Everyone shares all the tips and tricks about what they need for college, but what about when you move-out of college for the summer or longer breaks? This college move-out checklist will help you plan ahead, pack efficiently, and avoid the last minute headaches of feeling unorganized.
By the end of the semester or year, dorm rooms and your student can feel very exhausted. They aren’t as clean and organized as they once were 9 months ago when you moved them in. Two or more people living in such a small space can start to feel cramped and very overwhelming so quickly. Move-out day doesn’t have to be a big chore or feel chaotic, if you start ahead of time and use these tips, I think you’ll find it to be less stressful and you’ll know where everything is. This move-out checklist is for both you AND your student.
2 Months Before Move-Out:
- Check out what the schools move out policies are and have your child confirm and let you know when their last final is. This way you can plan accordingly and have a place to stay if you’re planning to stay overnight when you help them move-out.
- Make a plan for how their items will get home or where they will be stored.
- Start bringing home items that aren’t needed for the rest of the semester. This will help with less things to go through and transport at move-out.
- Decide which roommate will take which shared item (rug, couch, fridge, etc)
- Start packing things that aren’t essential.
2 Weeks Before Move-Out:
- Pack seasonal clothing or any clothes your student wont need for the next couple of weeks.
- Sort their things into 3 categories (and use these great bags for packing, storage, and travel) (1) Keep for Summer, (2) Store for next school year, (3) Donate/Trash
- Make a plan for donations and begin donating items
- Start making a plan for textbooks they’ve used this school year.
1 Week Before Move-Out:
- Purchase any cleaning materials your student needs to have the room spick n span when they leave.
- Return items used that belong on campus (library books, sports equipment, etc)
- Confirm any storage or shipping plans. Start moving unneeded items into storage.
- Start getting rid of any dry food or items in their refrigerators that they won’t need before moving out.
The Day/Night Before Move-Out:
- Finish emptying refrigerator or food pantry/cabinets.
- Defrost freezer if necessary.
- Start cleaning dorm room or apartment (see list below for suggested cleaning supplies)
- Pack the rest of any clothing and items that are left over. Clean out desk drawers, cabinets, and closets.
Move-Out Day:
- Complete move-out appointment with RA.
- Return any room keys or mailbox keys.
- Donate unwanted items.
- Take photos. They may not realize it now, but one day they will want these photos to look back on.
Move-Out Day Supplies:
- Big, heavy-duty trash bags
- Normal size trash bags
- Heavy-duty moving bags
- Rubbermaid bins
- Sharpie and labels for moving bags and bins
- Vacuum storage bags for bedding or bulky clothing
- Dolly or moving cart
- Cleaning wipes/disinfectant spray
- Broom/dustpan
- Vacuum
- Basic toolkit
- Paper towels
- Swiffer or mop
Moving out can be a busy and hectic couple of days. Hopefully this list will help you and your student feel more at ease with the process.
If you’re already preparing for next school year, be sure to check out our college essentials list.
Also, check out @theparentpivot on Instagram.
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