7 Dorm Room Packing Tips for a Stress-free Move

College Residence Hall Moving and Packing? Don’t let the end-of-semester scramble overwhelm you! Moving out of a university residence hall or student housing at the semester’s end can be stressful and tiring. With finals on the horizon, friends beckoning, and warmer weather outside, it’s tempting to put off College Residence Hall Moving and Packing until the last minute.

Packing Tips for Students and Parents

Follow these seven tips for an easier, stress-free end-of-semester move-out. Or share them with your college student as a way to help him or her get started and stay organized:

What’s In My Box?

If you’re planning on packing, moving, and storing your dorm room items yourself, write your name and a general description of the contents on each box using a black Sharpie.

If you’ve elected to use a professional mover for packing, moving, and storage, place the pre-printed labels your mover provides on the front of each box toward the middle. Do not place the pre-printed labels on the top or bottom of your boxes.

When sealing your boxes, use at least three strips of packing tape on both the top and bottom of the box.

How Should I Pack My Fragile Items?

Place any fragile items in the center of your boxes and surround them with soft items like clothing or blankets. Also, use crumpled paper or newspaper at the top and bottom to cushion items and keep them from shifting while being moved.

How Much Can I Squeeze Into a Box?

Do not overpack. If you are working with a professional mover, you’ll also want to make sure you do not exceed the maximum weight allowance for each box.

Also, pack evenly by distributing your heavier items throughout the box. If possible, place the heavier items toward the bottom of the box.

What’s the Best Way to Pack My Flat Screen TV and Other Electronics?

When packing your flat-screen TV and other electronics, it’s a good idea to place them in the manufacturer’s original packaging. If not, your professional mover can supply these, or you may be able to purchase them locally. Now, if you think you may need to use your laptop or tablet between semesters, you should not pack or store these items with the rest of your things.

How Should I Prep My Mini-Fridge so it Doesn’t Smell After Being Stored for the Summer?

At least three days before moving day, unplug your mini-fridge, clean it properly, and leave the door open! This ensures the inside is defrosted and dried, preventing mold or liquid from leaking onto your other personal items. These steps will also help keep your refrigerator from developing an unpleasant smell during storage.

How Should I Prep My Furniture for Shipping and Storage?

Remove all contents from your drawers and cabinets. If any of your furniture items contain hardware, collect it and enclose it in a Ziploc® bag before placing it in one of your boxes.

Loose items, like pens, pencils, and clips, should be placed in a sealed envelope and consolidated before being placed in a box. Pack clothing and other items into a box, setting aside swimwear and other items you may need for the summer.

Which Items Should Not be Packed for Storage?

Most professional movers will not transport hazardous materials, i.e., items that are considered explosive, flammable, or corrosive, perishables. Frozen or refrigerated food, opened food products, produce, indoor plants, or personal items. Toiletries (e.g., open shampoo containers, liquid cleaning supplies) or sentimental items. These items should not be packed for shipment or storage.

Contact Us to Learn More

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