Moving From A College Dorm To Your First Apartment

Whether you're still in college and ready to move off campus, or a college graduate starting a new life in an entirely different city, getting your apartment is a huge first step. But even with great help and advice from friends and family and a million college moving boxes, you might still find the process is stressful. In this article, we'll walk step-by-step through the most stressful parts of moving, highlighting all the ways that you can make your move easier and have a great life in your new apartment. From discount moving boxes to moving supplies to roommates, we'll cover it all.

Step One: Find A Roommate And An Apartment

Before you even start buying moving supplies or college moving boxes, you'll need to think about two of the biggest factors that will determine how happy you are in your new apartment: the place itself and the people you're living with. If you have a roommate or suitemate that you've lived with previously, consider asking him or her to share an apartment with you. You can also do it the other way around. If you find the apartment first, you can very often find a great roommate through your extended network of friends. Just ask around and see if anyone's looking for an apartment. You'll know once you've found the perfect person, and you'll be set for years of apartment life.

Step Two: Purchase The Proper Moving Boxes And Packing Supplies

Perhaps the most important moving supplies you will need to buy are college moving boxes. These boxes will be the first line of defense for all your belongings, from fragile dishes to the durable clothes. There are many different types of boxes available, and you'll need to consider what you're transporting before you know the perfect type. More likely than not, you'll need a selection of different sizes to transport your belongings. You'll also want a few wardrobe boxes for your delicate hanging items. In addition, make sure you purchase plenty of protective packing supplies such as packing tape, packing paper, and bubble wrap.

Step Three: Sort And Pack Your Stuff

Moving day can creep up faster than you can imagine, and all too often students moving into their first apartment try to cram all of their belongings into moving boxes the night before the truck comes. Waiting until the last minute not only will stress you out, you won't have the time you need to properly sort your belongings or to properly pack them with good quality moving boxes and supplies. As soon as you find a roommate and decide on an apartment, start sorting your belongings into four different groups: • To Keep. Put these items into moving boxes clearly labeled with box contents and intended room destination. The boxes should be full of items that are absolute necessities to have in your new apartment. All items in this box should be useful or important. Make sure they are usable. This means no worn out objects that don’t work anymore! • To Sell. Put these items into completely different discount moving boxes. These items may be in tip-top shape, but you realize that you don’t need them, or they simply won’t fit into your new apartment. Go through your clothes, shoes, bedding, and other items – even appliances can be sold! Craig’s List is a convenient and easy selling tool to use. • To Give Away. These are items that aren’t in the best of shape, and aren’t suitable for being sold to others. You can give these to a friend or new college students or donate these unwanted items to charities. Also, watch for donation containers in your dorm: many colleges will have a centralized donation spot that can save you a trip to Goodwill or the Salvation Army! • To Throw Out. These should be things you just don’t need anymore such as ripped clothes, worn out shoes, and any other items that have met their end. You don’t have to put these items in discount moving boxes, as they will just take up space. Purchase a few garbage bags and fill them with these undesirable items! Packing your belongings in moving boxes is one of the most important steps in this process, because it's the one that requires you to securely arrange everything that you want to take to the new apartment. You'll have to pack up everything, using bubble wrap and tape and all other forms of protective packing supplies. Whatever you do, don't put off the sorting or packing until you arrive at the new apartment. It's much easier to get everything settled now before you move it, rather than trying to unpack your discount moving boxes, arrange, decorate, and sort at the same time. A few hours of work now will save you many more later in your new apartment

Step Four: Move Your Boxes

You should have a moving company come to assist you, even if you're only moving a short distance away. Your boxes will likely be heavy, and you'll want them to be handled by professionals. Ask around on campus for any moving company recommendations - more likely than not, some of your friends have gone through this, too. Once you get the right moving company and the right moving supplies, your moving experience will be a breeze. You'll find that you can pack your college moving boxes easily, and that you'll be able to unpack them and set yourself up in your new apartment faster. You'll be well on your way to a great new life in your new home sweet home. Enjoy!