•Find a good packing list.

Moving out of home means losing access to all the little things that make life easier, so don't forget to stock up on the essentials, such as a shower curtain, bath towels, a mattress pad, and other bed and bath supplies. You can find tons of printable college packing lists online or download an app to help you keep organized.

•Start packing your first (small) box.

This box will not be packed or shipped with the others, but it will stay with you throughout the move. It will contain your important documents: a birth certificate, social security card, school transcripts, etc. Begin gathering these documents early so you can identify any missing items.

•Back up your files.

Before you pack your computer and its peripherals, back up important files and photos on a disk or flash drive that you can carry with you (maybe the box of essentials) during the move.

•Decide what to sell or donate.

You're young, but
you've accumulated a lot of stuff. Don't be afraid to get rid of the items that aren't college apartment or dorm room essentials! Sell items online or through a garage sale or donate them.

•Research moving options.

Renting a moving truck and having friends and family help you pack and load the truck is a flexible, affordable option for many students. Depending on which college town you are moving to though, a moving container may offer a less hands-off moving experience for you and end being as affordable as a rental truck. Schedule pickup for as early as possible on the morning of move-in day.

•Buy packing supplies.

Boxes, tape, packing paper, etc. Cover your bases with our ultimate list of moving supplies and save money by checking out our guide on where to buy moving boxes.

•Care for your car.

Take your car to a mechanic and consider what services you need for a long-distance drive or a move to a new climate.

•Obtain copies of your medical records.

Also, make sure you will have enough of any required
medication in case you don't locate a new
pharmacist or doctor immediately. Keep your
prescriptions and medical records on hand-like in that essentials box we mentioned.

•Change your address.

Head to the United States
Postal Service website and have your mail
forwarded from the old place to new. Cancel
scheduled deliveries or update your address there, too.

•Open a bank account.

If you already have one,
update your address with the bank. Be sure your
chosen bank has a branch nearby.

•Get in touch with your new roommates.

If you
know who's moving into the new place with you,
reach out to them. It will make move-in day a bit
smoother, and since space will be at a premium, you can collaborate on what to pack so that you don't bring the same mini-fridge, trash can, or gaming console.

•Begin packing!

Schedule enough time to complete the packing at least two days before your college move-in date. Find a packing list online to make sure you've got the essentials (Think: Command strips. A paper towels, cleaning products, clothes hangers and more.)

•Pick up the truck.

If you rented a moving truck for the occasion, pick it up as early as possible to allow plenty of loading time.

•Load up and go!

If you've followed the college
apartment checklist to this point, you should have a very simple (but busy) moving day. If you need some guidance on how to load your truck, take a look at our tips on how to pack a truck like the pros.

•Return the truck.

If you rented a moving truck, make sure you don't get charged for an extra day! the truck back on time.

•Check your utilities.

Make sure your electricity,
water, internet, and streaming services are all on and running the way you need them to.

•Take plenty of pictures.

If there is damage
anywhere, these pictures will come in handy when you have to prove the damage you didn't create.

•Hit up the welcome festivities on campus.

If it's
your first year as a college student, participate in as many of the welcome activities as possible. This is your chance to get to know some new people!