Moving is a task that can often be daunting, but moving out of your college dorm can add a bit of an extra amount of that overwhelming feeling to the experience. This is especially challenging with finals and end-of-semester activities competing for your attention. Still, with a useful college move out list, early planning and organization you’ll still be able to make it go easier.
It is for this reason that AP Pro Moving has put together this college move out list, which contains tips to make your move run smoothly. Moreover, we’ve also included a go-to printable checklist to help you stay organized and ensure you don’t miss a single step. Let’s dive in together into the packing essentials and the cleaning tips you will need to navigate your college room move-out process.
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Freshman to Senior: Leaving the College Dorm Room
Leaving the college dorm room is a significant step in your transition into your senior year in college, and it is also a big change. For many students, this move represents a mix of emotions: excitement for the new opportunities ahead and nostalgia for the memories made during their earlier days, months, and years on campus.
Either way, picking up a room can become both sentimental and somewhat overwhelming. It often involves sorting through clothing, books, folders, and notebooks, and also over all the things collected over the years. Therefore, we consider that it is crucial to stay organized and rely on a college move out list to make sure you are not forgetting anything important.
When thinking about how to move out of a college dorm efficiently, taking the advice that professional movers have to offer, might significantly alleviate the stress of the transition process. In this article, AP Pro Moving’s professionals share their expert tips and a college move out list for you to be able to make the most of your time left on campus. They also offer an array of moving services to make your college dorm move out a breeze.
How to move out of college dorm?Â
We’ve already mentioned that moving out of a college dorm may seem challenging. Taking this into account, let’s start by creating a checklist of the things you need to get done to make the whole process easier, such as returning library books, sorting your belongings by category, and cleaning your dorm before leaving.
Plan ahead of time
Plan your college dorm move out ahead of time. So that you can decide what you prioritize in your move, and not be subject to last minute decisions or changes that might stress you out. Consider and include final or midterm exams in your plans. This way you will have both, time to pack and plenty of time to focus on studying and excelling in your tests.
Go over the things you own
Take some time to go over all the items you have accumulated during your time in the dorm. Scan your dorm room and go over the things you own. Begin separating them from your roommate’s belongings. And consider making an inventory, categorizing them into essentials and non-essentials. This will help you with the following step in our list.
Separate your things into categories
When preparing for your college dorm move out, one of the most efficient strategies is to separate your belongings into distinct categories. Start by sorting your items into groups such as clothing, electronics, books, and memories or decorations. This will eventually make packing more manageable and helps you keep track of your possessions during the move. Use clearly labeled boxes or bags for each category to ensure nothing gets lost or mixed up.
Decide what you’re going to leave behind
As you prepare to move, it will be essential to determine what items you’ll need to take with you, what items need to be left behind or discarded, and what items can be repurposed or donated. So, we suggest starting by evaluating the condition and how much you will need the items in question. These may include old textbooks, worn-out furniture, or clothes you never wear. Once this process is done, you will feel like your load has been lightened, and it will also help you start fresh in your new space.
Packing up efficiently
Packing up may seem challenging, but it can be made easy if we follow some simple steps. Start by gathering all the essential packing supplies such as sturdy boxes (or use our rental plastic crate), bubble wrap, packing tape, and markers for labeling. Begin with the non-essential items, those that you won’t need in the last days at campus. And clearly label the boxes as you go up the necessity list. Remember to use a double layer of bubble wrap or soft clothing to protect fragile items like electronics and glass.
Storage and moving arrangements
Making efficient storage and moving arrangements can significantly ease the transition in your college dorm move out days. If you are taking a break for the summer, going back home, or relocating, think about how your things are going to get from point A to point B. Consider if you will need to rent storage to keep your belongings for a while, or if you will need help relocating all your belongings.
There are tailored moving company services for college students, which include short-term and long-term storage needs, or relocation aid to make your transition out of the college dorm go easier and stress-free. Check AP Pro Moving’s multiple moving services to find the one that better suits your needs.
A final cleanup
Once your things are packed up all the way, or nearly, make sure to do a final cleanup of your dorm room. This is not only a great gesture that may also help you avoid potential fines or penalties, but it is also a way of closing and parting with a chapter of your life. Clean each area with care, dusting the surfaces, vacuuming the floors, and clean the windows. Also, don’t forget to take the trash and the recycling out.
Giving back university’s items
Remember to gather and return all the university-owned items to also avoid any potential fines, penalties, or deductions in your student account. Start by making a checklist of all the items you need to return, such as textbooks, library books, sports equipment, and any borrowed electronics like laptops or tablets. Be sure to check your dorm room for any furniture or fixtures that belong to the university, and note down a day to return them all in your calendar. Set a reminder alarm if necessary.
Turn in your keys
Once you’ve packed up your belongings and cleaned your dorm room, the next crucial step is to turn in your keys to the campus housing office. Most universities have specific protocols for returning keys, which may include filling out a check-out form or scheduling a room inspection. Remember that failing to return your keys on time can result in fines or charges for a lock change. Check your university’s guidelines beforehand and adhere to the deadlines to avoid any unnecessary penalties.
Need extra help with your move? We’re here to help!
AP Pro Moving knows better than anyone how stressful and nerve wracking a move during the last days of college may be. That is one of the main reasons why it offers expert help and an array of moving services to make your move seamless and stress-free.
Our main objective is to pack up and deliver your belongings back to you in your new place in a timely manner, so you don’t have to worry about a thing. We make sure your items go unharmed during transit, so that you can study and enjoy your last days at your college dorm. Make the best of your last days in a college dorm by calling us at +1 (703) 757-6969 to know more about us and get a quote from our team.
FAQs
What to do when you move out from college?
When moving out from college, start by organizing and decluttering your belongings. Donate or sell items you no longer need. Inform your landlord or dormitory administration about your move-out date, and ensure you clean your space thoroughly to avoid any fines. Lastly, coordinate with a reliable moving company to transport your belongings.
When should I start packing to leave college?
Start packing at least three weeks before your move-out date. Begin with non-essential items like décor and off-season clothing. Gradually move to daily essentials as the move-out day approaches. Early packing helps reduce last-minute stress and allows you to identify items that may need special care or packaging.
How long does it take to pack up a college dorm?Â
Packing up a college dorm typically takes about 1–3 days, depending on the amount of stuff you have and how organized you are. Start with a few hours each day to sort and pack systematically. Having a packing checklist can expedite the process and ensure nothing is left behind.
How do I prepare to move out for college?Â
To prepare for moving out of college, create a checklist of tasks such as notifying utility companies and changing your address with the post office. Gather packing supplies like boxes, tape, and bubble wrap. Arrange for a moving company or rental truck, and enlist friends or family to help on moving day.
