Yesterday my family and I moved our second child to college. It went surprisingly smooth. Now, he’s there. We’re here. And here are some of the things that helped make it easier and not so much easier. Hope this helps…
We didn’t bring food or cold drinks. How could this happen? We were so focused on moving we didn’t think about lunch or dinner or snacks. Moving is a time suck. Hunger smacks you in the face when the adrenaline drops. Don’t make this rookie mistake.
Move in a day early if possible. My son switched to an early move-in option. Hero. Parking was plentiful. There were moving bins, an open elevator, and room in the hallway to put things together.
If you bring a dolly, put your name on it. I left mine unattended for a minute. I tracked it down and found a family using it to unload their car. When I told them it was mine, the man unloading the big blue moving bags said, “No, it’s mine.” I then clarified what “mine” meant. We laughed. I went inside and got him a dolly from the residence hall.
Pack an extension cord (even if you don't think you'll need it). I'm sending him a 15-foot extension cord to run along the wall and doorframe. Yep, even with two 10-foot power strips, one of the outlets wasn't reachable.
Command strips are a must. For something heavier in a humid room, get stronger adhesive velcro strips. Warning: the stronger adhesive might take some paint off when you remove them. Test a spot first.
Contain your cords. Get cord clips so you don’t end up tangled.
Bring two fans. Yes, two. It gets hot. You can take one home.
Remember heavy duty scissors. Between opening boxes, tape, and zip ties, something always needs cutting.
Take two small umbrellas — one to use while you’re there, one to leave behind.
Sensitive students should BYOTP (bring their own toilet paper). A custodian on another campus told me the school’s supply can be rough.
Duct tape. This multicolor pack is so fun. Next time.
Pack a tool kit. Bring an extra Allen wrench and screwdriver if you’re building an IKEA coffee table and tv stand.
Highly recommend a small dry erase whiteboard. We didn’t think he would want one. He did. Use it to communicate with a roommate or to leave a sweet message or picture of the family for him to find when you leave.
Speaking of pictures, we love Mixtiles. Perfect for a family photo or pet pics. A few will do the trick (it’s easy to get carried away). My wife got our oldest son 13. True story. We found 12 in his closet when we moved him out.
These LED lightbulbs in this $17.99 floor lamp gave the room a great vibe. Turned the white cinder block walls into soothing backdrop.
Make dinner plans before you get ravenously hungry (see a pattern?). Otherwise prepare to wait a long time to eat. College town restaurants get overwhelmed and are understaffed on move-in weekend. Wait times can average an hour or more for very mediocre food.
Take a family picture before you leave the room. It goes better if everyone isn’t ravenously hungry and done.
BONUS: Bring a step stool. We didn’t need one but it helps to reach those high places or to get in bed.
What did you get right or wrong at move-in? Share in the comments.
Homesickness in College: It's in the Water
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August 18, 2025
Most college students will get homesick. College websites and their social media accounts don't publicize sad students crying in their dorm rooms. Somehow, they miss advertising this part during the college tour.To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
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