Moving Trucks & Vans

Renting a truck for move-in or move-out day is often the most cost-effective option for moving larger items. Many rental companies offer student discounts if you have a valid .edu email.

Look for companies that offer:

• One-way rentals (often cheaper than round-trip)
• Student or military discounts
• Flexible pickup and drop-off times
• Insurance options for your peace of mind

Partner affiliate links coming soon

Storage Units

If you can't take everything home for summer break, a storage unit near campus can be lifesaver. Many college towns have facilities designed specifically for student storage.

When looking for storage, consider:

• Climate-controlled units (protects electronics and fabrics)
• Close proximity to campus
• Month-to-month rental options
• 24/7 access or extended access hours
• Affordable student rates

Shipping & Boxes

Some students prefer to ship their belongings rather than rent a truck. USPS, UPS, and FedEx all offer student discounts. For packing supplies, stores like Home Depot, Lowe's, and specialty shipping shops stock boxes at competitive prices.

Pro tip: Check with your dorm's housing office — they sometimes have free or discounted boxes from recent move-outs!

Packing Tips

Moving into a dorm means space is precious. Here's how to pack smart:

• Use vacuum storage bags to compress bulky items like pillows and winter clothes
• Label all boxes clearly (room, category, fragile) to make unpacking easier
• Pack a "first night" box with essentials: bedding, toiletries, phone charger, change of clothes
• Avoid heavy boxes — split weight across multiple smaller boxes
• Bring a small toolset for assembling furniture (yours or borrowed items)

Move-In Checklist

Forget where to start? DormScouter has an interactive move-in checklist generator that customizes suggestions based on your dorm's features (has AC, elevator, dining hall, etc.).

🔄 Need a Room Swap?

Realized your dorm isn't a good fit? Check out our Room Swap Board where students post available rooms and look for roommates to trade with.