College Dorm Checklist: The Ultimate Guide to a Smooth and Stress-Free Move

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Whether you are a college student moving into a dorm for the first time or you’re moving into a brand-new apartment, you are about to embark on a wild, liberating, and exciting adventure!

Nevertheless, it’s normal to be nervous about such a huge change.

The first time I moved away from home and into a dorm room, I was nervous that it would be chaotic and disorganized, but with the help of my roommate and our families, the process could not have been smoother and easier. 

Part of that was thanks to our college dorm checklist, which is a must-have for anyone planning on making a big move.

A moving checklist reduces stress, streamlines the process, and ensures that everyone is on the same page at all times!

Moving out will always seem intimidating at first, but with the help of this guide, you can make even the most chaotic tasks manageable!

This list covers everything from practical tasks to emotional prep. Bookmark this article or prints it out — you’ll thank yourself later!

Photo by Selah Bang

In This Post

• Pre-Move Checklist

• Packing Supplies Checklist

• Moving In Checklist

• Moving Day Tips

• Post-Move Checklist

• Emotional Checklist

 

Pre-Move Checklist

Photo by Selah Bang

Decide Where You’re Moving To.

If you haven’t already, find a house or apartment that suits your needs in a location near your workplace or school.

When I was moving, I had to hunt around for an apartment as close to my university as possible, which might get tricky if the housing market is competitive.

Make sure you determine whether you are moving on-campus, off-campus, with or without roommates, or back home before you proceed.

Budget Wisely.

Ensure that the rent fits within your budget, taking utilities into account as well. Also, you’re going to have to spend some money on moving supplies, so make sure you factor that into your planned expenses.

Coordinate with Roommates or Parents.

Just because something might sound perfect to you, doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll work out as smoothly with the other parties involved.

Make sure to be in constant communication with your future roommates and your parents, so everyone is on the same page!

My roommate and I also made a spreadsheet detailing a list of things we would need to buy for our new place, so we knew what each of us would have to get.

Notify Important Parties.

Don’t forget to note your change of address for any subscriptions and services you might have!

This includes updating the address for your school, bank, job, insurance, etc. The last thing you want is to miss some important mail or reminder because it was to your old address!

 

Packing Supplies Checklist

Photo by Selah Bang

• Storage bins are incredibly helpful for packing many objects together! Every time I’ve had to make a big move, these Roughneck bins have been a lifesaver!

I fit most of my belongings in them easily, and better yet, they’re reusable, so there’s no need to throw away a huge number of cardboard boxes after the move!

After I use them to move, I like to have one in the corner of my room to keep my snacks.

 

• Large totes are my go-to when moving clothing and bedding! These BALEINE moving bags are so spacious and convenient and take up less space than the storage bins during transport.

I got these in my second year of college, and they were a game-changer.

 

• If you’re moving into a house or enlisting help to move your things, make sure to buy these labels to make organizing easier!

That way people will know the basic contents of the bin or box and know where to put it without having to open it!

This is another method of ensuring that everyone involved in the moving process is on the same page!

 

• Garbage bags are a useful tool for packing shoes, pillows, or any extra luggage that isn’t easily breakable.

When I first moved away from home, I used these Hefty garbage bags to transport the stuffed animals and footwear that didn’t fit in the tote bags.

Afterwards, you can go back to using them as regular garbage bags at your new place!

 

• These Amazon sandwich bags easily store small parts such as screws or nails. I also use them to keep extra batteries.

 

• A first-night essentials bag is a super helpful addition to your packing supplies. This Etronik travel bag keeps all your necessities in one place and away from the crazy piles of boxes.

From personal experience, I recommend storing your pajamas, basic toiletries, chargers, a change of clothes, water bottle, wallet, keys, and any necessary medications inside.

That way, everything you need in a pinch is right at your fingertips. Of course, you can also use a school backpack or any tote for this purpose as well.

 

• Even if you are not planning on using cardboard boxes to move, packing tape is still useful when securing the lids on storage bins or even shutting smaller boxes.

Scotch heavy duty packing tape is my go-to with big bins and boxes since they rarely, if ever, break.

 

• Sharpies are also a handy tool for writing on labels. I also used them to write on some cardboard boxes I was planning on leaving back at my parents’ house.

Related: 40 Dorm Hacks Every College Student Must Know

 

Moving In Checklist

Photo by Selah Bang

Bedroom Essentials

• If you’re looking for new bedding essentials, this Kotton Culture duvet cover is perfect for your new room!

No matter what color you order it in, it’s soft, easy to wash, and can complement whatever room decor you use!

I ordered this duvet cover when I moved into my new apartment, and it has been one of my favorite additions.

 

• If you don’t like keeping your phone right next to your bedside or you are trying to reduce your phone usage, consider an alarm clock.

I’m a heavy sleeper, and this Sharp clock never fails to get me up in the morning. It comes with additional settings, such as date and temperature.

If you don’t want your phone to be the first thing you look at in the morning, an alarm clock will be the perfect fit for you.

 

• A good lamp can be a magical element in any room. Whether it’s this Simple Designs standing lamp or this Lepro desk lamp, lighting can really make an atmosphere.

My lamp has multiple brightness settings as well as a button that controls the tone of the lighting. I don’t know about you, but I’m a fan of warm, gold light over the bright, white option.

 

• This Blissful Diary reading pillow is perfect if you’re a fan of working or reading in bed.

I know some people say that working in bed often decreases productivity or interferes with their sleep schedule, but a reading pillow is still a great option if you enjoy watching movies or reading in the comfort of your bed.

 

• This desk mirror is a lifesaver for your morning and nighttime skincare routine. I use my HUONUL mirror every single day.

It’s battery-powered and has panels with different levels of magnification that make getting ready in the morning so much easier than leaning in front of the bathroom mirror.

This is especially helpful if you live in a dorm and would rather not travel to the communal bathroom every time you touch up your makeup.

 

• On top of that, every bedroom needs a full-length mirror for your daily fit checks.

I recommend one that hangs over your door, like this SCWF-GZ option, and preferably over the closet door if you have one, since it takes up the least amount of floor space.

 

• If you need extra shelving or easy storage, this small ALVOROG rolling shelf is perfect for storing anything from dishes to bathroom supplies to schoolbooks!

Mine has followed me through three different apartments, and it’s been a huge help in every single one.

• For the hot months of the year, this Woozoo fan was amazing. It has multiple settings for blade speed, rotation, and timing, and in an apartment with a broken air conditioner, I used my fan every day.

Photo by Selah Bang

• Whether your new place has a hardwood floor or some kind of carpet, a cozy area rug will help soften the environment and add your own personal touch to the room.

In my first year of college, my roommate bought us a small LOCHAS rug for our dorm, and I liked having it so much that I bought another one for my apartment in my second year.

 

Kitchen Supplies

• Make sure you’re stocked up on enough kitchenware! Even if you’re living alone, you want to ensure that you’re prepared to host for more people if you ever invite some guests for dinner!

These Homienly plates and cups, as well as this Ewfen utensils set are perfect for your new kitchen!

 

• While you’re at it, cooking utensils are also a kitchen necessity!

Even if you’re not a chef, the right supplies, like this BESTZMWK cooking utensils set, will guarantee you will not be totally at the mercy of frozen meals every day.

Who knows? Maybe a good set of cooking utensils could be your gateway into cheffing it up for yourself every so often.

 

• One of my favorite kitchen appliances is my electric kettle. This OVENTE electric kettle  boils water quickly, it’s easy to use, and it’s even easier to clean. I use it to make tea, hot chocolate, and soup.

 

• Another helpful addition for your kitchen is a blender. I use my Nutribullet blender to make smoothies and ice cream, and the serving sizes are big enough to make extra for your friends as well!

 

• A toaster oven is an absolute kitchen must-have. Truly the recipe options are endless. I use my BLACK + DECKER toaster oven to toast bread, make pizza bagels, roast vegetables, etc.

 

• The post-meal clean-up is just as important as the meal prep, consider investing in Mrs. Meyers dish soap and a Scrub Daddy sponges set.

 

My roommates and I bought these supplies recently, and they have honestly made washing dishes so much easier. For drying, consider this Homaxy dish towel set, which allows you to save on paper towels or your nice hand towels.

 

• Food labels are also a useful tool when you live with more than one roommate. Sometimes, things get jumbled up in the fridge, freezer, or pantry, and it’s easy to lose track of what food might be yours or someone else’s.

We use these food labels to tell apart our groceries by sticking it on the packet and writing our names in Sharpie.

Related: 50 Dorm Room Must Haves for College Students in 2025

 

Bathroom Necessities

• Towels are an important part of any bathroom, so you want to ensure that you select a quality set that will last you for a long time, like these Amazon Basics towel set.

Even if you don’t think you need all of them, it’s still better to have more than one if you throw the first one into the wash.

 

• If you’re moving into a dorm with a communal bathroom, you need this UUJOLY shower caddy. It keeps all of your toiletries together for easy transportation and is also easy to clean.

I know mine saved my life in college. I recommend keeping your toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, shampoo, conditioner, hairbrush, and facial wash with your shower caddy.

 

• First-aid kits are a must-have for anyone, so don’t forget to buy this Johnson & Johnson first-aid kit for your new dorm or apartment.

It’s one of those small, overlooked items that you don’t realize you need until the situation arises, so make sure you’re ahead of the curve on that count!

 

• If you’re moving into an apartment that does not have a lot of bathroom storage space, this HOOBRO over-the-toilet shelf is incredibly helpful.

It is constructed around the toilet for maximum support and holds all your bathroom essentials in one place.

 

• Shower shoes are an essential part of dorm life for any college student. Some people prefer to use their regular flip-flops and crocs in the shower, but others want to keep their footwear separate, hence these iconic Shevalues shower shoes.

Honestly, anything works as long as you’re not barefoot on those nasty college bathroom floors.

 

School Supplies

Photo by Selah Bang

• These Five Star college-ruled notebooks have got to be my absolute favorite school supplies. They’re good quality, reliable, and have enough pages to last me through an entire semester.

 

• These Pilot pens are my go-to when taking notes, writing up assignments, and just getting through random day-to-day tasks that require a pen. I love the way the ink flows so smoothly and dries without smudging.

 

• A backpack is definitely a must during your school years. This High Sierra Backpack has lasted me through many a school year.

I’ve had mine since high school, and it’s still going strong. It fits all of my school supplies and all my luggage when I use it to take an overnight trip.

Related: 10 College Essentials for Girls: Must-Have for An Organized and Comfortable Campus Life

 

Clothing and Laundry

• These NEATERIZE hangers are so useful for coats, jackets, shirts, and even folded bottoms. They save space in your drawers and make finding your clothes a lot easier!

 

• This Dalykate laundry bag is an absolute lifesaver if you’re moving into a place that doesn’t have its own washer/dryer unit.

In college, I used my laundry bag to bring my clothes back and forth from my dorm to the laundry room.

Some people prefer the mesh bags or the rolling hampers, but I personally like the back-pack style laundry bag that doesn’t let everyone see right through to your dirty clothes.

 

• Along with your regular everyday clothes, make sure you adjust your wardrobe to the climate of your new home.

If you’re going to be living up north, brace yourself for cold weather, and if you live somewhere rainy, consider investing in this Repel umbrella. 

 

• If you want to beat the college kid stereotype of always coming back home to do your laundry, invest in some Tide laundry detergent and Bounce dryer sheets.

And if you’re feeling fancy, buy some color catcher sheets as well. My roommate’s mom got me these Shout color catcher sheets as part of my graduation care package, and my clothes thanked me for using them.

 

• Another necessity that is often underrated are Tide pens.

As someone who accidentally goes out to eat while wearing light clothes, Tide pens have saved my life more than once. I promise you, you will never regret buying them.

 

Cleaning Supplies

• Now that you’re going out in the real world to live on your own, it’s time to think about cleaning.

Clorox wipes are a must for any dirty surface. Especially when you move in at first, your new dorm or apartment might be in a crusty state, so disinfecting wipes will have your back.

 

• Paper towels are also an everyday essential for small spills or kitchen messes. My roommates and I use these Bounty paper towels to wipe down our kitchen table at the end of every day.

 

• Along with paper towels, a multi-surface cleaner will be your best friend. This Method cleaner is perfect for smaller messes that don’t require the stronger chemicals of a Clorox wipe.

It’s easy to use for kitchen or bathroom counters, tables, and any manageable mess.

 

• It’s normal for the air to stagnate at times, especially in a small dorm or apartment.

To combat the smell, don’t forget to buy a Febreze air freshener. With these sprays, a little can go a long way.

 

• You’ve really reached adulthood when it’s time to buy your own vacuum cleaner. If you live in a small dorm or apartment, there’s no need to invest in a large one yet, but this Eureka vacuum is perfect.

 

• After you’re done vacuuming the floors, the next step is to use the Swiffer, provided you’re working with hardwood floors.

A Swiffer gives the cleaning process that nice finishing touch and ensures that you’ve picked up the last of the dirt and dust that might have accumulated unnoticed.

Some people like to use their Swiffer with the dry wipes, but my personal preference is the wet wipes since they feel so much more thorough.

 

Personal Comfort Items and Decor

 

• It’s easy to only focus on the bare necessities, but don’t forget to add your own personal touch to your new home!

Adorn the walls with beloved Polaroids, picture frames, and posters.

• Fairy lights are my personal favorite decor. These Suddus fairy lights add an unmatched level of comfort and coziness to literally any space you choose, and I’ll take their warm ambience over the big ceiling light any time.

 

Photo by Selah Bang

• Candles are also a huge comfort decor item. One of my latest favorites is the Pink Sands Yankee Candle scent.

A lot of the time it’s easy to get hung up on how a space looks, but I think how a place smells also says a lot. Watching the fire flicker in the glass also adds to the cozy aesthetic of a room.

 

• My butterfly chair is one of my favorite items in my new apartment. This Zenithen butterfly folding chair is so comfortable and easy to transport.

All you have to do is remove the cushion and fold the frame. Whenever my friends come over, they always choose the butterfly chair.

 

• As a college student, you will encounter many obstacles, chief among them back pain. After hours spent hunched in the library, a good back roller is a necessity to iron out all your knots and aches.

Photo by Selah Bang

I use my Amazon Basics roller almost every day, and it gives a great massage. If you suffer from back pain, congratulations on reaching a new milestone of adulthood.

 

• A comfy Squishmallow is also a staple in my bedroom. Mine was a gift from my family, and no matter what age you are, it will always be a worthwhile addition to any room.

I use it as a pillow, a chair, or a cushion. Who knew a stuffed plushie could be so versatile?

• On top of your favorite decorations, integrate your own hobbies into your space! Whether you like playing music, reading, yoga, or sports, you have an opportunity to build your aesthetic in a brand-new space!

Photo by Selah Bang

If you’ve been looking for a reason to redecorate your old room, you can start here from a clean slate! The beauty of moving out is that everything gets a fresh start!

Related: 70 Best Dorm Gifts For College Students – The Complete 2025 Guide

 

Moving Day Tips

Photo by Selah Bang

Do a Final Walk-Through.

Forgetfulness can happen to the best of us! In all the chaos, it’s easy for some items to become lost or left behind, so make sure you do a final walk-through before leaving your old home for the new one!

Look behind doors, search inside closets, check corners — even if you don’t find anything, you won’t regret it!

Keep Essentials Separately.

The last thing you want is to dig to the bottom of your luggage for your necessities on your first night in your new place.

Make sure you pack the essentials in a separate bag or box for easy access! My favorite method is to use my gym bag for the items I need to keep within reach! Your future self will thank you!

Enlist Help.

No one is an island, and moving is a big task to take on. Ask some friends for help moving your belongings in exchange for a meal!

Once, my roommates and I had to move a couch into our apartment, so we asked our friends to help us lift it in exchange for free laundry services and a meal.

Remain Calm.

The truth of the matter is something will inevitably go wrong. When this happens, don’t panic.

Take a deep breath, be flexible, and adapt to the situation. Remember that part of growing in adulthood and independence is learning how to deal with difficult obstacles.

 

Post-Move Checklist

Unpack Essentials.

No need to burden yourself with unpacking all your belongings right away. Start with what you need at the moment.

If you followed this guide and packed your essentials separately, all you need to do is bring out that one luggage item. Then unpack your bedding, set up the Wi-Fi, and you’re done!

Check Safety and Maintenance.

It’s normal to not know where everything is immediately, but once you’re moved in, take the time to familiarize yourself with your new surroundings.

Make sure you know where the fuse box is, as well as the fire extinguisher and a list of emergency contacts for you and all your roommates.

Don’t forget to also make sure that the A/C unit is functioning — my roommates and I learned ours was broken in the middle of the summer, and let me tell you, avoid that at all costs. It always pays off to be prepared! 

Make a Roommate Agreement.

No matter how close you and your roommates might already be, it’s always important to lay down the ground rules. What are your preferred quiet hours?

Who’s in charge of what bills? How are chores going to be organized? Once you get the basics established, it’s easier to address conflict should it ever arise.

During my first year of college, I lived with my roommate and four other girls, and we all made a roommate agreement that detailed our personal preferences.

Make Your New Place a Home!

Remember, your surroundings impact your mental state more than you know.

Amidst the stress and chaos, it can be easy to only focus on what you need to get done, but don’t forget that you’re trying to make a new home!

You’ll feel so much more relaxed and comfortable at your new place if you take some time to put up decorations, pictures, and add some personal finishing touches.

My favorite go-to in making a new room look cozier and more inviting is to put up strings of warm fairy lights on the walls!

Related: Best Mini Fridges With Freezers for Dorms – The Ultimate Student 2025 Guide

 

Emotional Checklist

Acknowledge Your Feelings.

Moving is a big deal! Trying to suppress your feelings about such a huge change in your life will only lead to more stress. Don’t be afraid to embrace the emotions!

Journal, take a walk, write out your feelings — whatever will help smooth the transition between the chapters of your life!

When my roommate and I first moved to our dorm, we took a walk together just to get used to the feeling of being somewhere else.

Stay Connected.

Don’t let a big move lead to self-isolation! Find some communities to plug yourself into and make new friends while also staying in touch with those you love back in your hometown!

Send updates, Facetime, and keep up with the lives of your friends through social media and messages. My high school friends and I love Facetiming every week to hear about each other’s lives!

Embrace Independence and Growth.

Moving symbolizes a new era of adulthood and maturity, and it’s time to own it! Now, more than ever, you’re in charge of your own life, and the world is your oyster!

While it may seem daunting at first, don’t be afraid to embrace your autonomy and independence!

Read at local coffee shops, join a run club, explore your new city — make your new home your own!

 

Welcome to the Newest Chapter of Your Life

Congratulations on the big move! Whether you’re full of excitement, nerves, or abject terror, you are on your way into a beautiful new adventure.

Moving can be an intimidating prospect, so make sure you follow the guidelines in this article in order to ensure the transition is as painless and productive as possible.

Not only are you just moving your belongings from one place to the next, but you are embarking on a new journey into adulthood and personal growth.

Your first big move is a huge milestone, and despite being a potentially scary obstacle you might feel forced to face, it is also a cause for celebration! 

Moving doesn’t need to be a dreaded ordeal, but, with the right preparation, it can be a fun event that becomes a precious memory.

Just make sure to start planning early, ask for help, and keep your checklist handy! Download your printable moving in checklist and share this guide with a friend who’s moving too!

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