Tips for College Move-In Day

Universities and colleges are once again experiencing the frenzy that comes with students moving in to start a new semester. I found some great tips to help make this time less stressful, and get your student off to a great start.

Kathy Adams, for Delaware Online, shares this college move-in checklist:

10 DORM DECORATING TIPS FROM THE PROS

1. Use inexpensive milk crates for moving and storing stuff. Stack them into bookshelves or use them under the bed.

2. Hang a string or ribbon across the wall and clip photos, postcards and other memorabilia to it.

3. Use spray-on starch and thin fabric to decorate walls and add color to your room.

4. Stack boards with cinder blocks or small bricks to create inexpensive and versatile shelving. Just be sure the shelves are stable, to avoid toe-crushing avalanches.

5. Hang a small dry erase board outside your door so friends and neighbors can leave you messages.

6. Use double-sided tape or poster putty to hang items on the wall. Most dorms prohibit use of nails, screws and tacks.

7. Use fabric, cardboard or plastic decorative boxes in different colors to add style and storage.

8. Hang paper lanterns from the ceiling to add color and style without sacrificing space. Choose lanterns without lights, which are likely prohibited.

9. Use wall tapestries as curtains, space dividers or wall decoration.

10. CLIP-ON LIGHTING: Use clip-on lights or tap lights to add lighting to areas without a lot of surface space.

ESSENTIALS

Alarm clock
Antibacterial wipes (you can use them to clean everything!)
Bath caddy
Bath robe
Desk lamp with extra lightbulbs
First-aid kid
Hygiene items
Laundry bag (avoid large hampers; something that folds up is best)
Mattress cover/pad
Multi-plug surge protectors or extension cords with internal circuit beakers
Over-the-door hooks
Sheets (most dorms have twin, extra-long beds)
Shower shoes
Small sewing kit
Towels
Extras
Cable cord
Desk organizer
Double-sided tape or removable poster putty
Drawer liners
Full-length wall mirror
Iron
Lamps and lighting (some dorms prohibit or limit holiday lights, so check first)
Milk crates
Mini-refrigerator
Pictures
Posters
Programmable coffee pot with automatic shut off
Sheer curtains with a tension rod
Shelf dividers and drawer organizers
Small microwave
Small rug
Small bookshelf
Small television
Tabletop ironing board
Under-the-bed storage boxes
Wall tapestry or brightly colored sheets to hang on walls, divide up the space or cover windows

WHAT TO LEAVE AT HOME

Candles and incense (prohibited in dorms)
Extra clothing (you can always have your parents ship items later)
Hazardous and illegal items
Large, bulky chairs
Small appliances (check your college’s appliance regulations)
Stereo equipment
Stuffed animals
Suitcases (no more than one)

COOL STUFF

Alarm clock picture frame: Freshmen who will miss having their mothers wake them up for school can get the next best thing. Frames come in black, teal and pink. ($1 at Target)

BunkPal bed shelf: Top bunkers get a place to put their alarm clock, books and photos. The shelf latches onto a bunk bed’s railing and can hold up to 40 pounds, which will almost support your freshman calculus book. ($29.99 at www.bedbathandbeyond.com)

Dorm survival cooking kit: This 40-piece kit includes plastic bowls, plates, cups and all the other basics in an easy-to-store box. Perfect for those late-night ramen feasts. ($29.99 at Target)

Double-hang closet rod: Add an additional rod for hanging clothes with this space-saving item. It hangs from the existing rod, doubling your closet capacity.

Over-door organizer: Provides hooks to hang your caps, purses, bags and other stuff. Includes four storage bags for laundry and other items. ($14.99 at Bed, Bath and Beyond)

Read the whole article at Delaware Online.

image: Appalachian State University

Tags: college move-in day, dorm decorating, housekeeping, homemaking