9 Ways To Curb Move-Out Day Stress

Check The Guidelines

Before you even whip out any boxes, it’s crucial that you familiarize yourself with the department’s specific move-out guidelines. In-person move-out for UM students will take place from Thursday, May 21 to Thursday, June 4. Students will have the choice to move out during a morning or evening shift. UM also permits delegated move-out, which HRL defines as “approved friend/family member or third-party vendors.” *For complete move-out guidelines, please refer to the housing portal on CaneLink.

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Plan, Plan, Plan!

Once you confidently understand the guidelines, it’s important to start planning ahead before you even arrive to campus. If you know exactly what you need to do and how to best accomplish it, your day will be a whole lot less chaotic.

Some thoughts to consider are:

• How many boxes, suitcases or other spacious containers will you need in order to transport your belongings?
• Do you want to donate any items?
• Would you like to store anything near campus to make fall move-in easier? If so, which items?
• Do you have any perishable foods in your dorm that might have already expired?
• Is there anything you rented or borrowed that must be returned?
• What is your roommate planning to do with his/her stuff?

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Wear Something Practical

Moving out is not a fashion show! Be sure to dress in clothes that are comfortable and easy to move around in so you’re able to carry things from your dorm to your car or moving van without any hassle. Activewear or loungewear is strongly suggested. Don’t forget to wear proper footwear as well; closed-toe sneakers are a smart choice—save the strappy sandals for a night in the Grove after you’re done packing.

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Play Some Music Or Listen To A Podcast

Keep your spirits high by listening to some of your favorite songs or a podcast while you work. You can also stay on track time-wise by aiming to finish up tasks or box up specific areas by the end of a song or two.

Donate Or Sell Items You Don’t Need

Your dorm room holds a year of memories, but you don’t always have space for all of them to come home with you. Apps like Poshmark, DePop and thredUP (as well as your local thrift and consignment shops) make it super easy for you to put these items up for sale or send them to someone else who sees value in them. If you’re looking to sell books, furniture or big appliances such as a microwave or fridge, post about it in your class group chat or the incoming first-year Facebook group to find out who’s interested.

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Stay Sanitary

It is so necessary to be clean throughout the entire move-out process. Wipe down your stuff really well before stuffing them into a vehicle. If you’re getting help from a third-party mover, make sure they fully sanitize their containers and equipment and wear protective gear.

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Move Your Largest Items Out First

Pack heavier essentials like bedding, big storage containers and electrical appliances before the rest since they’ll take up the most space in your trunk.

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Protect Fragile Items

In order to avoid damaging anything fragile during transport, wrap your most delicate possessions in old newspaper, tissue paper or even your clothes. Using these soft, thin materials to shield breakable things is very resourceful as they don’t occupy much extra space.

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Check Out Of The Dorm

Last but not least, make sure to notify the HRL staff when you’re all done so you can officially take off and start your summer!

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