Moving Into Your First College Apartment

Essential Tips for a Smooth Transition

There aren’t too many decisions you’re allowed to make when first starting your college journey in a dorm room, but making that first move off-campus to an apartment can be an exciting milestone that marks a big step toward independence, and there's a lot to manage. From adding many more furnishings to moving in large or heavy items that you now have space for, the key to a smooth transition is preparation.



At Advanced Moving in Sioux Falls, we understand the complexities of moving and are here to support you with professional services tailored to your needs, even if that means moving just a few big items. Our full-time, experienced movers ensure your belongings, from furniture to personal items, are handled with utmost care. With our help, you can focus more on settling into your university life and less on the moving chaos.

By starting early and organizing efficiently, you can ease some of the stress and excitement that accompanies moving into your new college home, allowing you to fully embrace another chapter of your life.

Preparing for the Move From Dorm Room to Apartment

When it’s time to transition from a dorm room to an apartment, there are several crucial steps to consider. We'll cover the essentials from selecting an apartment to choosing the right moving services.

Selecting an Apartment

Choosing the right apartment is the first critical step. Location should be a top priority. We suggest selecting a place that is close to campus and has easy access to public transportation.

Consider the layout and size of the apartment, especially if you plan to share it with roommates. This will affect how much furniture can fit and how comfortable it will be. Look for amenities like laundry facilities, parking, and security that can make daily life easier.

Creating a Checklist

A checklist is essential for an organized move. Start by listing essentials such as clothes, books, and toiletries. Don't forget important documents, the computer, and other valuable items.

Create a packing list that includes bedding, linens, and kitchen supplies. Break down the list into categories to make packing more manageable. Updating the checklist as you pack can help ensure nothing is forgotten.

Packing Do's and Don'ts

Successful packing requires following some guidelines. Do use sturdy boxes and plenty of padding for fragile items. Don't overpack boxes, as this can make them too heavy or cause items to break.

Label boxes clearly with their contents and the room they belong in. This will make unpacking much easier. It's crucial to keep a separate box for essentials that you'll need right away upon arrival.

Moving Large, Heavy or Awkward Items

Transporting large or awkward items like furniture, exercise equipment, or a pool table can be challenging. Using professional services like Advanced Moving in Sioux Falls can ensure these items are safely transported.

Advanced Moving provides specialized care for heavy and fragile items, ensuring they arrive in the same condition as when they left. Professional movers can also handle the disassembly and reassembly of furniture, making the process smoother.

Selecting Storage and Moving Services

Choosing the right storage and moving services can make the transition seamless. Options range from a moving truck rental to hiring professional apartment movers. Advanced Moving offers comprehensive services including packing, transport, and unpacking, making the move stress-free.

Storage units are beneficial if you're transitioning out of a dorm but not directly into an apartment – or you’re taking advantage of quality furniture left by departing students. Label each box and use our box calculator to determine how many you'll need. This ensures that everything is well-organized and easily accessible.

A smooth move requires careful planning and choosing the right resources. By focusing on these key areas, you can make the transition from a dorm room to an apartment both efficiently and stress-free.

Setting Up Your First Apartment

When you move into your first college apartment, it’s an exciting step but can also be a bit overwhelming. Let’s break down the major differences from dorm living, list essential items, discuss furnishing, and focus on style coordination with roommates.

Biggest Differences Between Dorms and Apartments

Moving from a dorm room to an apartment brings a lot more space and freedom. In dorms, you mainly have a single room, often shared, with basic furnishings and minimal privacy. Apartments offer separate rooms including a living area, kitchen, and bathroom. This setup allows you to cook your own meals and have more control over your environment.

Dorms often include utilities and furnishings, but apartments usually don't. This means you need to manage your own bills like internet, electricity, and water, as well as invest in more furniture and appliances.

Essential Items to Get

Before moving in, prioritize a few apartment essentials. For your kitchen, it’s crucial to have basic supplies like pots, pans, utensils, and a cutting board. A microwave and fridge can be really useful.

For personal care, you’ll need toiletries, ample towels, and a first aid kit. In the bedroom, having hangers, a laundry basket, and a fan for ventilation is important. Don’t forget cleaning supplies like paper towels and an iron to keep everything tidy.

Furnishing Your Space

Furnishing the apartment can be a fun activity. Starting with essentials such as a bed frame, mattress, desk, and a comfortable chair is necessary for your study corner. In the living room, a sofa, coffee table, and perhaps a TV can create a relaxing ambiance.

Affordable stores like IKEA and Target provide various options. Remember to use storage containers for organizing your belongings. When assembling furniture, patience and teamwork pay off, and sometimes DIY projects can be rewarding. If something’s too big or heavy for you to handle on your own, Advanced Moving is available to help.

Compromising on Style With Roommates

Sharing an apartment means blending different styles. Open communication with your roommates about preferences and budgets can prevent conflicts. Each of you should decide on a color scheme and decor that feels cohesive yet personal.

Sometimes, you need to compromise on larger pieces of furniture to avoid clutter. Discussing ahead of time about unique items like artwork or specific gadgets helps in maintaining harmony. You can each personalize our own bedrooms while ensuring common areas reflect everyone’s tastes.

The Arrival and Move-In Process

Unloading and Moving In

Upon arrival, it's vital to stay organized. Park your car or rental truck only in designated areas near the apartment. Having help from parents or friends can make unloading easier, and if you need more help or equipment, Advanced Moving can also be a convenient option. Mark your checklist as you unload each box or item, then unpack each room methodically to make it feel like home and to reduce stress.

Apartment Roommate Responsibilities

Living with roommates requires clear communication. Before moving in, it's beneficial to reach out and discuss shared responsibilities. This might include cleaning schedules, shared expenses, and rules about guests.

Creating a roommate agreement can prevent conflicts. It's also useful to plan for social events and nights out together to build a good relationship. Mental health is important, so setting boundaries and respecting each other's space is pivotal.

Clarify how to handle utilities and rent payments. Using apps or schedules to manage shared tasks can streamline your routine, and understanding each other's preferences and living habits will foster a harmonious living environment.