Portland, Oregon, boasts a vibrant higher education scene with several colleges and universities catering to a diverse range of academic pursuits. Portland State University (PSU), as the city’s largest public research institution, takes center stage with its extensive undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. Located in the heart of downtown, PSU offers students a unique urban campus experience.
Meanwhile, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) shines in the health sciences realm, excelling in medical, dental, and research programs. Beyond these, private institutions like Lewis & Clark College and Reed College contribute to the city’s academic diversity, offering rigorous liberal arts education and scenic campuses that enrich the higher education landscape in Portland. Whether you’re interested in urban academics, health sciences, or the liberal arts, Portland’s colleges and universities provide a wealth of opportunities for personal and intellectual growth in the vibrant Pacific Northwest.
Embarking on the journey of moving into a dorm room in Portland is not merely a logistical endeavor; it’s an exciting and transformative experience that marks the commencement of a new chapter in your life. As you prepare to make this significant transition, one name that stands out among the myriad of options is Redefyne Moving.
This renowned moving company specializes in providing tailored solutions to help students and individuals relocate with ease and efficiency. In the following sections, we will delve deeper into the process of moving into a dorm room in the vibrant city of Portland, highlighting how Redefyne Moving can be your trusted partner in this exciting endeavor.
What to Bring When You’re Moving to College
As you embark on your journey to college, possessing a focused mindset, a calm demeanor, and a genuine enthusiasm for learning will be invaluable qualities to carry with you to campus. However, it’s equally important to ensure you have all the necessary supplies to make your transition from your family’s home to your college dormitory, apartment, or townhouse as seamless as possible.
To start, consider taking the proactive step of scheduling an appointment with our professional moving team, which will not only benefit you but also provide peace of mind for your parents. Regardless of your living arrangements or the items you plan to bring, our experts are here to facilitate a safe and efficient move to your new residence.
To help you with your preparations, we’ve compiled a list of essential dorm items, as recommended by Colleges of Distinction. These items range from bedding and decor to backpacks and computers, ensuring that you’re well-prepared for this exciting phase of your academic journey.
Bedding and Accessories
You can’t always count on your dorm or other residential dwelling to have the same comforts of home. When you’re moving out for college, you want to make sure you bring everything you need to create a relaxing living space. There’s nothing more comfortable than a clean, soft place to lay your head – especially when you’ve got to wake up early for class the next day.
You may want to consider bringing:
- A Mattress and/or Mattress Topper: You may want to bring your own mattress if you don’t want to chance the stock options of the dorm. We can easily pack and move mattresses for you. Or, if you prefer to take a different approach, consider using mattress toppers and pads to add to the comfort of your sleep spot.
- Sheets and Blankets: Part of getting a good and comfortable night’s sleep is pulling the blankets over you and feeling that sense of relaxation. You may want to bring your own, as you’ll know they’re clean, packed safely by our team, and a comforting reminder of home that you can keep with you.
- Pillows and Pillowcases: Not only will you want the standard sleeping pillows, but you may want a body pillow or sitting pillow, so you can lounge in your bed and get some work done. Don’t forget pillowcases. Matching them with your bedding will create a harmonious design that makes your dorm feel like home.
A cozy comforter to keep you warm and snug during chilly nights. Accompanying this, a throw blanket adds an extra layer of comfort for relaxation. Add in a bedside table with essentials like some reading materials, family photos, and an extra alarm clock (so you don’t oversleep for class!) and you’ve got a fine setup to snooze, relax, and unwind.
Health and Grooming Supplies
Speaking of belongings you may want on your bedside table, remember all your important personal items. As you enter a new area around other people, especially in co-living arrangements, it’s crucial to focus on health and hygiene. Who doesn’t love having their favorite scented hand sanitizer, or soothing lotion nearby?
College students moving in at a new location should bring the essentials like:
- Paper towels, tissues, and toilet paper
- Towels and wash clothes
- Shower shoes and shower caddy
Learn where you can get a haircut and a good workout at your new location. Also don’t forget to bring along all the essentials to support grooming and cleanliness.
A well-equipped bathroom will feature shower gel or bath soap for cleansing. You may want a shower cap to protect your hair plus shampoo and conditioner to maintain its luster. Essential grooming items like deodorant, a brush, comb, hairdryer, and curling iron help you look your best. Maintaining dental hygiene is a priority with a toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss readily available. For skincare, there’s lotion and cosmetics to enhance your radiance. After a relaxing bath, wrap yourself in a cozy bathrobe.
To stay organized, a soap container is handy. Additionally, nail clippers, eye drops, mouthwash, and a loofah contribute to your daily routine. A shaving kit and handheld mirror ensure a well-groomed appearance. Don’t forget any medicines you need and basic first-aid supplies.
Keeping the bathroom clean is essential, so bathroom cleaning products should be kept within reach, along with a shower mat for safety. For a pleasant ambiance, an air freshener helps keep the space fragrant.
Clothes and Laundry Accessories
No one likes to do laundry, yet it must be done if you want clean clothes to wear around campus. When you’re moving away for college, you probably know all the clothes you want to take to build your ideal wardrobe. However, you may want to expand on it a bit.
For example, even if you’re not the type to dress up, it’s good to bring along some dress clothes just in case you need to go to a ceremony or other upscale event. Likewise, even if you’re not one to enjoy the water, bring swimwear and flip-flops in case there’s a pool on campus or nearby that you and your friends decide to visit.
What about storing and caring for your clothes? College students moving in at a dorm or other residence should bring:
- A clothing rack or drying rack
- Laundry basket or bag
- Stain remover stick
- Laundry detergent
- Bleach
- Dryer sheets
- Iron/steamer
- Ironing board
- Hangers
- Shoe storage
- Quarters/debit card for laundromat
Looking good means feeling good. In this regard, the right approach to managing your laundry will help boost your confidence. You’ll enjoy a genuine sense of self-assurance and well-being throughout your time on campus.
Dorm Decor and Classroom Supplies
When discussing tips for moving into college dorms, decor ideas are a must. Why is this so important? Because your dorm, apartment, or house will be your home for the foreseeable future. If you decorate it, it will reflect your style and give you a greater sense of belonging every time you walk through the door.
Consider bringing posters and banners, along with sticky mounts or adhesive hooks that won’t damage the walls. You can also adorn the walls with photos and photo boards, as well as dry-erase or bulletin boards to help you keep up with deadlines and activities.
You can also get creative with lighting and seating. Consider rope lights that can hang along the walls or easily movable seats like beanbag chairs. These are great options when your space is limited, but your style is boundless.
This takes us right into the supplies you’ll need for class. Make sure you bring:
- Laptop/tablet and other electronic devices and cables
- Calculators, extension cords, earphones, surge protectors
- Pens, pencils, paper, notebooks, binders
- Sticky notes, highlighters, staplers, and rulers
- Index cards, scissors, and tape
- Backpacks or messenger bags to keep everything together
Now that you have all the proper equipment, it’s easy to become the all-star student you know you’re capable of being. Once the good grades start rolling in, you’ll be glad you took the time to get organized and equip yourself for academic success.
Additional Tips for Moving into College Dorms
The above lists cover the essentials of what you’ll need when moving away for college. You may need extra items here or there depending on the layout of your living space. For example, if you have a kitchen or kitchenette, make sure you bring cookware and food storage.
Speaking of storage, it’s important to maximize space in your dorm. We touched on how you should pick furniture and fixtures that are space efficient. You can also do the same with storage items, such as totes that fit under your bed or shoe organizers that hang off your closet door.
But what about the moving process itself? Moving away for college means starting a new chapter in life, and it’s vital that you begin this new phase with momentum. To do this, consider the common concerns you may have about moving.
Keeping Your Items Safe When Moving to College
If there’s one thing that can help you retain the feeling of home after moving away to college, it’s knowing all your belongings are there with you. But how can you handle the packing process while ensuring everything is protected, and streamlining the work so you can get to your dorm on time?
The answer? Contact our professional packing experts. We have the credentials and approach you (and your family) will feel confident in. Our team is:
- Fully licensed and trained in proper packing procedures
- Insured to provide a second layer of protection
- Equipped with all necessary packing supplies
We’ll ensure all your items from clothing to furniture to electronics are handled with care. We can even help you get unpacked once you arrive at your new location.
Get Moving Labor for Your Residential Location
Moving out for college sees students head to a variety of locations. Some move into your standard dormitory, which may be compact and in close proximity to other students. Others may head to townhouses or condos, which have many rooms or multiple floors.
Our residential moving experts can provide relocation support in any environment. Whether you have a lot to unload and many rooms to fill, or tight quarters and limited time to work, you can count on us to provide the professional moving labor you deserve.
Knowing you have us there to handle all the heavy lifting can take a load off you – literally and figuratively. Both you and your family will feel more at ease knowing that you have a partner to help you get situated in your new residential setting.
The Value of a Full-Service Relocation Partner
The value of having a full-service relocation partner during a move cannot be overstated. These experts bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the table, making the entire moving process smoother and more efficient. Whether you’re relocating for personal reasons or a corporate move, their ability to customize solutions to your specific needs is a significant advantage.
One of the most substantial benefits is the time and stress savings they offer. Moving can be a daunting and time-consuming endeavor, but with a full-service partner, you can delegate many tasks, allowing you to focus on settling into your new environment or managing other critical aspects of your life.
They handle everything from packing and transportation to paperwork and logistics, ensuring a seamless transition. Furthermore, their professional packing and handling ensure that your belongings are well-protected during transit. This expertise, combined with access to reliable transportation options, guarantees that your possessions arrive safely and on time. Ultimately, a full-service relocation partner provides peace of mind, offering comprehensive support and expertise, which proves invaluable during the challenging process of moving.
Moving to College Soon? Contact Redefyne Moving
Moving to college is one of the best decisions a person can make for their future. And while we could continue to list more tips for moving into college dorms and adjusting to campus life, nothing will improve your initial moving experience as much as calling us.
Once you’re on campus and set up, you can acclimate to the environment. But in order to complete this initial step, you need professional moving services. We offer packing and storage, plus moving labor, transport, and all packing supplies. Our skilled team is equipped to help anyone who is moving to college. We are:
- Fully licensed and insured
- Equipped with all necessary supplies
- Able to move homes, apartments, condos, dorms, etc.
- Highly rated by past customers
- Rated an A+ with BBB
When you turn to our moving team, you’ll get a college relocation experience that truly makes the grade. How much does moving away to college cost? We can provide a free estimate when you contact our team – we offer very affordable rates with no added fees. Give us a call at 817-405-2890 or connect online to begin planning your move to college.
