n“Ice” Pickings – Moving into College during the Winter

 

While the majority of college bound students move into their dormitories during the Fall Semester, a few students trickle in during the Spring Semester. To make sure that your transition is effortless or at a minimum of requiring less effort, I have compiled a list of key points to remember.

1.       Dress Warmer – Where I am writing this from in NY, the weather is on average 20 or lower degrees Fahrenheit during January. Not only does that mean cold fingers, but black ice as well. The less you have to carry back and forth, the safer and easier move in day will be. This leads me to my next point.

 

2.       Don’t Over Pack - College rooms are often much smaller than students are accustomed to. This means less space to store your large wardrobe. You shouldn’t bring every piece of clothing with you. Before moving day, sort through your clothing and realize that maybe some 20% of your clothing you wear 80% of the time. That leaves 80% fluff. Don’t bring too much fluff or your room with slowly transform into a marshmallow of clutter.

 

3.       Pre-Pack in Boxes Beforehand – Slowly organizing your college supplies into boxes will eliminate the packing shock 1 or 2 days before you have to move. Secondly, boxes are durable, easy to carry and a surefire way to organize your supplies into relevant categories. (Bathroom, bedding, sport, clothing, electronics, etc.)

 

4.       Easy Transportation – Use the school carts provided by your school to make transporting all those boxes easier and safer. The trolleys will expedite moving in and out of the dorm room since these will fit in the elevator. Nothing is worse or more embarrassing than slipping on ice while carrying your fragile items, so be sure to utilize these available resources.

 

5.       First In, Last In – Fragile items should be the first things you carry in. They are often just a box or two and free up your hands. There is often some paperwork to complete, keys to receive and a hustle and bustle the first time you step into the dorm. When you arrive at the dorm, set these boxes in a corner so that they are protected and you can now preoccupy yourself with the loot still left in your vehicle. I also bring the valuables in last just as a precaution. Roommates will be filling in, doors will be left open and dozens if not hundreds of people will be moving about.