Moving in is hard enough as it is…. Here’s the ultimate list of tips and hacks to make your move in day as smooth as possible.
As a Senior in college who has moved every single year, I have perfected the art of moving down to a science and I’m here to help you avoid some of the mistakes I made on my many many moves.
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1. Plan your meals! I cannot emphasize this enough….
Move in day is WORK and an extremely long process. Time will seem to fly by and you don’t want it to be 8 pm before you realize you haven’t eaten. Taking the time to preschedule your meals will resolve many arguments before they even happen. Remember: “You’re not you when you’re hungry. Eat a Snickers.” Deciding on meal times can be as simple as sitting on the floor with a PB&J. But having a break in sight and getting some food in your system is vital to ensure a smooth-sailing Move-In Day.
2. https://amzn.to/2BrRsP1″ target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>IKEA Storage Bags
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These bags are a life saver! They are light weight and durable and practically the size of a body bag. Which makes them the ultimate mode of transportation for any of your belongings. They are a great alternative to packing in suitcases because they can be folded down to almost nothing which is a much needed space saver once everything is unpacked. These guys stack like boxes, have an easy-access carrying strap, and are reusable for all future moves and adventures: The triple threat of all your moving needs.
3. Use https://amzn.to/3dmqfKz” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>trash bags as makeshift garment bags to move your hanging clothes
This hack literally changes the moving game. Throwing https://amzn.to/3dmqfKz” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>trash bags over your clothes is a super quick and efficient way to make sure you keep the dirt away from your most precious possessions. Trash bags are also helpful for moving bedding and pillows. Just stuff those bags full and tie them off for an easy way to carry more in each trip.
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4. Invest in ahttps://amzn.to/2AYWKBx” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”> door stopper
Move in day simply cannot be done without a https://amzn.to/2AYWKBx” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>door stopper. You only have to carry in one piece of furniture before that will be instilled in your brain forever. The last thing you want to do when taking- what seems like a million- trips in and out of your new home is deal with the door. One thing dorms/apartments don’t seem to invest in is built-in door stoppers. These stoppers from Amazon stick to any floor surface and will hold that pesky door in place while you set up your dream room. And an added bonus is that you can also use them throughout the school year to prop open your door and meet some of your new neighbors.
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5. Bring a https://amzn.to/2NlNABC” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>tool kit
Moving in means hanging up décor and putting together new furniture. This can be fun and exciting, but only not if you’re scrambling to find a makeshift hammer or leveler. I absolutely love this https://amzn.to/2NlNABC” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>cute pink kihttps://amzn.to/2ULLu2c” target=”_blank”>t from Amazon. It brings a sense of independence with a girly flair.
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6. Don’t forget the TP
One thing everyone seems to forget on Move-In Day is bathroom breaks. Bringing a roll or two of toilet paper will avoid a very awkward first interaction with your new neighbors. Remember to pack it in a purse or backpack so its easily accessible and not tucked away somewhere when you need it most.
7. https://amzn.to/313zWv6″ target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”> Command Strips
Dorms and apartments usually have a strict no nail/screw policy, so https://amzn.to/313zWv6″ target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>command strips are a must-have. Easy to use and mess free, there isn’t a better product on the market to hang a variety of wall décor. I recently moved into a house which allows me to poke holes in the wall (finally), and I still use these strips because they’re so stress free and user friendly.
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8. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither was a dorm room
Allow for more time than you think its going to take to get everything moved in. A lot more time. Focus on getting everything into the room on Move-In Day, and save the placement details for later. Trying to set your room up perfectly on top of moving in in one day is near impossible. And you don’t want to start getting gray hairs before college even starts! My sophomore year, my mom and I tried to move all my stuff in a 12 hour period and it ended with both of us sitting in a Taco Bell crying/laughing, but mostly crying.
9. Sandals are not practical
With as much walking as you’ve got ahead of you, make sure you wear sensible shoes. The last thing you want nagging you on move in day is a nasty blister. These Steve Madden platform sneakers are perfect for dressing up or dressing down on your big day. Plus, they won’t leave you hurting on the next day.