Ten tips for helping students move into their first dormitory

August 16, 2014

The college experience can be an influential part of a person’s life, so it’s natural that you’d want to get your son or daughter settled in right. Students discover their true interests at school, do some soul searching and form lasting friendships. While living in the dorms can be an exciting experience, the move can be torturous if not done efficiently.

Here are ten tips to help make a move more manageable.

1. Know the dimensions of their dorm room before the move. Bringing too much stuff without having a place for each item can cause clutter and claustrophobia to develop, which won’t help their study habits.

2. Make a checklist of belongings they may want to bring. Categorizing materials into subsequent lists will help individuals make sure they do not forget anything of importance.

3. Students who plan ahead for their move often have a stress-free experience. Collect free, foldable boxes and containers from local merchants and friends to help make packing a breeze. Boxes also are available from moving companies like Stevens Worldwide Van Lines.

4. Leave belongings at home if they will be of little use at school. While it may be tempting to bring an expansive book collection, if there is no room for it, leave it at home.

5. Students who are moving into a space that they must furnish themselves can save some money by purchasing those goods from discount stores such as Goodwill or Salvation Army. Plan a visit to a local thrift store so that you can discuss the essentials together.