Spring semester has come to an end, finals are complete, and now you have just 24 hours after your last exam to vacate your room. But don’t panic! Whether you’re moving out for the first time or a seasoned veteran, Collegeboxes is here to help simplify the move-out process.
Taking Inventory of Your Dorm
Before you begin packing, take inventory of your belongings and any shared items with your roommate. If you purchased any shared items like a mini-fridge, microwave, etc., decide who’s going to keep the item(s) next semester.
Most universities sponsor donation trucks that are usually parked around campus during move-out. Always consider donating or selling your things to give them a new life. Or, if your floor or dorm hall has a group chat, post photos of what you’re selling or giving away to reduce waste.
While you’re taking inventory, place your items in the following categories to help keep things organized:
- Take Home
- Store
- Donate or Sell
- Trash
- Recycle
Pro Tip: While going through your items, ask yourself: “How much did I use this during this year, and will I use it next year?”
Pack and Purge
Now it’s time to do a good purge of your desk drawers! Get rid of expired food, clutter, and pack away all your school supplies.
Once that’s done, you can start packing items you are no longer using such as winter clothing, electronics, extra linens (must be washed and dried), and books. After that you can start packing clothes, sheets, pillows, and room decor.
One way to reduce stress during your hectic move-out is with Collegeboxes! Once all your items are packed, Collegeboxes will grab your belongings and take them to a secure, climate-controlled U-Haul storage facility for the entire summer. After summer vacation, Collegeboxes will bring them all right back to your new dorm room.
Moving with pets? Check out this article here.
Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, it’s now time to jump over to the common university checkout list.
University Move-Out Checklist
- Schedule a walk-through appointment with RA or Hall Staff
– Check with your university if they allow for express check-out - Remove all personal belongings from your room, bathroom, and common area
- Remove all tape, 3M hooks, poster putty, etc. from walls and surfaces
– DOUBLE-CHECK with your university about 3M Command Strip removal. Some universities (not all) prefer you DO NOT REMOVE the hooks as they can cause damage which may cost you money - Dust, vacuum and wipe down your dorm room, drawers, bathroom, common area, and furniture
- Defrost mini-fridge
– Check out this article for the best way to defrost a mini fridge in college. (You DO NOT want to leave the smell of an improperly defrosted fridge for the next person) - Empty trash, then clean garbage and recycling bins
– Including your kombucha bottle collection. - Lower blinds, then close and lock windows
- Return furniture to its original layout from move-in
- Take photos of your room, furniture, bathrooms, and common area to have a record of the room as you left it
- Meet with your RA or Hall Staff
- Turn off all lights and lock the door
- Complete your move-out form
- Return your room mailbox keys
– If you’re not living on campus in the fall, cancel your mailbox
– Mail is only forwarded for 30 days - Take your bike home or to the campus bike shop if applicable
Remember failure to complete your university check-out will result in charges as well as failure to return keys.