The Ultimate Student Moving Checklist

Relocating into a private rental at a new apartment building at school or student accommodation can be a very hectic time. It’s a big change that can be mind-boggling. Combine that with getting off to a good academic start and making new friends, and you’re pretty much setting yourself up for a nervous breakdown! So, how do you get ready for the move? Pretty simple. A moving checklist.

The stress of relocating can mold your mind into a pretzel, and cause you to overlook some things. Trying to recall everything you need to get done, from furniture shipping to setting up the Wi-Fi, can be almost unmanageable, which is why it’s vital to be proactive. With a complete, printable student moving checklist your move into your student accommodation will be simple and stress-free. If you’re looking for a more standard checklist, check out our moving home checklist. You can also check out these packing tips for moving to help you get your stuff ready for the move.

Important Documents

The following credentials will be very important for your move to college, particularly during your first few weeks. Make duplicates of all of them and stash them together in a secure file to make sure none of them goes missing.

• – Passport photos

• – Your course acceptance letter

• – All official college documents, together with your acceptance letter

• – All your Student Finance documents

• – National Insurance card
• A valid ID like your passport or driving license

Also make sure to have your bank account details handy should you need them while you are in school.

Entertainment/Electrical Items

It really goes without saying that you will want to bring entertainment with you to college, for example your personal computer. You might even want to bring your own television, however you should check with the administration before packing it.

• – Headphones

• – Cable adapters

• – Camera

• – Computer/laptop and charger

• – Extension leads

• – Hair styling tools and hair dryer

• – Speakers

• – Phone and charger

• – HDMI cable, Ethernet cable

• – External hard drive

Clothing

Clothing usually is a no-brainer; you will most probably know what you want to take with you to college. Here is a list of the basic essentials, including a few extras that you might have forgotten about, to make sure you’ve got everything you need for all occasions.

• – Formal shoes

• – Smart-casual clothing

• – Formal clothing

• – Nightwear

• – Comfortable clothing

• – Everyday clothing

• – Everyday shoes

• – Raincoat

• – Backpack

• – Gym Bag

• – Seasonal clothing (sunglasses, gloves, scarves, hats)

• – Costume clothing (for themed parties!)

• – Winter boots

• – Slippers

• – Swimwear

• – Clothes hangers

• – Dressing gown

Academic Items

Academic supplies like notepads and books can take up a lot of space and weight in your bags. So, don’t freak out, you can always stock up on everything you need when you get to college. Most colleges will have a shop providing all the important stationery items. However, there are some basic essentials you might want to take with you just to get started.

• – Sticky notes

• – Paper clips

• – Sell tape

• – Planner, diary or journal

• – Stapler and staples

• – Highlighters

• – Pencils and pens

Your college will probably send you a ‘recommended reading list’ before your arrival at college, and purchasing all of these textbooks can seem like the sensible, organized thing to do. But, it’s best to wait until you have actually started your course and assessed the situation before you decide which books you really need to buy. As not only do they consume a lot of space and weight in your luggage – they’re costly! You’ll quickly learn that you can find many of them in the library at no cost, or you could even share or borrow them from your course-mates.

Kitchen Supplies

You have to eat while you’re at school, so start by gathering the necessary kitchen supplies so that you can cook and store food that you don’t eat. You also need to have something to eat on and eat it with. Consider the following supplies:

• – Pot

• – Plates

• – Cups

• – Mug

• – Dish soap and scrub brush

• – Bowls

• – Fork, knife, spoon

• – Tupperware

• – Can opener

• – Pan

Room Needs

While many college rooms come furnished, it is with the bare necessities, and you will still need some things to make the room usable, especially for studying and other uses. The following are some of the basic items that you won’t want to go to college without:

• – Alarm

• – Pillowcases

• – Mattress protector

• – Mini sewing kit

• – Mini iron and ironing board

• – Trashcan

• – Storage

• – Duvet

• – Bed sheets

• – Pillows

• – Clothes hangers

• – Hangers

• – Bulletin board/dry eras

• – Clothes horse

• – Doorstop

• – Lamp

• – Earplugs

• – Hot water bottle

• – Wastebasket

Toiletries

The first time you get sick, you are going to feel really crappy about not having a bottle of Tylenol, Excedrin or Aspirin. So, get it before you get sick. Don’t forget the following:

• – Razors, clippers, tweezers

• – Floss and toothpaste

• – Lotion

• – Medicine

• – Shower stuff

• – Hair styling products

• – Bandages

• – Soaps

Miscellaneous

These items may slip your mind when boxing up your personal effects, but you’ll be surprised at how handy some of them can be in your time of need.

• – Beach towel

• – Playing cards

• – Alarm clock

• – A torch

• – Swiss army knife

• – Batteries

• – Books

• – Handheld hoover

• – Toolkit

• – Sports equipment

Essential non-essentials

The following items aren’t precisely essentials, but we can almost guarantee that you’ll need to have them in your new room, to give it that touch of home.

• – Pictures of friends and family

• – Fake plants for decoration

• – Bulletin board

• – Cushions/Throw blankets for decoration

• – Full-length mirror/wall mirror

Other stuff

There are also some things that you might not think about, that would be good to take to college with you.

• – Cleaning supplies

• – Storage containers

• – Household products (Ziploc bags, trash bags, light bulbs)

• – Home Insurance (laptops, mobile, cards etc.)

Let’s face it- When you go off to college, you are moving out of your house, and thus you need some basic personal effects to function. So, if you fear bringing your stuff with you over the summer break or you simply don’t have enough room in your apartment, finding a self-storage unit near you may benefit you. You may check out our student storage guide for more helpful tips.

Moreover, if you’re looking for ways to transport the stuff you’ll be taking with you, you may want to consider hiring a removals company or a man with a van to help you out! Unsure on how big of a van you’ll be needing? Check out this van size guide!

Moving Out Of Your Parents’ Home For the First Time?

Leaving the nest can be an extremely overwhelming feat. And so, to help you begin this liberating journey, we here at WhatStorage have come up with a cheat sheet to guide you along the way! 

Step 1: Set A Timeline For Yourself

Once you have decided that it is time for you to gain some independence by no longer living at home, the first thing you will need to do, of course, is talk to your parents about this life-changing decision.

Aside from that, though, you will also want to make sure that you allow yourself more than enough time to figure out every aspect of this move. So, come up with a realistic timeline that will enable you to carefully and thoroughly plan the entire moving process. The last thing you would want is to be moving out without a clear plan. 

It is also advisable for you to have already picked a moving date by the end of this step. Even a tentative one will do. 

Step 2: Determine How You Will Be Able To Support Yourself Financially 

Feeling mentally and emotionally ready to move out of your parents’ house is one thing, but having the necessary resources to do so is another. To put it simply, you will have to be financially ready as well. 

After all, you will have to spend money on keeping yourself well and alive. This usually includes things like rent, utilities, cleaning supplies, food, credit card bills, and other living expenses you can think of. Moreover, you will also have to consider the deposit you will have to pay at the beginning of your lease, miscellaneous moving costs, and other things like furniture, permits, etc.

Hence, you must learn how to earn enough money to afford these costs. Getting a job, of course, is the most logical step you should take. As someone who is most likely fresh out of university, it is tempting to hold out for the best jobs possible. However, unless you have another means of paying rent and bills (i.e., allowance, savings, trust fund), it may be wise for you to find at least a part-time job that can cover your monthly expenses. 

On top of finding the means to support yourself, you will also need to make sure that you save money for emergencies and in the future. Hence, you will need to get used to budgeting your money rather than living from paycheck to paycheck. 

Remember that financial capability and financial stability are two different things. The former will help you afford the costs to live on your own for a while, but financial stability ensures that you can afford to live on your own far into the future! 

So, think about it. Will moving out of your parent’s house be a good idea now, or will you need a few months to get a steady income and save money first? After all, it may not be worth moving out of your parent’s house and living independently if you cannot pay your dues and keep a positive credit score. 

Step 3: Decide On Living Arrangements

Will you be living alone or with someone else? There are many different advantages and disadvantages to both in terms of various aspects such as logistics, finances, budgeting, and many more. Identify your specific needs and requirements before making a decision, as it would be best for you to weigh your options as thoroughly as you can. 

Do note, though, that living with friends and family are two very different things. That means it could be worth experiencing having roommates before finally deciding to live alone. There is, however, nothing wrong with choosing to sign a lease on your own. 

Step 4: Find A Place To Live

You will also want to conduct thorough research on which city or area is most ideal for you. Will your chosen career path require you to move to a different city or even another country? Where would it be most financially feasible for you to live based on the budget you have prepared? Read up on how to make international moves easy here.

During this time, it would also be best to decide if you will want to lease a room at a shared flat, a micro flat, an apartment, a pod, or a house. By having these decisions locked in as early as possible, it will be much easier to plan out the rest of your relocation. 

Here are some City Guides which you may find useful while looking for a new city to live in. 

Step 5: Determine Which Services You Will Need And Book Them

If your previously chosen moving date still works for you, then you may go ahead and start reaching out to service providers who can help you out with every aspect of the moving process. If, however, you still need to find the best suitable schedule, do that before you proceed. 

The first you will want to consider are professional movers who can help you with every aspect of your move, from packing your belongings to moving and arranging them at your new home. Find a removals company near you here! You may also want to consider hiring a man and van if you have fewer items to move.

If you’ve got little space at your new place, you may also look into self storage services nearby. Alternatively, you may also use one to temporarily store your stuff while getting the new home ready. 

Meanwhile, professional cleaning services are also worth considering if you are moving to a place that other tenants have previously occupied. They will ensure that your new home is spotless and free of any viruses or bacteria lying around. Hiring professional cleaning services is especially helpful amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Lastly, if you are moving internationally or to a city where it will be more convenient for you to fly, you may also look into car shipping companies who can transport your vehicle to your new area. And although driving your car there and flying probably cost around the same amount, why would you knowingly choose the less convenient option?

Step 6: Declutter and Make A List Of Everything You Need

Next, you will want to go through your things and sort through them, identifying which items you still want or need and which items you can now dispose of. By doing this, you are saving yourself the trouble of having to pack and transport items you no longer want nor need. Further segregate the items you wish to give up into “sell,” “donate,” and “throw away” piles to make the process of disposal smooth and easy. 

Also, look around your parent’s house for appliances and furniture that they could give for you to take to your new place. Afterward, come up with a list of items you still need to quickly identify which items you will still have to purchase and which items you already have enough of. 

Step 7: Arrange For Your Utilities To Be Setup 

Do not forget to ensure that all the utilities you will need in your new home (i.e., power, water, gas) are installed before moving in. It would also be most convenient to have your telephone, internet, and cable services installed before the actual move. If this is not possible, though, make sure to have at least a confirmed date for the installation of these services. 

Step 8: Change Your Address

You will also want to make sure that your address has been legally changed. Moreover, you will want to inform your general physician, bank, and any company that has a record of your personal information of this change.

Step 9: Gather Packing Supplies And Begin Packing Your Stuff 

Once everything else has been set, you may begin preparing your belongings for the big move! Begin with purchasing high-quality packing supplies for your stuff. Make sure not to go for the cheapest option out there, as the cheapest option is usually the flimsiest option in the market. Here is a list of packing supplies you must have when moving house. 

Once you have these items on hand, you may begin the packing process! If you have other items like plants, computers, holiday equipment, antiques, and many more, check our various packing guides.

Alternatively, you may hire a removals company to help you out, as they will help with the transportation and packing your stuff. Here is a complete list of Services A Removals Company Can Provide.

After this, you’ll be all set for the big move!

Step 10: Unpack And Settle In Your New Neighbourhood And Home

Lastly, once all your belongings have been packed and transported to the new place, you may begin settling in. If you are not availing of your movers’ unpacking and arrangement services, then this is something you will want to start working on right away. After all, the faster everything is unpacked, the quicker your new place can start feeling like home, too!

On top of that, it would be a great idea to explore your new city and get to know your new neighbourhood as soon as possible. By doing this, the transition will be quick and easy, which means you won’t have to worry about feeling too stressed or homesick being in a new location. 

Moving for School in London?

Are you moving to school in London? Aside from the tips above, it is important to remember a few other things when preparing for your move.

1. London is an expensive city. Make sure you have enough money saved up to cover the cost of living and tuition. If you think you’ll need a job lined up, start your search early. The city can be hectic and overwhelming, especially if you’re not used to big cities.
2. Be prepared for long commutes and crowds. London is filled with tourists and people who live outside of the city work long hours. If you can, try to find a place to live that is closer to your school or workplace. The best way to get around London is by public transportation. The Tube is the underground subway system and it is relatively easy to navigate. Just be aware of the rush hour times so you can avoid the crowds. You can also take the bus or a taxi, but those can be more expensive.
3. When you first arrive in London, take some time to explore. There are so many different neighborhoods and things to do. If you’re looking for nightlife, there are plenty of bars and clubs to check out. If you want to do some shopping, there are world-famous stores and markets to explore. And if you want to see some of the city’s famous landmarks, there are plenty of those as well. Just be sure to do your research so you know what you’re getting into before you go. London is an incredible city with a lot to offer.
4. Also, be prepared for the weather. London can be cold and rainy, so pack appropriately.
5. Lastly, make sure you have all the necessary documents in order before arriving in London. If you follow these tips, you should have a smooth transition into