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College move-in day is approaching, and the best way to prepare is to be ready. Every school has its own rules and traditions surrounding move-in day, and you will soon learn what those are. But some things are universal.
So, whether your whole family is going or just your teen is moving into a dorm or apartment, there are 17 things that thousands of experienced Grown and Flown parents told us were THE essential items they felt they needed for this intense and highly emotional day.
The critical things to bring to college move-in day
1. Magna Cart Four Wheel Folding Platform Cart (Amazon)
A platform cart or a dolly was mentioned repeatedly — they’re enormously helpful for getting your stuff where it needs to go. This will make college move-in day go so much more smoothly.
2. Belkin Surge Protector (Amazon)
You can never have enough power in a dorm room, and many colleges do not allow extension cords. This surge protector has a 6 foot cord, 12 AC Outlets, 2 USB-A Ports and 1 USB-C Port. Belkin is an industry-leader and this surge protector has a higher joules rating than many less expensive alternatives but it is so worth it when you are protecting expensive laptops. (A surge protector joule rating indicates how much energy it can absorb before it fails.)
3. WOOZOO Fan (Amazon)
August can be sweltering, and many dorms are not air-conditioned. Bring a fan and set it up first to keep all of you a little cooler during the move-in. WOOZOO fans have become very popular and now come in many pretty colors and a remote control. These are several different WOOZOO fans offered at different price points.
4. IKEA Bags – Set of 4 (Amazon)
Hopefully you will have used these for your packing, but bring a few extra because the kids may want to keep a few and you may need to take some things home with you.
5. Apollo Tool Set (Amazon)
The most recommended tools were a screwdriver, tape measure, hammer, scissors, rubber mallet, and duct tape. Leave a set like this for your student who will use it moving in and out of dorms and apartments over the next four years…and beyond.
6. First Aid Kit (Amazon)
We recommend compiling your personalized kit with all the first aid and cough/cold medicines your family prefers. But if you want to be covered with the basics, getting a set this like will do the trick. You will want to have this handy in case you need a bandaid on move in day!
7. Wundermax Door Stopper – Pack of 6 (Amazon)
As soon as you get to the room, use one of these to prop the door open, and you will make your life much easier. This door stopper comes with a holder that can be attached with velcro to the back of the door, so the doorstop won’t get lost under a pile of dirty clothes (theoretically). And with an open door who knows who you’ll meet??? (Bring all six with you as some other families on the hall might not have thought of this great idea.)
8. Touchland Hand Sanitizer – Set of 3 (Amazon)
These handy hand sanitizer sprays smell great and will keep you clean on a very dirty day.
9. Apple Air Tags – 4 Pack (Amazon)
Keep track of your IKEA bags and everything else as you move in. Later, your college student can use these in their gym bag and backpack.
10. Owala Water bottles and snacks
Something to drink and nibble on will be handy when you’re hot and tired.
BTW, since college students need water bottles, think about packing a new Owala that offers a wide selection of styles and sizes perfect for your students snd such fun color combos. For long days on campus, studying at the library, sports practice, bike rides, workouts, hiking, or walking to class, Hydro Flask water bottles are excellent for your teen — keeping drinks cold or hot for the whole day.
11. Magnetic Paper Towel Holder (Amazon)
This is a very popular paper towel holder that you stick on side of mini fridge and then you know where to find the paper towels you will need. Having a roll of paper towels handy with move in can help with spills and other clean up needs.
12. Command Hooks (Amazon)
Command hooks for “hanging” things on walls are very popular; they peel off easily without ruining the walls. There are so many options for both hooks and strips and you might want to bring both. Note: Check the “residence life” section of the college website to see if these are allowed.
13. Cleaning supplies
Fill a bucket with cleaning supplies such as Clorox wipes, trash bags, and shelf liners because you may want to wipe everything down.
Clorox Wipes (3 pack) at Amazon $21.46
14. Paper and Pen/Sharpie (Amazon)
You will probably have some of this stuff with you for your student but keep a pen handy because you may need to make notes or fill out forms. A Sharpie will come in handy.
15. S Hooks – 5 Pack (Amazon)
S hooks are good to use to hang towels and jackets on your dorm bed. They can also be used inside a closet to hang up pants like you see in this illustration.
16. Anker Portable Charger (Amazon)
So, you can stay charged up all day, because believe us, you’ll need to charge your phone and this is so much easier than fishing out a power cord. Compatible with iPhone 16/15, iPad, MacBook, Galaxy, Google, and more, this is available in 4 colors.
17. Change of clothing
You will invariably get hot and sweaty, so it might be nice to take a backpack with a change of clothing for everyone or at least a fresh t-shirt.
You will forget something, of course
Everyone forgets something. Whatever you’ve forgotten, don’t panic because, luckily, we live in a time when you can get anything online and get it shipped to your student.
Finally…The most popular answer, aside from those listed above and tissues, alcohol, and tranquilizers, was to bring your smile, sense of humor, and patience. Bring an overabundance of patience because you’ll need it. And follow your student’s lead — it’s not your room; it’s theirs.
You are there to help but not to dictate. College move-in day can be very long, hot, and exhausting. However difficult the day is, it’s also tremendously exciting. Heed the crowd’s wisdom and bring your smile and ability to let go, and it might just be a day you all remember fondly.
When the move-in is complete-it’s time to walk away, however cranky everyone got during the move. When you leave your child, tell them you love them, you’re proud of them, and assure them that you will be fine, and so will they.
Prices were accurate at time of publication.
Why you should trust us
We are three moms who have raised 8 young adults and have been working on products lists for over 12 years now, making us experts. When selecting products we survey the Grown and Flown Parents Facebook group of nearly 300,000 parents of teens, tweens and young adults. We do opinion polls, surveys and ask open ended questions. We search for products that combine reasonable price with high quality and are recommended by our large following.
More Great Reading:
When your teen turns 18, there are some legal forms you will want to have in place. Don’t forget to add these legal forms to your list of what should be done before you head out for campus. Click here to learn more or on this link to go directly to the forms you need.
Do you have the Grown and Flown Off to College Checklist? It is all the things you need to do (legal, health and medical, financial) before your teen leaves for college. Download it (free) here https://grownandflown.com/off-to-college-checklist/
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