Tackling the dorm room and all of its glory

Tackling the dorm room and all of its glory

My dorm room freshmen year at Abilene Christian

Depending on the school you attend can determine your general feelings about dorm rooms. Dorm life may not be super glamorous, but it is fun. I actually enjoyed living in the dorm freshmen year which is good because my school requires us to live in the dorms freshmen and sophomore year. As I am getting ready for year two, I am remembering how slightly overwhelming it was figuring out what I needed to pack last year. Before moving to college I had never moved before. Just the thought of packing up my life into my car (and my mom’s car) still kind of scares me. The great part though is that what is waiting at the other end of a car trip is far better than staying home in my comfort zone. While there are many posts and list on what to pack for college, these are a few tips, tricks, and thoughts on dorm life from someone who has been-there-done-that.

Research. Odds are if you are reading this you are interesting in this and applying it. Even though I have already moved into and out of a dorm previously, it is almost calming looking at posts and list again preparing for round two. Since it’s been a year from the last time I’ve moved into the dorms, recalling what I did last year is a little tough. Looking at different blogs and pins on Pinterest is a helpful tool. It is also calming for someone slightly OCD like me. It is also useful to remember small things like to not over pack and such. Take advantage of the different tools available through the internet and use them to your advantage. Never having moved prior to college, this was how I began to configure how I was going to pack everything.

Start early. If you’ve started to research, odds are you’ve started early too. Before freshmen year I think I was so excited I was packed three weeks early, but that’s a little extreme and unnecessary. After you are done researching begin to make your own list and start devising a plan with your roommate on what all you will need. You will also need to look at your school’s dorms to determine what you will need and what is allowed and not allowed. All of this takes time, being a great reason to start early. Starting early will also take some stress away as move in day approaches.

Be organized. Being an overly organized individual, organization is one of my favorite things. Disorganization drives me insane. So naturally I felt the need to organize everything as best I could. It is important to remember that you can be the most organized individual, but moving into a dorm will be organized chaos. So have a plan, but be flexible. Going into move in day mom and I devised a plan to move everything in. When we got there we ended moving everything completely different than we originally planned and it all still went smoothly. A few tips will help with this.

1.       Especially if you are going to a larger school, label everything with your name and room number. This will help if something gets separated. Normally there is a move in crew there to help and it makes it easier to label everything so you avoid losing anything.

2.       Have an idea of how much you have. Again things can get mixed around and many people around. After everything is moved in, taking an inventory of your items to ensure they made it to your room is a good idea. This way you can track down any missing items.

3.       Pack your car in a strategic manner. You will most likely not have much control on what arrives to your room when. Bulkier items can be put into the car first and more delicate items will need to go in last. Use items you will already be bringing to protect everything. Use towels, blankets, bedding, etc. to protect items that could get broken.

Pack strategically. This could help you be able to pack more efficiently and effectively, especially if you are tight on space. Ditch boxes unless you have items that are new and still in the package or absolutely need to travel in a box. Instead, use duffel bags that can fold and either be stored easily or go home with mom and dad. Duffel bags are great because you most likely have them sitting around and you can use them when you go home next. Packing your items in bags you already have or are going to be using in your new home is the best way to pack. So if you are going to be bringing extra storage for your room use it to pack. I have an ottoman that was reupholstered and normally I use it to store my extra blankets, but when moving I use it to transport picture frames and decorations. It’s great because it holds a lot and protects delicate items, like picture frames. Items like my ottoman can be helpful space savers.

Unpack. Yes it sounds silly, but make an effort to unpack as much as you can the day you move in. Although you may think you will unpack within the first few days you are at school, odds are you won’t. If you wait to unpack you will lose interest and probably end up putting everything under your best or stuffing it into the closet. Unpacking the day you move in is also a good idea because you will most likely have people that can help you unpack. Really though, you will get busy and lose motivation. Unpack when you move in.

While the thought of college and moving and dorm life can be overwhelming and possibly confusing, I hope these tips can help the process. The biggest thing to remember on move in day is that it is only a day. The day after move in day is when the real fun will start.

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