Check before you pack.
Start with your school’s or building’s move-in information. Confirm what’s provided, what fits and what’s allowed before buying or packing extras.
For students & the people helping them move
College Corner
Moving into a dorm or college apartment is a big step. A little planning—and a place for everything—can make move-in and move-out feel more manageable.
Meet your packing companion
Pack for the room.
Plan for the day.
Reusable totes are sturdy containers you can pack by category, label and stack. They’re an easy alternative to assembling cardboard boxes for a dorm or apartment move.
Willow House rents 27-gallon totes and rolling dollies, with delivery and pickup after the move. When planning a college rental, ask about service for your moving locations and the rental timing.
Before you fill the first tote
Small room. Thoughtful packing.
Coordinate the shared things.
Talk with roommates about who is bringing shared items. One quick conversation can save space and prevent duplicates.
Keep each load manageable.
Spread heavier belongings across totes. Use lighter linens around protected items, and leave behind anything you don’t expect to use.
One category at a time
Give everything a place to go.
Group belongings by where they’ll be unpacked. You’ll spend less time opening every tote to find one thing.
Bed & linens
Sheets, pillowcases, towels and blankets. Keep the first night’s bedding easy to reach.
Clothes & laundry
Everyday outfits, hangers and laundry supplies. Start with what you’ll wear in the first few weeks.
Desk & study
Notebooks, pens, desk supplies and chargers. Keep fragile electronics protected and accessible.
Bath & personal care
Toiletries, shower supplies and bathroom essentials. Secure liquids separately to contain leaks.
Kitchen & snacks
For your space, pack permitted kitchen essentials and a few first-day snacks. Check before bringing appliances.
Comforts from home
A favorite mug, a few photos or a familiar throw. Choose a handful of things that make the room feel yours.
Make the label do the work
Know what’s inside.
Know where it goes.
Use a clear, removable label with the student’s name, destination and a short contents list. Number the totes and keep a matching list on your phone.
Follow the rental provider’s labeling guidance so totes can be returned without permanent marks.
The first few hours, sorted
Create an
“Open First” tote.
Pack it last and unload it early. Label it clearly so anyone helping knows where to start.
- First night’s bedding and a towel
- A change of clothes and everyday toiletries
- A phone charger and a few basic desk supplies
- Water, snacks and a small cleanup kit
Keep your keys, identification, medications and important documents in a personal bag you carry with you, rather than buried in a tote.
Save for packing day
Your move-in
checklist.
A quick list for students and parents to work through together. Use your school’s instructions for the details specific to your move.
- Confirm your move-in date, time and arrival instructions.
- Check room dimensions, bed size and your school or building’s allowed-items list.
- Compare notes with roommates about shared items.
- Sort belongings by category and set aside items you can leave at home.
- Pack and label totes with the student’s name, destination and contents.
- Prepare an “Open First” tote for the first few hours.
- Keep keys, identification, important documents and valuables with you.
- Check your route, parking and unloading plan before leaving.
A little planning now helps later
Make a plan for move-out, too.
Before finals get busy
Check your move-out deadline and checkout requirements. Decide what’s going home, what you’ll need next term and what can be donated.
Before packing day
Start with things you won’t need for the rest of the term. Reuse your category list and ask about tote availability and rental timing ahead of the move.
Before you hand over the keys
Follow your room or apartment’s cleaning instructions. Check closets, drawers and shared spaces, and keep travel-day essentials with you.
When you’re ready to pack
Find a little room for
your next chapter.
Explore our tote packages for your college move. If you’re unsure how much packing capacity you’ll need, Willow House can help you choose.
View Rental Packages for College Moves