What You Need When Moving Into Your Dorm Room

Are you getting ready to move to college for the first time this fall? If so, this is a very exciting time in your life! Just think of the new possibilities that are upon you. A move to college is a brand new chapter in your life, but you do need to prepare just a little, especially if you are moving into a dorm room.

At BMS Moving & Storage, we’ve helped thousands of families navigate the emotional (and logistical) rollercoaster of college move-in day. From teary-eyed parents to excited freshmen trying to fit their entire life into a 12×12 room, we’ve seen it all. And we’re here to make sure your transition to college life is as smooth as your favorite coffee order.

 

Dorm Life 101: What to Expect

Life in the dorms is not quite the same as living at home or in your own apartment. While you are moving off on your own, chances are you will have a roommate and must share basic living essentials such as the bathroom and kitchen. Think of it as adulting with training wheels—you get independence, but with RAs to make sure you don’t burn down the building making ramen at 3 AM.

 

 

What Your University Usually Provides

Most universities will provide certain basics, but you should always check. These basics typically include:

• Bed and mattress (usually an extra-long twin)
• Desk and chair
• Curtains or blinds
• Trash can
• Dresser or wardrobe
• Sometimes: mini-fridge and microwave (check your housing assignment!)

Pro tip from our moving crews: Call your university’s housing office before you start shopping. We’ve moved countless mini-fridges only to discover the dorm already had one. Save your money (and our backs) by checking first!

 

The Ultimate Dorm Room Packing List

In order to ensure you are as prepared as possible, here is a comprehensive list of items you may need to move into the dorm with you. Remember, you don’t have to bring these items but they may just make your college relocation a little more comfortable.

Bedroom Essentials

• Towels, sheets, and pillows (get at least two sets—laundry day comes faster than you think)
• Blankets and duvet (dorms can be surprisingly cold)
• Mattress pad or topper (because dorm mattresses have seen things)
• Mirror (full-length if you have space)
• Rug or floor covering (many dorms have tile, wood or cement floors that are cold in winter)
• Under-bed storage containers (maximize that precious space!)
• Hangers (more than you think you need)
• Desk lamp (overhead lighting is rarely flattering or functional)
• Fan (not all dorms have AC, and even those that do can get stuffy)

Cleaning & Laundry

• Laundry bag or hamper (collapsible ones save space)
• Laundry detergent (pods are easier than liquid)
• Stain remover (pizza happens)
• Cleaning supplies (disinfectant wipes are your friend)
• Small vacuum or broom (you’d be surprised how dusty dorms get)
• Shower caddy (essential for communal bathrooms)
• Shower shoes (flip-flops for the win)
• Bathrobe (for those long walks down the hall)

Kitchen Necessities

• Pots, pans, dishes, utensils, cups, and of course coffee mugs (if your dorm has a kitchen)
• Small “dorm” refrigerator (if not provided)
• Microwave (check wattage restrictions)
• Water filter pitcher (because hydration is key)
• Reusable water bottle (save money and the planet)
• Non-perishable snacks (for late-night study sessions)
• Can opener (the manual kind—no one has drawer space for electric)
• Plastic storage containers (for leftovers and meal prep)

Technology & Study Supplies

• Computer and printer (check if your school provides printing services)
• Power strips with surge protectors (outlets are always in short supply)
• Extension cords (make sure they’re allowed—some dorms have restrictions)
• Desk organizers (keep that tiny desk functional)
• School supplies (notebooks, pens, highlighters, sticky notes)
• Noise-canceling headphones (your sanity will thank you)
• Alarm clock (don’t rely solely on your phone)
• Telephone (if your dorm requires a landline for emergencies)

Personal Comfort Items

• Clothing and basic toiletries (pack for the weather—and the walk of shame)
• Personal identification and bank cards
• Personal items to make your dorm room feel like home – stuffed animals, pictures, books, movies
• Television and streaming device (if you have room)
• Posters and wall decorations (command strips are usually required)
• First aid kit (bandaids, pain relievers, cold medicine)
• Medications (and copies of prescriptions)
• Sports equipment or musical instruments (if applicable)
• Toolkit (basic screwdriver, hammer—you’d be surprised)

 

 

Space-Saving Secrets from the Pros

Our moving teams have picked up some genius dorm room hacks over the years:

Maximize Vertical Space

• Over-the-door organizers for shoes, toiletries, or snacks
• Bed risers to create under-bed storage
• Command hooks everywhere (seriously, everywhere)
• Stackable storage cubes that double as seating

Multi-Purpose Magic

• Ottoman with storage inside
• Lap desk that stores flat against the wall
• Collapsible items (hamper, dishes, even hangers)
• Trunk or storage bench that works as seating and storage

 

The Move-In Day Game Plan

Here’s where we really shine. Move-in day at college can be absolute chaos—imagine hundreds of families trying to squeeze through the same doorways with the same IKEA furniture. Here’s how we help make it manageable:

Our College Move Services

1. Pack and Ship We’ll professionally pack your dorm essentials at home. No need to stuff your family car like a game of Tetris!

2. Storage Solutions Going home for summer? We offer storage programs, so more begging friends with trucks!

3. Move-In Day Support We can coordinate with your university to ensure smooth delivery. Many schools have specific move-in windows, and we’re pros at working within these constraints.

4. Parent Peace of Mind We help set up your student’s room, so parents can focus on the emotional goodbye rather than assembling furniture.

 

What NOT to Bring (Learn from Others’ Mistakes)

Our crews have seen some… interesting… items over the years. Save yourself the trouble and leave these at home:

• Candles or incense (major fire code violation)
• Hot plates or toasters (unless specifically allowed)
• Weapons of any kind (yes, this includes your decorative sword collection)
• Pets (unless it’s an approved emotional support animal or a fish)
• Too much stuff (you really don’t need 47 t-shirts)
• Expensive jewelry or electronics you can’t afford to lose
• Your entire book collection (be realistic about study habits)
• Full-sized appliances (that blender isn’t worth the space)

 

 

Communication is Key: Coordinating with Your Roommate

Before you show up with matching everything, reach out to your roommate (if you know who they are) to coordinate:

• Who’s bringing the TV/gaming system
• Who’s bringing the mini-fridge
• Décor preferences (not everyone loves your neon pink aesthetic)
• Sleep schedules and study habits
• Guest policies and boundaries

We’ve seen too many double microwaves and zero coffee makers. A quick text can save space and money!

 

Making Your Dorm Feel Like Home

Your dorm room is your sanctuary, study space, and social hub all rolled into one. Here are our favorite ways to personalize your space:

Lighting is Everything

• String lights (LED only, check fire codes)
• Desk lamps with warm bulbs
• Color-changing LED strips (for ambiance)

Comfort Touches

• Throw pillows (make that twin bed feel like a couch)
• Wall tapestries (soften those cinderblock walls)
• Plants (succulents are hard to kill)
• Essential oil diffuser (if allowed—makes everything smell less like gym socks)

Organization That Works

• Bulletin board or whiteboard (for important dates and pizza delivery numbers)
• Calendar (physical or digital—just use something)
• Label maker (yes, you’ll become that person)

 

The Emotional Side of Moving to College

Moving to college is a big deal. It’s normal to feel:

• Excited and terrified simultaneously
• Overwhelmed by all the preparation
• Sad about leaving home
• Anxious about making friends
• All of the above in the span of five minutes

We’ve helped families through this transition for decades, and here’s what we’ve learned: it’s okay to feel all the feelings. Our crews are trained to be sensitive to the emotional aspects of college moves. We’ve handed out tissues to parents and high-fives to nervous freshmen more times than we can count.

 

Final Tips for a Smooth College Move

1. Start Early Don’t wait until the week before to start preparing. Begin gathering items and packing non-essentials at least a month out.
2. Label Everything Your name and dorm room number on EVERYTHING. Trust us on this one.
3. Pack a “First Day” Box Include bedding, toiletries, a change of clothes, and important documents. You won’t want to dig through boxes on your first night.
4. Take Advantage of Student Discounts Many retailers offer college discounts—don’t leave money on the table!
5. Remember: Less is More You can always have items shipped later or pick them up over breaks. Start minimal and add as needed.

 

How We Make College Moves Easier

At BMS Moving & Storage, we understand that moving to college is about more than just transporting stuff—it’s about starting a new chapter. Our specialized college moving services include:

• Flexible scheduling to work with university move-in dates
• Storage programs for semester breaks
• Professional packing to ensure everything arrives safely
• Direct dorm delivery (where permitted by schools)
• Parent-friendly services so you can focus on the goodbye, not the logistics

Whether you’re moving across town or across the country for college, we’re here to help make the transition as smooth as possible. Because the only thing you should be stressing about is whether to take that 8 AM class (spoiler: don’t).

 

It’s Time to Make Your Move

College is an adventure, and every adventure needs a good support team. Let BMS Moving & Storage be part of yours. Contact us at (877) 638-1265 to discuss your college moving needs. From packing your childhood bedroom to setting up your dorm room, we’re here to help you start this new chapter with confidence.

You’ve got this. And we’ve got your back (and your boxes, and your mini-fridge, and that beanbag chair you insisted on bringing).

P.S: Take a photo of your family helping you move in! You’ll want to remember this day. It’s all part of the beautiful chaos of growing up.

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