Going to college is one of the most exciting and terrifying moment in most people’s lives. There are so many emotions about moving out on your own for the very first time. Moving into a dorm room can be even more hectic. You are usually cutting down on space and typically have minimal storage space. Making sure you are properly packed is essential to easing the stress of moving and unpacking.
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® are the experts when it comes to packing, and we are here to help you as you move on to the collegiate world. We offer a wide variety of boxes and packing supplies to help you get all of your belongings safely into your new home!
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® boxes are built to withstand even the toughest of moves. The last thing you want is to have a flimsy box full of broken stuff. We even have specialty boxes to eliminate any mishaps on moving day. One of our favorites is the Dish Barrel, and it is available for purchase at our Franklin and Murfreesboro stores. The dimensions are 18 x 18 x 28, or 5.25 cubic feet, and we pack it full of college essentials. This box will hold the majority of your belongings, saving you trips to and from the car. This is extremely beneficial since most colleges limit your unloading time on move-in day.
Here is a complete list of everything we put in this box, and in the correct order we packed it:
Throw blanket. Small blankets are very convenient for a drafty dorm room and are easy to throw in the narrow dorm washing machines.
Towel. Brighten up the bland dorm bathrooms with a vibrant towel.
Hand towel. Wash this weekly to prevent germ multiplication. Make sure it matches your bath towel!
Bath mat. Use this in your bathroom for a soft landing after your shower or as a door mat for your shoes.
Decorative pillow. Great way to add a comfortable and personalized touch to your bed or futon.
Neck pillow. This comes in handy if you’re planning on traveling somewhere during the school year. Or, for a quick nap at the library.
Desk lamp. You’re going to want this for late night study sessions. Make sure to take the lightbulb out and place it in a protected container.
Little fan. Dorm rooms can get stuffy! A little breeze makes sleeping much more comfortable. The noise of fans will also help drown out any loud neighbors.
Over the counter medicine. Always have your standard medications on hand when you need them.
Scrapbook. This is a great little thing to have in your dorm when you start to miss home or want to show your new friends some of your favorite memories.
Binders. Stay organized from the get-go.
First aid kit. Accidents happen more often than you’d think! Be sure to pack this.
Iron. No one likes a crinkly shirt! Especially when you have a formal event to attend.
Travel toiletries bag. If you ever need to head out of town for a weekend, you’ll need this!
Purse. If you can resist, only bring one or two.
Decorative cork boards. They’re super cheap, easy to hang, and you can arrange them any way you want. Bring photos or memorabilia and push pins to decorate them once they’re hung up.
Hair dryer. Limp hair is not in, FYI.
Hair brushes. Tame your mane.
Laundry supplies. Get detergent for your colors and whites!
Air freshener. Inevitably something will smell weird in your room. Pick a nice scent to cover it up. Coconut scent is better than the smell of abandoned turkey sandwiches left under the bed.
Board games. This is a great way to break the ice with the new people you’ll meet, and an excuse to invite people over!
Umbrella. It’s difficult to think of a situation more miserable than getting soaked on a walk to class. Carry this thing with you everywhere.
Twinkle lights. Add some ambiance to your dorm to make it cozy.
Crate. This can be tucked under your bed, next to your bed, in your TV stand, really anywhere! It’s nice storage for the little things such as staples, erasers, extra writing utensils, etc.
Hats. Have some baseball hats for the outdoor activities you’ll participate in.
Favorite stuffed animal. No shame! It’s nice to have a cuddle buddy.
Books. Reading will help you unwind at the end of a long day. Or, if you’re like me, it’ll help you fall asleep instantly.
Office supplies. Stock up on pencils, colorful pens, paperclips, staplers, etc.
Calculator. Bring batteries that the calculator requires. Some professors offer no empathy toward a panicked test taker with a dead calculator.
Hangers. Hanging clothes is the easiest way to keep them fresh and neat.
Chargers. Bring chargers for your phone, computer, or any gadget that requires charging.
Q-tips. These come in handy for your personal hygiene as well as manicure fixes (you’re welcome.)
Picture frames. Easy and cheap way to decorate your desk!
Movies. No better way to relax on a Sunday evening.
Watch our dorm packing video here
Believe it or not all of this fits into one dish barrel! Take note that we placed the softer, but bulkier items, at the bottom of the box, as this provides a cushion for the items you place above it. Next, place items strategically in order to maximize the number of items that will fit in your box. The more fragile items like picture frames and clock should be toward the top so there isn’t too much pressure on them. The smaller items like chargers, socks, etc., should go in a bigger bag like the pencil case and crate so you don’t lose them. In general, bigger boxes like this one, should be filled with lighter items so it’s easier to lift. Smaller boxes are best for heavy items to ease the lifting process. You can view the box size options available, here.
The more fragile items like picture frames and clock should be toward the top so there isn’t too much pressure on them. The smaller items like chargers, socks, etc., should go in a bigger bag like the pencil case and crate so you don’t lose them. In general, bigger boxes like this one, should be filled with lighter items so it’s easier to lift. Smaller boxes are best for heavy items to ease the lifting process. You can view the box size options available, here.
In general, bigger boxes like this one, should be filled with lighter items so it’s easier to lift. Smaller boxes are best for heavy items to ease the lifting process. You can view the box size options available, here.
For more information on moving or TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® visit our website or check us out on Facebook!
