College move-in day is fast approaching, and the best way to prepare for it is to be ready. Every school has its own rules and traditions surrounding move-in day, and you will soon learn what those are. But some things are universal.
So, whether your whole family is going or just your teen moving into a dorm or apartment, the 12 things that thousands of experienced Grown and Flown parents told us were THE essential items they felt they needed for this intense and emotional day.
Note: We are a reader-supported site and receive small compensation from purchases made through the links in this post.
Top 12 things to bring to college move-in day
1. Ikea Storage Bags
These bags are THE secret to move-in success. Lightweight, durable, and easy to stack in the car, these bags can be used for under-bed storage, can function as a laundry bag, or can be folded and out away so they are ready to be packed up when your kid moves back home next spring.
2. Four Wheel Folding Platform Cart
A platform cart or a dolly were mentioned repeatedly-they’re enormously helpful for getting your stuff where it needs to go. This will make college move-in day go so much smoother!
3. Surge Protector
You can never have enough power in a dorm room and many colleges do not allow you to use extension cords. This surge protector has a 6-foot cord, 12 outlets, and 2 USB ports.
4. Fan
August can be a very hot month and many dorms are not air-conditioned. Bring a fan and set it up first to keep all of you a little cooler during the move-in. WOOZOO fans have become very popular and now come in many pretty colors.
5. Tool Set
A screwdriver, tape measure, a hammer, scissors, rubber mallet, and duct tape were the most recommended tools. Leave a set like this one for your student who will use it moving in and out of dorms and apartments over the next four years…and beyond.
6. First Aid Kit
We recommend putting together your own kit with all the first aid and cough/cold medicines your family prefers. But if you want to be covered with the basics, getting a set this like will do the trick.
7. Door Stopper
As soon as you get to the room, use one of these to prop the door open and you will make your life much easier. This door stopper comes with a holder that can be attached with velcro to the back of the door so the doorstop won’t get lost under a pile of dirty clothes (theoretically).
8. Water bottles and snacks
When you’re hot and tired something to drink and nibble on will come in handy.
BTW, since college students need to have water bottles, think about packing a new Hydro Flask water bottle that offers a wide selection of styles and sizes that are perfect for your students. For long days on campus, studying at the library, sports practice, bike rides, workouts, hiking, or walking to class, Hydro Flask water bottles are excellent for your teen — keeping drinks cold or hot for the whole day.
9. Command Hooks and Strips
Command strips and hooks for “hanging” things on walls are very popular; they peel off easily without ruining the walls. Note: Check the “residence life” section of the college website to see if these are allowed.
10. Cleaning supplies
Fill a bucket with cleaning supplies such as Clorox wipes, trash bags, and shelf liners because you may want to wipe everything down.
11. Paper and Pen/Sharpie
You will probably have some of this stuff with you for your student but keep a pen handy because you may need to make notes or fill out forms. A Sharpie can come in handy.
12. Change of clothing
You will invariably get hot and sweaty so it might be nice to take a backpack with a change of clothing for everyone or at least a fresh t-shirt.
You will forget something, of course
Everyone forgets something. Whatever you’ve forgotten, don’t panic because luckily we live in a time when you can get anything online, and you can get it shipped to your student.
Finally…By far the most popular answer aside from those listed above and tissues, alcohol, and tranquilizers was to bring your smile, your sense of humor, and your patience. Bring an overabundance of patience because you’ll need it. And, follow your student’s lead-it’s not your room, it’s theirs.
You are there to help but not to dictate. College move-in day can be a very long, hot and exhausting day. But, however difficult the day is it’s also a tremendously exciting day. Heed the wisdom of the crowd and bring your smile and your ability to let go and it might just be a day you all remember fondly.
When the move-in is complete-it’s time to walk away. However cranky everyone got during the move when you leave your child, tell them you love them, tell them you’re proud of them, and assure them that you will be fine and so will they.
And, then for goodness sake, take your tears and your tissues and go home!!
When your teen turns 18, there are some legal forms you will want to have in place. Don’t forget to add these legal forms to your list of what should be done before you head out for campus.
More Reading:
17 Items to Check Off Your List Before Your Teen Leaves for College You have finished shopping for the dorm, now you and your teen need to think about these important financial, legal, and medical issues to do before they leave.
6 Reasons Why Moms Cry When They Leave Their Kids at College This is one of THE most popular posts on Grown and Flown. Read Helene Wingen’s beautiful essay, especially if you have a rising college freshman.
