks. Also, remember to carry any important documents like registration and insurance with you as well as an emergency kit containing flashlights, jumper cables, and spare tires as essential elements of safety on the journey ahead.

Moving with a Truck

If you are renting a truck to move, make sure you reserve it well in advance. Arrive early as campus move-in days tend to be hectic. If a moving truck is not an option, renting a trailer might be a better option. When renting one of these, make sure you select the right sized trailer to hold all of your belongings, inspect for signs of wear or damage, and secure hitching between vehicle and trailer for safe travels. Remember to practice driving with it attached before making the trek; its handling might differ from what you're used to! Keep in mind that trailers often have lower speed limits, so plan your route and travel time appropriately so as to arrive on campus on time!

Hiring Movers

While you plan and prepare to leave for college, you may wonder, “How much do movers cost?” Or, “How much is a moving service?” Is hiring movers really necessary for a college move? While DIYing your college move might seem like the best way to keep your moving costs low, all of the expenses you need to budget for can start to add up. Instead, consider hiring professional movers to assist with your move. The cost may vary depending on several factors. However, the professional guidance and peace of mind are priceless. 

Allied Van Lines provides professional moving services for cross-country and interstate moves. We're here to help you successfully move to college quickly and efficiently, so you can focus on getting excited to start school. 

Request a quote or use our moving cost estimator to learn more.

Academic Requirements

Before the school year starts, take some time to review the academic requirements and ensure you have all of the materials you need for success. 

Books and Notebooks

Check your course syllabus or reach out to professors so you know which textbooks will be needed for each subject matter. Be mindful when purchasing used or digital versions to save money.

Books aside, notebooks will also come in handy for taking notes during lectures. Choose notebooks that suit your personal preferences and study habits best: spiral-bound or composition. If digital note-taking is preferred, be sure that your laptop or tablet is equipped with note-taking apps for maximum convenience. 

Stationery Items

An organized backpack is essential to success in college. Make sure it contains these stationery essentials:

• Pens and pencils: Invest in an assortment of pens - black, blue and red ink would work great - for notetaking purposes. Additionally, stock up on mechanical or standard pencils; don't forget a sharpener and erasers!
• Highlighters: Highlighters are invaluable tools for marking critical information in textbooks and notes, making studying easier. Get several different colors so as to stay organized while studying.
• Binder and index cards: To help keep your notes and handouts organized, index cards are great for creating flashcards or taking quick reminders.
• Calculators: Your courses may require either a scientific or graphing calculator; ensure you check course requirements to select the most appropriate type.
• Ruler, scissors and stapler: These essential tools will prove essential in accomplishing various tasks throughout the semester. Be sure to carry portable-sized rulers, scissors, and staplers in your backpack.
• Sticky notes: Add sticky notes to your collection for quick reminders, annotations in books, categorizing notes, or categorizing things like recipes. Be sure to have different sizes and colors available so that they're easily accessible when necessary.

Preparing for Move-In Day

Moving is physically demanding, time-consuming, and hectic. Here’s what you need to be prepared to handle any challenges that may occur.

Making a Checklist

Prior to setting out on your college move, create an accurate packing list. Your list should include items like clothes, toiletries, and stationery, as well as personalized touches to make the new space feel like home. Don't forget your student ID or housing documents.

Packing Supplies

In order to safely transport your items, gather some packing supplies. Consider investing in sturdy boxes, packing tape, and bubble wrap for fragile items; paper towels and cleaning supplies might also come in handy when placing items onto surfaces before being packed away. When packing up your belongings, make sure to organize and label each box clearly so unpacking will go more quickly once you arrive at their destination.

Securing a Storage Unit

In case your new living space can't accommodate all of your belongings, you may require renting out a storage facility nearby. Start searching early to locate an ideal place that offers enough space and amenities to meet your requirements; once found, be sure to pack and organize items safely so they're easy to access when necessary - this will keep your college living space uncluttered.

Room Setup and Decoration

Add a touch of personality to your new home with bedding, decor, and more! Here's what to include on your packing and moving checklist:

Bedding

To make your bed inviting and cozy, invest in some bedding essentials. Starting with a quality mattress pad to provide extra layers of comfort and protection for your bed. The next step should be finding a comfy pillow that can easily rotate between pillowcases for a good night's sleep; Don't forget sheets tailored specifically for dorm bed sizes like Twin XL sheets.

Closet and Storage

Maximize your closet space with hangers and additional storage solutions, such as slim non-slip hangers that will maximize limited closet space. A closet organizer can help categorize clothing and accessories more efficiently, while under-bed storage bins offer convenient ways of storing less frequently used items like extra bedding or luggage. 

Decor

Personalizing your dorm room with decorations can make it feel more like home. Bring a rug for warmth and texture in addition to posters or wall art that reflect who you are as an individual. A desk lamp provides essential lighting while simultaneously looking stylish.

Furniture

Desk and chair setups should provide enough study space, while comfortable seating solutions like bean bags or small foldable chairs may be used for relaxation purposes. It would be beneficial to include some form of bookcase or shelving to store textbooks and personal belongings.

Living Comfortably in College

College is an exciting new chapter. As you prepare to start classes, meet friends, and join clubs, there are a few miscellaneous items you want to ensure you add to your packing and moving checklist to ensure you feel at home.

Laundry

Doing your laundry is a regular part of college life, so it's essential to have all the required supplies. Make sure to include the following in your checklist:

• Laundry detergent: Choose a suitable type, like liquid, powder, or pods.
• Dryer sheets: For static reduction and fresh-smelling clothes.
• Laundry basket: A sturdy basket to carry your clothes to and from the laundry room.

Bathroom Supplies

Here are a few must-have items to complete any college bathroom:

• Toothbrush and toothpaste: Maintain dental hygiene with a good toothbrush and toothpaste.
• Towels: Pack enough bath towels as well as hand and face towels.
• Toiletries: Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and any other personal care items.
• Bathrobe: A comfortable robe to wear after a shower or while getting ready.
• Curling iron: If you use a curling iron regularly, remember to pack it as well.

Food and Snacks

Packing some food and snacks will help you to remain focused during your studies while making your dorm feel like home. Think about packing:

• Non-perishable snacks: Things like granola bars, crackers, and dried fruits can be handy when you need a quick bite.
• Reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated by having a water bottle that you can easily fill up and take with you to class.

Miscellaneous Items

There are a few other items that can be useful for daily life in college. Don't forget to pack:

• Umbrella: Be prepared for unexpected rain showers and have an umbrella in your dorm.
• Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from the sun when walking outdoors.
• Toilet paper: Extra rolls of toilet paper can be a lifesaver in a shared bathroom.

By making sure that all necessary items fall under each category, you'll be well on your way to living comfortably in college while keeping your living space organized and functional.