College move-in procedures vary by school, residence hall, and arrival time.
Use this checklist alongside the instructions from your student’s college. Add any school-specific requirements, then save or print a copy for move-in day.
One to Two Weeks Before Move-In
☐ Confirm the assigned move-in date and arrival window
☐ Review the college’s check-in instructions
☐ Save the designated driving route and campus map
☐ Confirm where to unload and where to park afterward
☐ Check whether a vehicle pass or move-in placard is required
☐ Confirm how your student will receive their room key or access card
☐ Check whether move-in carts or bins will be available
☐ Review elevator access and accessibility arrangements, if needed
☐ Confirm the mattress size and furniture provided
☐ Check whether beds can be raised, lofted, or adjusted
☐ Review prohibited items and electrical rules
☐ Confirm how many helpers or vehicles are permitted
☐ Coordinate shared items with the roommate
☐ Check the weather forecast and adjust plans as needed
Before Packing the Car
☐ Label bags and bins with the student’s name and room number
☐ Place bedding together in one clearly marked bag
☐ Pack cleaning supplies where they can be reached first
☐ Keep tools, scissors, tape, and a doorstop accessible
☐ Separate fragile items from heavy containers
☐ Confirm that bags and boxes are not too heavy to carry
☐ Pack frequently used items separately from long-term storage
☐ Remove unnecessary packaging when practical
☐ Keep medications, identification, keys, and important documents with the student
☐ Charge phones and portable chargers
Keep These Items Accessible
Do not bury these at the bottom of the car:
☐ Move-in instructions and parking pass
☐ Student ID or required identification
☐ Room key or access information
☐ Phone and charging cable
☐ Portable charger
☐ Water and snacks
☐ Personal medications
☐ Cleaning supplies
☐ Paper towels or cleaning cloths
☐ Trash bags
☐ Doorstop
☐ Scissors or box cutter
☐ Tape measure
☐ Basic toolkit
☐ Bedding
☐ Folding hand cart or wagon, if bringing one
When You Arrive
☐ Follow the designated move-in route
☐ Check in at the assigned location
☐ Pick up the room key or access card
☐ Ask where to find move-in carts or bins
☐ Confirm where the vehicle may be unloaded
☐ Place belongings only in the designated area
☐ Have one person stay with belongings when possible
☐ Move the vehicle to approved parking promptly
☐ Lock the vehicle and keep valuables with you
Before Unpacking
☐ Confirm that you are in the correct room
☐ Take photos and video of the empty room
☐ Document walls, floors, doors, furniture, and the mattress
☐ Photograph scratches, stains, cracks, or other existing damage
☐ Test the door lock and room key
☐ Check windows, blinds, drawers, and closet doors
☐ Report broken or missing items through the college’s process
☐ Complete the room-condition report by the deadline
☐ Wipe down the desk, dresser, shelves, and drawers
☐ Check and clean the mattress surface
☐ Vacuum or sweep the floor
☐ Wipe the windowsill and blinds
☐ Clean private bathroom surfaces, if applicable
Set Up the Room
☐ Discuss furniture placement with the roommate
☐ Adjust or loft beds before unpacking, if permitted
☐ Keep doors, windows, vents, and walkways clear
☐ Place approved appliances in their final locations
☐ Set up the mattress encasement, topper, pad, and sheets
☐ Position large storage items
☐ Unpack clothing and everyday supplies
☐ Set up the shower caddy and toiletries
☐ Place the laundry hamper and supplies
☐ Create one area for food and snacks
☐ Set up phone and device chargers
☐ Connect to campus Wi-Fi
☐ Confirm that approved appliances and electronics work
☐ Organize the desk and school supplies
☐ Add photos, posters, and other décor last
☐ Leave the roommate’s space open if they have not arrived
Before Leaving Campus
☐ Break down boxes and remove packaging
☐ Take trash and recycling to the correct location
☐ Return move-in carts or bins
☐ Take home empty containers that will not be used
☐ Take home duplicate or unnecessary items
☐ Confirm that the student has their room key or access card
☐ Confirm that the student has their student ID
☐ Make sure the student has their phone, wallet, and medications
☐ Check that the phone charger is easy to find
☐ Confirm that the student can lock and enter the room
☐ Make sure the student knows where the bathroom and laundry room are
☐ Confirm dining access and the next required campus activity
☐ Review any immediate housing or orientation instructions
☐ Take one last look through the car
☐ Let the remaining organizing and decorating wait
The room does not need to be completely finished before you leave.
If the bed is made, the essential items are accessible, and your student can find what they need for the first night, move-in day has done its job.