Moving into a college dorm may be stressful for the unprepared. So in order to have a smooth and stress-free move to a college dorm, here are five tips that must be followed.

1. Visit the dorm before the day of the move. Scout for parking availability so you have an idea where to park your van containing your stuff. Also check the stairs and if there are elevators so you can plan beforehand the strategy of your move. For example, if you will live in the fifth floor of a dormitory building without an elevator, you will have to pack in small boxes.

2. Inquire from the dormitory manager or residence assistant concerning the items that you are allowed to bring in the dorm. Not all dorms have the same rules when it comes to allowed items. You would not want to bring a sofa set and ask help from a lot of people in transporting it to the dorm when you are not allowed to have it in the dorm in the first place.

3. Observe the weather. If it has been rainy the past few days, do not move yet. 

4. On the day of the move, go to your dorm room without bringing all your stuff yet. Introduce yourself to your roommate and look at the things he or she already brought. If he or she already has a microwave oven, then it would be unnecessary for you to bring yours up the room. The same rule applies for every item that can be used communally.

5. Ask help from family members and friends in carrying your stuff from your van up to your dorm room. It will be too difficult if you are going to do it all alone.