Here’s Why You Can Count on Moving APT
At Moving APT, we’ve spent over two decades helping customers move. Those customers have included families, big-name commercial clients, and starving students alike. We know what goes into a successful move, because we’ve done every step of the process. And now, we’re sharing what we’ve learned so you can move easier.
If you’re ready to get packing, we’ve got the bubble wrap. Head over to our moving cost calculator to get your free quote, and book your move today. Otherwise, keep reading and get a pro mover’s take on college moving…
The Only College Moving Checklist You’ll Ever Need
Freshman? Sophomore? Super senior? Doesn’t matter. Make sure you’ve got this stuff boxed up and ready to move:
1. Electronics
- Laptop
- Phone
- Desktop
- Tablet
- Chargers
- Printer
- Video game console?
2. Clothes
- Look, we’re not your mom
- Just make sure you’ve got warm clothes
- And make sure you’ve got plenty of clean socks, underwear, etc.
- And for the love of God, please pack a raincoat/umbrella/waterproof boots
And bring your clothes hamper, too
3. Toiletries
- Shower caddy
- Towel
- Waterproof flip-flops/sandals
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Razor(s)
- Shaving cream
- Deodorant
- Hair products
Hair dryer
Hair iron
Pomade/gel/anything else you need to look fresh B)
4. Bedding
- Bedsheets
- Comforter
- Extra blanket or two
- Pillow(s)
- Pillowcase(s)
- (Don’t be gross; make sure you actually wash all this stuff more than once a quarter)
5. Cookware
- Microwave
- Hot plate
- Mini-fridge
- Dish(es)
- Cutlery/Silverware
6. Accessories/Misc
- Wallet/Purse
- Backpack
- Stationary/pens
- Decor
- Meal card (Might get this at orientation)
- Whatever you do as a hobby
- Not the unicycle (Never be the unicycle guy on campus)
All Your Move-In Essentials, Explained
That was pretty simple, right? When you break it down into sections, college moving is pretty manageable. But if you’re DIYing your move, it’s important to know how you’re going to move all that stuff in the first place. Let’s take a closer look.
1. Electronics
We listed electronics first. We did that on purpose. In this day and age, your computer and laptop are basically your lifeline to the outside world – and they’re also absolutely essential if you want to pass your classes.
When packing electronics, we recommend using a small [SIZE] or medium [SIZE] box. Smaller boxes are generally more sturdy (get a double-walled one if you get the chance), and they’re a little easier to maneuver around those tight dorm hallways without bumping into stuff.
It goes without saying that you should protect your electronics with bubble wrap, cardboard inserts, and air pouches (those green, airbag dealies that come in your Amazon boxes).
2. Clothes
Rookie mistake: Packing a ton of clothes that you probably won’t wear. Think about the seasons you’ll be in school. Think about the weather you’re going to experience. Think about the most versatile items in your wardrobe, and just go with those.
Speaking of clothes, make sure you don’t forget your laundry hamper. If this is your first foray into adulting, congratulations: You get to learn how to use the laundry machines.
Protip: Your laundry hamper is already made to transport clothes. No need to buy a box, unless for some reason you’re bringing more than your hamper can handle. (If you did need a moving box, we’d recommend a medium [SIZE] box btw.)
3. Toiletries
Most dorm showers are gross. Don’t go in there barefoot. Get a pair of waterproof sandals, and don’t leave your dorm room without ‘em. (We’re serious.)
Aside from your waterproof sandals, get a good shower caddy, or some kind of waterproof toilet kit. Some dorm shower stalls are set up like this:
[curtain] -> [empty space for changing] -> [curtain] -> [shower]
If you’re lucky enough to have the extra real estate, you can leave your shower caddy in that [empty space for changing]. But if it turns out your dorm showers are a one-curtain kinda deal, you’ll need something waterproof to hold your soaps, shampoos, etc. Whatever the case, a small or medium box is enough to hold whatever toiletries you’ll need.
4. Bedding
Bedding is pretty simple. Just like at home, you’ll have sheets, a comforter, a pillow, and a couple of blankets in case it’s extra cold. Anything beyond this, and you’re just making life harder for you on moving day.
Large boxes [SIZE] are made for bedding. They’re big enough to handle all your fluffy-yet-big items, and they’re a lot easier to pack compared to whatever packaging your bedsheets came with. Just make sure you don’t put anything really heavy in your large boxes. Contrary to your expectations, they’re built for lightweight items.
5. Cookware
Cookware depends on what’s allowed at your dorm or residence. If you’re moving in to off-campus housing, go nuts and take whatever you want. (Just remember, it’s gotta be packed up and taken home in a couple of months.) On the other hand, if you’re moving in to a dorm, your options are limited.
Microwaves, hot plates, and mini-fridges are your go-tos if you’re allowed to keep any kind of cooking supplies in your dorm room. As with your electronics, bank on a small [SIZE] or medium [SIZE] box for this stuff.
6. Accessories/Misc
This section is for all the other stuff we may have missed, and all the other stuff that you may really need. Do you have your backpack? Do you have some stationary/notebooks/pens/pencils just in case? Do you play an instrument? Pack it up, but please, please don’t be the guy playing it out in the quad.
How to Move for College
What’s the best way to move for college? Here are the best methods:
- DIY: If you’re trying to keep a low profile (and save some money), a DIY move is the way to go. It’ll take a little time to lug all your stuff from your car to your bedroom, but hey – that’s what the parents are for.
- Moving Labor: If you’ve got some heavy items or you just want to get done with your move as fast as possible, you can book moving labor to make your life easier. These guys will show up and handle the heavy lifting, and get out of your hair ASAP.
- Full Service Moving: Full service movers will move everything for you. You won’t have to lift a finger. The downside? It’s kinda pricey, and unless you’re moving into off-campus housing, all the other students will think you’re some kinda rich kid.
College Moves Made Easy with Moving APT
Moving for college is a big step, and Moving APT can get you started on the right foot. From wrapping and packing to long haul transport, our moving teams can help you ace your college relocation. Check out our moving cost calculator, get a free quote, and we’ll get you on the road faster than you can say “kegger”.
College Moving FAQs
How much does college moving cost?
If you really luck out, you can hire college movers for a couple hundred bucks – think $200ish out the door. Local movers charge per hour, per mover, and it’s about two movers per bedroom. But if you’re moving over 100 miles or across state lines, you’ll be working with long distance movers who charge per mile and per pound.
Fortunately, when you’re moving for school, you aren’t relocating a whole house. Sure, there may be a little furniture thrown in there if you’re living in off-campus housing, but it’s rare for a college move to cost more than a couple grand.
Do I really need pro movers?
DIYing a move is totally possible, especially if you’re just moving to a dorm room. The downside? It’s not the easiest option – especially since most college move-in days are jam-packed with other students trying to DIY it, too (think time-restricted parking permits and lots of traffic).
Hiring a couple of pros to get you situated can really take the stress out of your day. They’ll be quick, they’ll handle everything with care, and since most campuses are getting equipment and supplies moved in anyways, they’ll blend right in.
When should I book my movers?
We recommend booking at least a month in advance. If you weren’t a student, we’d recommend two months, but we know that your school schedule may not be set in stone yet. The earlier you book, the less you have to pay. Plus, there’s less competition for primo time slots.
Are there any extra fees I should know about?
When you get a quote, you’ll see the services you’re getting, and the price you’re getting billed. Assuming you’re working with full service movers, your typical estimate will includes loading and hauling. You’ll have to pay a little extra for stuff like packing and access fees. (Access fees apply if your movers have to deal with long carries, extra flights of stairs, and elevators.)
How much should I tip my movers?
15% to 20% of the total cost of your move, to be divvied up across all your moving team. Unless your movers have explicitly declined to accept a gratuity, be prepared to shell out the extra cash. It’s typically accepted and expected in the moving industry.
