Suggestions for move in day?

littlegreenmom
Wed, 06 Aug 2008 15:59:57 +0000

My older son’s school said that they would have kids to help move him up to his room. There was also no parking and we were in a quick unload loading zone, and the process was far more complicated than we had predicted.

Bottom line lessons learned:

A portable dolly would have saved the day (but we didn’t have one). Put linens that don’t weigh as much in plastic bags (durable kind with handles can work well) or those large ziploc storage bags. We made the mistake of packing these items in duffle bags with clothing (without wheels) and these bags were unbelievable heavy and awkward to maneuver. Storage bins can work well too, and double for carrying dirty laundry to the washing machines!

Big rectangular suitcases can accommodate a lot of stuff - and this is good for kids flying to school. Make sure you can nest those suitcases later on, if you bring more than one. They take up a lot of room under a bed, if you can’t. If you are driving to school, duffles can fit in the nooks and crannies of a car, often easier than the big bulky suitcases.

I like the idea of garment bags to carry a bunch of hanging clothes in. You can put these in the car easily and the added bonus is that you already have these items on hangers, which you might never have enough of!

My niece leaves her hangers in her dorm at the end of her academic year (nice surprise for the next resident!). They are a hassle to bring back and forth (especially if flying). You can get them very cheaply at any discount store in the college town.

Don’t forget trash bags. Large kitchen drawstring kind can be very useful on move in day, and something the kids often forget. It also makes trips to the dumpster a little more manageable. Not every floor has trash cans, we have found.

Bring a iced cooler with water and drinks for the first day. No matter where the student is going to school, it will be hot on move in day. You will be hot and tired from moving in, and the dorms can be stifling hot.

Bring the best small turbo charged fan you can buy for the student’s room. They aren’t expensive - under $15. Believe me, they will be impossible to find on move-in day. All those fans will be sold out, no matter where you go to college. It should be the first thing you unpack and set up!