Back-to-school is an exciting time for students. There’s something magical about being back on campus, ready to start the semester fresh! It all kicks off with move-in day, which can be a stressful experience in and of itself. The simplest way to get rid of the stress of move-in is to hire a professional moving company. It’ll make sure you get the semester off on the right foot and start the year stress-free.
But even with the services of a professional moving company behind you, there are still challenges to on-campus moves. In fact, student moves can be downright complicated without foresight and planning! Here are some of the obstacles and headwinds to consider, and why it pays to consult with a moving company about the best approach to your dorm room move-in.
Coordinate with the campus
Most campuses have specified move-in dates and times. These can range from an assigned window to a series of dates and times. For example, your move in day might be any of the following:
- August 28, any time during the day
- August 28, from 2-4pm
- Any time during the week of August 28
- From 10-4, any day during the week of August 28
To comply with campus rules, you’ll need to schedule your move-in accordingly. The narrower your move-in window, the more pre-planning you’ll need to do. If you only have two hours, for example, you’ll need to do a bunch of pre-planning and packing to ensure the movers can get you on-campus and moved-in during your small window. Pay attention to the time and date, and plan accordingly.
Walk the route before you move
When moving day rolls around, you want to know exactly where your spot on campus is. It’s not enough to know the building and your dorm number. Go to campus, find your room and chart the best route for a move-in. Not only will this speed up the process, your movers will appreciate knowing the quickest route from the truck to the dorm.
It’s also a good idea to learn the layout of the building. If there’s congestion at a specific exit or entrance, you want to know about any backups or alternate routes. All this extra legwork will expedite the move-in process and help you get settled in. This is even more important if there’s a clock on your move-in time.
Comply with school rules
Universities are very particular about what you can and cannot have on campus or in your dorm room. Look at the list of prohibited items ahead of time and strike them from your moving list. For example, you might not be able to bring your own bedframe or other furniture. You don’t want to show up with these items, then be turned away! That’s an extra trip for the movers and extra costs out of pocket for you.
Also, make sure movers are allowed on campus. Some universities require special guest permissions for movers or require that movers register their truck with campus security first. This generally isn’t a problem and something professional movers are used to—they just need to know ahead of time.
Finally, many schools have clear instructions for move-in day, to keep everything coordinated and safe. If there are specific instructions—like where to park, which entrance to use or where to check in—these are things you want to know and communicate with your moving team before the day of the move.
Ask as many questions as you can
As your student will learn in college, there’s no such thing as too many questions! Most colleges provide a comprehensive itinerary for move-in day, detailing the who, what, where, when and how of the whole ordeal. Gather as much information as you can and ask questions when you have them. Then, relay all this information to professional movers. Knowledge is power!
The good news is, once everyone is on the same page for a college move-in, the entire thing is generally very quick and painless. It doesn’t take much to move into a college dorm, and most dormitories are set up to make move-ins quick and painless. The same is true for move-outs.
If you’re considering hiring professional movers for a student move, make sure you have all the information first. Often, it’s a smart investment and a great way to start the semester off right. Just make sure you’re not starting it off on the wrong side of campus security or the dorm’s administrative team!