The Moving Guide
A good move-in starts weeks before you pick up the keys. Here's how to go from an accepted offer to a fully settled place — without the last-minute scramble.
Start about 6–8 weeks out
As soon as your offer is accepted, put the big dates on your Housing Calendar: lease start, move-in day, and when first rent is due. Working backward from move-in makes everything else — utilities, insurance, packing — fall into place on time.
Set up utilities and internet
Ask your landlord which utilities are included and which are yours (often electricity, gas, water, and trash). Put the ones you're responsible for in your name effective your move-in date, and book internet installation for move-in week — near campus in August those slots fill fast.
Change your address
Forward your mail with USPS a week or two ahead, and update your address with your school, bank, and any subscriptions so nothing gets lost in the shuffle.
Get renter's insurance
Many leases require it, and it's cheap peace of mind for your belongings. Check whether you're still covered under a parent's policy first; otherwise have your own in place by your lease start date.
Pack room by room
Use Dormly's packing checklist and label boxes by room. Keep a “first night” bag — bedding, chargers, toiletries, a change of clothes — so you can crash the first night without unpacking everything.
Move-in week
Do a quick condition walkthrough and photograph anything already damaged so you're not blamed later. Meet your roommates, set up your household on Dormly for chores and shared costs, and grab whatever you still need from the Marketplace.
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