Are you finishing up your first year in UVU student housing? Or are you researching housing for the fall? You’ve come to the right place. Moving can be a lot of work, and during your college years, you’ll probably do it more than once—especially if you move home over the summer. To make things easier, we’ve put together a beginner’s guide to help you tackle packing, moving, and unpacking with less stress.
Make a Plan
Planning ahead is key to avoiding last-minute chaos. Staying up until 1 a.m. trying to cram your car before the move-out deadline is no fun. Start by asking a friend or family member to help you move. Even if you don’t have much stuff, moving alone—especially from a third-floor apartment—can quickly become overwhelming.
Think ahead about your larger or awkward items. Can they be compacted to fit in a car, or do you need a truck? Having a clear plan for where everything will go and how you’ll transport it will save you a lot of headaches on moving day.
Be Prepared
Preparation isn’t just for scouts—it’s a lifesaver during a move. Make sure you have all your supplies ready ahead of time. Get the right size boxes: not too big that they become impossible to lift, but large enough to hold your items efficiently. Keep a Sharpie on hand to label all boxes clearly, and stock up on packing tape—regular tape just won’t cut it.
Packing paper or newspaper is also essential for protecting fragile items like dishes or glassware. Buying supplies ahead of time means you won’t be running to Walmart last-minute like everyone else on moving day. A little preparation goes a long way toward a smoother move.
Stay Organized
Packing and unpacking can be stressful if you’re not organized. Use zip-top bags for small items so they don’t get lost, and consider packing small containers inside larger boxes for better organization. Keep similar items together and label your boxes clearly.
For example, don’t pack a few t-shirts with your frying pans, and definitely avoid putting cleaning supplies in with your cereal. If you’re moving home for the summer and won’t need certain school supplies, keep them all in one box and leave them packed until you return to your UVU student housing in the fall. Staying organized now will make unpacking a breeze later.
Think About Food
Food can be tricky during a move, but a little planning helps a lot. Try to use up perishable items in the weeks leading up to your move so you don’t have to throw anything away or pack it unnecessarily. If you have space, packing dry goods can make your first few days at your new place much easier.
If you’re bringing frozen or refrigerated items, have a cooler with ice ready to keep them cold during the drive. Plan your first few meals after the move—moving day is usually chaotic, and fast food is tempting, but having a few easy meals ready will save time and money. Pack ingredients for these meals together so you can unpack them first and start your new semester stress-free.
Make Your Move Easier
Moving doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By planning ahead, staying organized, and packing smart, you can make the process much more manageable.
If you’re looking for an awesome UVU student living experience this fall, check out Promenade Place. With the right preparation and a little help, moving in or out of your student housing can be smooth, efficient, and maybe even fun. Follow these tips, and you’ll be settled in and ready to enjoy the next chapter of college life in no time!
