Let’s be honest—moving house during college can feel like a full-blown disaster waiting to happen. Between exams, assignments, and juggling your social life, adding packing, moving, and organizing your new place can feel impossible. But here’s the thing: Moving doesn’t have to break you down. It’s not just about strength—it’s about strategy and managing stress so that you don’t lose your mind in the process. So, let’s get real. Here’s how you can handle student relocations while keeping it together.
Plan Smart: One Day or Segments?
The first thing you need to ask yourself is: “Do I try to get it all done in one day or break it up into segments?” Sure, you could power through it all in one go, but does that sound like the best plan? If you have the time and space, breaking your move into segments will keep you from feeling like you’re drowning in tasks. Tackle one room at a time or focus on categories (e.g., clothes, books, kitchen items). This is possible to do if you are moving into a dorm. However, sometimes, when moving homes, a different approach is needed.
Use Trash Bags as Your Secret Weapon
When moving house during college, the right moving supplies are essential to protect your belongings and make the process smoother. These must-have moving supplies include sturdy boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and markers for labeling. However, you should know a few hacks. We know trash bags don’t sound like a professional moving tool—but trust us, they’re about to become your best friend. If you’re running low on suitcases or boxes, trash bags are a quick, no-fuss solution. Toss your clothes, towels, and bedding into them without worrying about folding perfectly. And here’s a major time-saver: Don’t even bother taking your clothes off the hangers. Slide a trash bag over the clothes, tie it at the top, and you’ve just saved yourself a lot of time and energy.
Ask for Help—You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
Moving is stressful, but it doesn’t have to be something you do alone. Ask other students for help! Everyone’s moving around at the same time, so reach out to your friends, roommates, or classmates. You’d be surprised how many people are willing to lend a hand when you ask. A few extra sets of hands can make the process way faster and easier. If you're moving from one dorm to another, ask your RA if the school offers any moving services. Some campuses even have rental services or volunteer programs that can help lighten your load.
Balancing Exams and Moving—How to Stay Sane
Now, let’s talk about the real elephant in the room: exams. How on earth are you supposed to avoid the negative effects relocation can have on your academic performance? It’s not easy, but it’s doable if you plan. Here are some tips to help you juggle your moving stress and study time:
- Time Management is Everything: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Create a schedule that includes both your study time and your moving tasks. Tackle moving in the hours you’re not studying—whether it’s packing a little bit after class or moving stuff in the evening. It’s not about doing it all in one sitting. Split it up.
- Prioritize Your Most Important Tasks: You have to study for your exams, but don’t ignore your move completely. Use your breaks to focus on smaller moving tasks (like packing a box or sorting through clothes). Don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to do everything at once.
- Use Downtime Wisely: When you have a free hour or two between classes, use it to study or move things that won’t take much time. Pack up some small items, or take a study break and clean your room. Little things add up and can make the big move feel less stressful.
- Ask for Help With Studying, Too: If moving starts taking over your life, consider reaching out to classmates for study help. Set up a study group or share notes with someone who can help you cover the material. That way, you don’t have to stress about catching up on everything at once.
Managing Stress Along the Way
It’s inevitable—moving house during college will cause some stress. If you are moving out for the first time, you may not have experienced it yet. But there are things you can do to help manage it. Break down tasks, ask for help, and don’t try to do it all at once. Stressing out over small things will only make it worse.
To keep stress low, take care of your mental and physical health. Get enough sleep, eat healthy meals, and make time for breaks. Moving day doesn’t have to be a marathon. Stay calm, and remind yourself that you’re in control of your situation. The more you stay ahead of the game, the less you’ll feel like you’re losing control.
Stay Organized to Avoid Extra Stress
Staying organized during your move is crucial to reducing stress. The last thing you want is to show up at your new place and have no idea where your stuff is. Label your boxes and bags with what’s inside and which room they belong to. This simple step will make your life so much easier when you get to your new space.
Make sure you have a list of what needs to be packed so you’re not scrambling around at the last minute. Keep essentials like your ID, keys, and a few days’ worth of clothes separate in a bag you’ll carry with you. This way, you won’t be digging through boxes to find that one thing you need right away.
Final Thought on Moving House During College: You Got This!
Moving house during college is stressful, but it’s not impossible. By planning, using the right strategies, and staying organized, you’ll be able to handle everything like a pro. Remember to break tasks into smaller pieces, ask for help when needed, and take care of yourself along the way. It’s all about managing your time, energy, and stress.
So take a deep breath, tackle one task at a time, and remember—you got this. The move will be over before you know it, and you’ll be back to enjoying life in your new place with a little less stress and a lot more confidence.
