Tips for Moving Out of Your College Dorm

Moving out of your college dorm is one of the most stressful and time-consuming processes. You’re basically taking a year’s worth of belongings and junk and attempting to cram them into boxes and load them into your car while also maintaining sanity (and covering up anything you may or may not have damaged).

This day doesn’t have to result in a disaster and by planning ahead and staying organized, you can make moving out of your college dorm a very okay experience. Note I said “very okay.” It’s never going to be a good experience, I’m being honest with you, friends.

1. Fill out any and all forms/hand in your key.

Talk to your RA and keep an eye out for any moving out information. Typically, you’ll have to have the RA come inspect your room and collect your key. This might need to be scheduled in advance, so ensure you’ve got it planned for after your final exams.

2. Cover up anything you might’ve damaged.

This isn’t the most ethical tip but it’s a pretty practical one. Here are some bonus tips for this:

• A bit of toothpaste is great for filling in small holes (perhaps ones you made from thumbtacks).
• If your school is near a paint/hardware store, they might be able to color match your paint if you tell them which dorm you’re in at your college. The Home Depot near my college has done this for a few of my friends. If not, take a photo of your wall and see if they can color match it.
• Looking for a cheaper fix? You can also buy inexpensive tubes of acrylic paint at Michael’s and mix up your own color.
• Move furniture to cover damages. If your desk is missing paint on the right side, press the right side against the wall. Accidentally dent your wall? Push the bed against it.

With all of that being said, if you did some serious damages, it might be best to just come clean and pay the damage fee. It sucks, but it’s morally the right thing to do. I will also note, however, that in my three years of moving out I have never been fined for damages (even though my roommate might have dented our ceiling with her head and I made some thumbtack holes in the walls). Don’t freak out about damages!

3. Organize before you pack.

You’ll thank yourself later when you’re trying to unpack all of your belongings. It’s helpful to label your boxes and suitcases or to put a note in your phone with things such as “Purple suitcase = summer clothes and coffee mugs.” Keep in mind that, in a short period of time, you will be unpacking all of your crap.

4. Keep aside a box/bag for things you can only pack right before moving.

This includes your laptop, chargers, medications, makeup, etc. Ensure you have a bag or box for anything that you’ll be using up until the day you move.

5. Create checklists and set reminders.

This will help you ensure you haven’t left anything behind. Make a list reminding you to check each drawer, inside the closets and inside the bathroom/kitchen if you have one.

6. Prepare a move out day kit.

This should be kept out or kept where it can be easily accessed. This kit might include a water bottle, scissors, trash bags, tape, a screwdriver, sandwich bags and rubber bands. Also, be sure to keep out a permanent marker for labeling boxes and bins.

7. Throw things away and pack some items before move out day.

Preparation is everything! This will make the actual day go a lot smoother and quicker. If you have trash, get rid of it. If you have something you can pack early (ie: most of your shoes and clothes), pack it! It’ll save a lot of time and make the next day a lot less stressful. All you really need to keep out is an outfit or two and the absolute essentials.

8. Clean your room.

This is usually mandated by your RA but even as a good person, give your room a quick vacuum and rub down with disinfectant wipes.

9. Do a load of laundry before move out day.

As tempting as it is to just bring your dirty laundry home, it’s a lot easier to pack clean clothes and, once again, your future self with probably thank you.

10. Wrap fragile items.

Snag some newspaper or tissue paper (or use your clothes) and wrap up anything delicate that you don’t want to break during the move. Be sure to mark any boxes with delicate things with “FRAGILE” to prevent anything from being damaged.

11. Say goodbye to friends before the time you move out.

This is especially important if you have family and friends coming up to help you move. Don’t make them wait or abandon them to say goodbye to your neighbors. Plan a last farewell to your friends during finals week or the day before you’re moving out. Move out day should be focused on actually moving out, not on tying up all of your loose ends.

12. Wear something practical.

You don’t need to look cute on move out day. Wear something that won’t make you overly sweaty and wear comfortable shoes. You’ll surely be carrying a lot of things.

13. Decide who’s taking what.

This is crucial if you have a roommate or multiple roommates and a few of you split the cost on some larger items. Decide this as a group a few days in advance so you can figure everything out without last minute urgent group chat messages.

14. Start mentally preparing to be home for the summer.

Stay calm and try to be zen about being home for a few months. My post “How to Survive Being Home for the Summer“is sure to help!

What are your best tips for moving out of your college dorm?