The Ultimate UIUC Moving Day Checklist

When it comes time to move, it can be both an exciting and nerve-wracking time. No matter what year you’re going into, each of them has its own unique challenges. Whether you’re moving from home to your dorm, between dorms, or into off-campus housing, creating a structured plan, confirming details, and letting yourself settle in will help you both in the short and long term. If you feel like you don’t know where to start, check out our advice on the ultimate UIUC moving day checklist. 

Start with a Packing Plan

Instead of starting randomly, creating a comprehensive packing plan can help you narrow down the categories of items you need to pack, and ensure you pack them all. For dorm residents, this can be especially hard considering the size restraints of dorms. If you can find out the room dimensions in advance, it will be easier to narrow down what kind of furniture to bring and what the layout of your room might be. 

For those moving into off-campus housing, the list can be a little bit longer. Unlike campus housing, moving off campus means your spaces will no longer be furnished, and you have to start from scratch. Think about the essential areas you want to furnish, starting with the bedroom, kitchen, living room, and office. Facebook marketplace and garage sales over the summer are great places to find deals on furniture and household items, so when it comes time to move, you have everything you might need. 

Don’t forget to label boxes, and take this time to go through your things and decide what is worth coming with you. Clearing out unwanted and unused items can ensure moving will feel like a fresh start.

Confirm Move-in Details Early 

If you’re moving into a dorm, the best practice is to check your school portal for details surrounding your move-in. Likely, you will have an assigned move-in date and time, so make sure you arrive in your designated window. It will be a busy time with other people also moving in, but once it’s all in your room, all you will want to do is unpack and settle in! 

The moving procedure for off-campus housing can be a little more chaotic. Make sure to coordinate a key pick up with your landlord, and confirm details around parking access, elevator use (if applicable), and if others might be moving in at the same time. If you’ve been a student for a few years, you might have some insider knowledge on the area, but familiarizing yourself with your new home by checking out parking restrictions, one-way streets, and local shops can make it feel more like home. 

Document Spaces before Moving in and Out 

An easy step to forget is the documentation process before, during, and after a move. This ensures both parties are looped into the state of the space before renting and upon move-out. While it’s tempting to dive right into unpacking once you’re moved into a space, taking time to document the condition of things will save you the stress later.

When moving into a dorm, make sure to check the furniture, walls, floors, and windows. Especially if living in an older space, documenting the previous tenants’ damage or the long-term wear on the room can help you know what damage you did or did not incur during your time living there. 

If you’re moving into a larger off-campus space, it’s important to test out lights, appliances, window and door locks, toilets, and faucets. While they might not be perfectly clean, they need to be in working order. Photograph anything that looks damaged or feels off to you, better safe than sorry!

Set up Essentials 

Once you’re ready to unpack, focus on things you need instead of the aesthetic of the place. Set up your bed first, which will create a sense of home as soon as it’s made. Set up your bathroom and kitchen next, unpacking basic kitchen items like paper towels, soap, trash bags, and some plates, cups, and utensils. 

If you have a desk, go there next. Since schoolwork is your main focus, setting up a place to study is key to settling in. Adding a lamp, a power cord, and other essentials will bring everything together. 

Next, focus on utilities activation, setting up anything you might need to pay for. This may include gas, electric, and wifi. This is essential, so don’t forget this step!

Make sure you give yourself time to settle into your new space and take things step by step. Rome wasn’t built in a day! When you are intentional about unpacking, everything will fall into place. No matter what you come with on move-in day, UIUC will make you feel like a place you can call home.