Skip to content
Facebook page opens in new windowX page opens in new windowLinkedin page opens in new window
info@bradfordmoving.com98 Sluse Rd, Holland Landing ON L9N 1G8Quality Service Since 1980
  • About
  • Process
  • Employment
  • COVID-19 Waiver
Top Nav
Bradford Moving & Storage
Family owned & operated. Affordable pricing. Upfront pricing.
Bradford Moving & StorageBradford Moving & Storage
  • Moving Services
    • Local Moving
    • Long Distance or International Moving
    • Specialty Moves
    • Corporate or Office Relocation
    • Accreditations
  • Moving Supplies
  • Service Areas
    • Bradford
    • Newmarket
    • Aurora
    • Georgina
    • Innisfil Movers
    • Barrie Movers
    • New Tecumseth
    • Richmond Hill
    • King City
  • Storage
  • Blog & Resources
    • Moving Calculator
    • Moving Checklist
    • Important Documents
    • Insurance Policy
(800) 263-3281Call NowCONTACT US
  • Moving Services
    • Local Moving
    • Long Distance or International Moving
    • Specialty Moves
    • Corporate or Office Relocation
    • Accreditations
  • Moving Supplies
  • Service Areas
    • Bradford
    • Newmarket
    • Aurora
    • Georgina
    • Innisfil Movers
    • Barrie Movers
    • New Tecumseth
    • Richmond Hill
    • King City
  • Storage
  • Blog & Resources
    • Moving Calculator
    • Moving Checklist
    • Important Documents
    • Insurance Policy

Moving to College/University Checklist

  • August 28, 2021

Table of Contents

It’s the end of the summer season, and many are finding that it is time to head to college/university. Whether it is your first semester as a freshman or you are returning for an additional term, we have curated a list of the essentials needs when returning to living at college/university.

At this point in time, you are undoubtedly scratching your head, wondering what you do and do not need to be taking with you on your return to college/university living. We have taken care of the research for you and prepared a moving to college/university checklist for new and returning students. However, feel free to tweak it to fit your own personal needs.

Table of Contents hide
1 Deciding What To Pack
2 And Now The Moving to College/University Checklist
3 Important Documents
4 Electrical Items
5 Utensils For The Kitchen
6 Items For The Bedroom
7 Products for the bathroom
8 Clothing
9 Paper stationery and products
10 Miscellaneous items
11 The Takeaway

Deciding What To Pack

Moving to University ChecklistAdmittedly, when considering what to take with you to college/university, hundreds of things may come to mind. But, it would be best if you remember that you are only moving for a few months, and you are not moving to the moon.

There will be shops to purchase what you need where you are going, and to that extent, it would undeniably be easier and possibly much cheaper to wait until you are at college/university to buy some of the items you will need.

It is also best to remember that your new dorm room or shared apartment will not have the amount of space you are accustomed to at home. Taking more stuff than is needed is one of the most common mistakes that most first-year students make when moving to college. A simple rule of thumb is what fits in your car’s trunk, and the back seat is all you need to take.

And Now The Moving to College/University Checklist

When considering what and what not to take to college/university, there are a few key categories. Although this list may seem overkill, it is meant to serve as a prompt with you tweaking it to fit your needs.

Important Documents

The documents may include but not be limited to:

  • Drivers license/official ID
  • Valid and up to date passport
  • Acceptance letter from admission
  • Acceptance letter for course(s)
  • Contract of accommodation
  • Documents of student finance
  • Letters proving scholarship(s)
  • Documents stating insurance
  • Photos for passport(s)
  • History and proof of vaccination
  • Copies of prescriptions
  • Bank debit/credit card
  • Discount cards for students

Electrical Items

These items will typically consist of those need for course work with a few thrown in for entertainment purposes:

  • Cellphone
  • Computer – such as a laptop
  • Printer with several replacement ink cartridges
  • Memory stick or card
  • Cable for direct ethernet
  • Headphones
  • Speakers that are portable
  • Console for gaming
  • TV USB stick
  • Apple TV, Roku or Chromecast
  • Chargers for all your devices
  • Extra batteries

Utensils For The Kitchen

If you are sharing your living accommodations, it will almost be assured that there will be multiple repeats of kitchen items and utensils. You are going to make sure that a few of the things you take include your plates and your silverware. Anything else can be shared amongst you and your roommates.

With that said, here are some of the things you will need to think about taking:

  • Recipe book with simple, quick recipes
  • Cutlery set
  • Plates
  • Bowls
  • Mugs
  • Glasses
  • A knife that is sharp
  • A pair of scissors
  • Storage containers such as Tupperware
  • An opener to use on bottles
  • A cutting board
  • Tongs
  • Ladles
  • Spatulas
  • At least one frying pan
  • At least one cooker with a lid
  • A strainer or colander
  • Can opener
  • A peeler
  • A grater for cheese
  • A whisk
  • Baking trays
  • Dishwashing liquid
  • Dish sponge
  • Tea towels
  • Aluminum Foil
  • Cling wrap

Items For The Bedroom

You will not have to worry about basic furniture for your bedroom, as that will be provided by the college dorm—unless you choose to rent and share an apartment. Provided items usually will include those things such as a bed, a table for the bedside, a desk, a desk lamp, a wardrobe or closet, mirrors, curtains, and a wastebasket.

Other items that you will want to consider taking are:

  • Bedspread, comforter, or duvet
  • Pillows along with pillowcases
  • Sheet for the bed
  • Protector for the mattress
  • Hangers for your clothes
  • A basked for your laundry
  • A small wall or desk mirror
  • A clock
  • A fan for your desk
  • Photos of family and friends
  • And if the dorm or apartment is noisy, earplugs

Products for the bathroom

If you choose to live in the dorm, you will need to keep your toiletries and such in your room. Having a caddy to carry them back and forth with you can come in handy. Some of those items may include:

  • Bath and hand towels
  • Gown or housecoat
  • Soap for your hands
  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Body wash or shower gel
  • Flip-flops (highly recommended for communal showers)
  • Brush and comb
  • Dryer for your hair
  • Makeup
  • Shaving cream and razor
  • Feminine protection products

Clothing

You probably already have a wide variety of clothing to take, but make sure to pack an outfit that is fitting if you wish to apply for a job.

  • Shirts
  • Skirts and dresses
  • Sweatshirts
  • Jeans
  • Trousers
  • Coats for rain and winter
  • Undergarments
  • PJ’s
  • Socks
  • Hats and gloves
  • Dress shoes and sneakers
  • A watch
  • An all-purpose handbag
  • A dressy outfit for interviews

Paper stationery and products

You are sure to need a wide variety of stationary-type items. Below is a list of those possible items:

  • Pencils, pens, and highlighters
  • Scissors, stapler, and staples
  • Notepaper and notepads
  • Planner or calendar
  • Folders for storing papers and work
  • Binders
  • Paper for your printer
  • Post-it notes
  • Calculator
  • Textbooks for classes

Miscellaneous items

Although there above lists cover the majority of what you will most probably need, there are a few miscellaneous items to consider:

  • Bag for weekend trips home
  • An umbrella
  • A padlock
  • A reasonable amount of cash
  • Water bottle(s)
  • Ironing board and iron
  • Coffee, tea, and or milk
  • Snacks
  • Keys for your dorm room, apartment, and home

The Takeaway

Whether it is your first semester at college/university, or you are returning for an additional term, there will be several specific items that you will need to take with you. The curated lists above will give you a “jumping off point” as to what to take. Remember, what you take to college with you, unless you choose to sell it all off or give it away at the end of the term, will be coming right back home.

If you find you are needing help moving to or from college, contact us at Bradford Moving. We are more than happy to help to make what looks to be a daunting task not so stressful.

Share This Article

You May Also Like

Two movers loading furniture wrapped in moving blankets into a moving truck with its ramp down during a local move in Ontario

How Much Do Movers Cost in Ontario? Real 2026 Rates

How much do movers cost in Ontario? In Ontario, two movers and a truck average

Read More »
October 1, 2026
A part loaded storage unit with blanket wrapped furniture, a rolled rug and stacked boxes, ready for a move between closing dates near Newmarket

Self Storage in Newmarket: 7 Reliable Answers Before You Rent

Self storage in Newmarket is priced two ways at once, by the size of the

Read More »
September 24, 2026
Moving truck loaded on an Ontario driveway on a mild fall morning with the leaves swept clear of the front walkway

The Best Time of Year to Move in Ontario (and What It Saves You)

The best time of year to move in Ontario is October through April, on a

Read More »
September 17, 2026
Half disassembled workstations, stacked grey moving crates and taped floor protection in a York Region office during a weekday relocation

Office Moving Cost in Ontario: 7 Essential Budget Factors

Office moving cost in Ontario is built from crew hours, building access, packing and after hours premiums. Here are the seven factors that set your number, and the four you control.

Read More »
September 10, 2026

Contact Bradford Moving & Storage

We absolutely love to hear from our clients. Drop us a line and we’ll discuss how we can help with your move.
Contact us
About Bradford Moving & Storage

We are a family-owned moving company serving customers all over Canada with our world-class moving service. We have been in business for over 35 years, and have helped thousands of individuals, families and businesses with all their moving needs.

Phone (Local)
(905) 775-3982

Phone (Toll Free)
(800) 263-3281

Email
info@bradfordmoving.com

Service Areas
Bradford, Newmarket, Aurora, Georgina, Innisfil, Barrie, New Tecumseth, Richmond Hill, King

Address

98 Sluse Rd, 
Holland Landing ON L9N 1G8

Google Reviews
Excellent
Bradford Moving4.8
Based on 305 reviews
See all reviews
review us on
Chris C
The guys did a great job bringing in the furniture and assembling some of the pieces. They were very friendly, quick and took proper care of my new furniture. Would definitely use them again. 😊
Bill Clouatre
Great crew. Efficient movers, personable would highly recommend to anyone who needs quality movers!
Carolyn Leitch
Amazing! Bradford Moving team made our move a great, stressfree experience. Professional, friendly, prompt, I would recommend them for your next move.
Response from the owner:Carolyn, thank you so much for the kind words. We are glad our team made your move feel smooth and stress free, and that their professionalism, friendliness, and prompt service stood out. We really appreciate the recommendation.
Jordan Kelly
Newmarket to Keswick. Condo to home. Steve, Chris, Wyatt. Can’t say I’ve had a smoother moving experience. On time. Professional. Courteous. Not a single negative thing to say. All items arrived as they were. Very impressed and would recommend these guys every time! Thanks so much for making a stressful day anything but.
Response from the owner:Jordan, thank you for taking the time to share this. We are so glad Steve, Chris, and Wyatt made your move from Newmarket to Keswick such a smooth one, and that everything arrived in great shape. It means a lot to hear we helped make a stressful day easier, thanks again.
Josh Willenborg
Great movers from start to finish! They worked extremely hard and moved everything quickly and smoothly. Would recommend them to anyone who is moving in the near future!
Response from the owner:Josh, thank you for the great review. We are glad the crew worked hard and kept your move quick and smooth from start to finish. We really appreciate the recommendation.
Taylor W
Amazing work! Thank you for all of your help. Made downsizing incredibly easy, had great energy through the whole process and got some really large pieces in tough spots! We couldn’t have done this move without you.
Response from the owner:Taylor, thank you for the kind words. We are so glad we could make downsizing easier and safely get those large pieces into some really tight spots. It means a lot to hear our crew’s energy helped make the whole move feel manageable.
Laurel Potter
Working with Bradford Moving has been amazing! I would recommend them to anyone!!
Response from the owner:Laurel, thank you so much for the kind words. We are so glad working with Bradford Moving was such a great experience, and your recommendation means a lot to our team.
Andrew Gillespie
Hired to move a piano and several household pieces. Exceptional service, communication and handling. Shane and Wyatt were professional, safe and careful. Would hire them again. Thanks fellas.
Response from the owner:Andrew, thank you for trusting us with your piano and household pieces. We are glad to hear Shane and Wyatt took great care with the move and kept communication clear throughout. We appreciate the kind words and would be happy to help again anytime.
Allison
Look no further. Friendly. Professional. Hard working. Good price.
Response from the owner:Allison, we really appreciate this. Hearing that our team came across as friendly, professional, and hard working, while also giving you a good price, means a lot to us. Thanks for choosing Bradford Moving & Storage, and we would be glad to help again anytime.
Michelle Slean
Shane, Wyatt, and Austin from Bradford moving were incredible, and made our Moving day flow easy from beginning to end. They were prompt, courteous, and so very helpful on an otherwise stressful day. Thanks so much for everything!
Response from the owner:Michelle, thank you so much for the kind words. We are glad Shane, Wyatt, and Austin helped make your moving day feel easy from start to finish, especially on a day that can be so stressful. We truly appreciate you choosing Bradford Moving and Storage, and you are always welcome back.
Jason Dol
The 3 man team sent was professional and extremely efficient
Response from the owner:Jason, we really appreciate your kind words. We are glad the 3 man team was professional and extremely efficient throughout your move. Thanks again for choosing Bradford Moving & Storage, and we would be happy to help anytime you need us again.
Nicole Cox
We were very very happy with our moving experience! The team took great care of our belongings, they were very kind, patient and helpful. The move was smooth and we highly recommend the Bradford Movers team!
Response from the owner:Nicole, thank you for the wonderful review. We are so glad to hear the team took great care of your belongings and helped make the move smooth from start to finish. We truly appreciate the recommendation and would be happy to help again anytime.
Fiona Proctor
Phenomenal movers!!! The efficiency, professionalism and care they showed throughout the move was outstanding. They paid close attention to the details, left what was needed to be left, and delivered everything into each room we needed them to. I cannot recommend them enough.
Response from the owner:Fiona, thank you so much for the kind words. We are really glad the team handled your move with the efficiency, professionalism, and care you described, and that they placed everything in the rooms where you needed it. We truly appreciate the recommendation and would be happy to help again anytime.
Brent Skillen
Shane, Austin, and Wyatt worked their tails off in 35 degree heat. Moved our three bedroom home very methodically. Fast and efficient. Just a great experience from start to finish. Thanks again
Response from the owner:Thank you, Brent Skillen! We're so glad your move went smoothly. We appreciate you trusting us with it and taking the time to share your experience.
Denise
Excellent!! Thorough and conscious of what they were doing. I would recommend them anytime
Response from the owner:Thanks so much for the kind words, Denise! We're glad the team's care and attention stood out during your move. Appreciate you taking the time to leave this, and we'd love to help again anytime you need us.
Cynthia Spadafora
Great group of guys! Friendly, fast, hardworking, pleasant group! Would recommend!
Response from the owner:Thanks a lot, Cynthia! Glad the crew made your local move fast and easy, that's exactly what we aim for. We appreciate the recommendation and hope to help you out again down the road.
Mike Hayes
Great crew - courteous, clean, careful and efficient. I would (will) recommend Bradford Movers to anyone with moving needs. Mike Hayes
Response from the owner:Mike, thank you for the wonderful feedback. We’re delighted to hear the crew was courteous, clean, careful, and efficient. Your recommendation means a lot to us. It was a pleasure to help with your move.
Marilyn Tavener
Great experience. Crew was organized & hardworking and we couldn't be happier.
Response from the owner:Marilyn, thank you for your wonderful feedback. We're thrilled to hear our crew's organization and hard work made your move a great experience and that you couldn't be happier. We appreciate you choosing Bradford Moving & Storage and wish you all the best in your new home.
Alisha MacRitchie
Using Bradford moving was the best decision we made! Luisa and Daniela were prompt and extremely helpful organizing the details before our move. We moved out of our house, stored everything for one night and moved into our new house the next day. Both move teams were on time, quick, polite, friendly and careful with our belongings. We could not be more pleased with our experience and would definitely recommend their services!
Response from the owner:Alisha, thank you so much for the wonderful 5-star review. We’re thrilled to hear Luisa and Daniela made planning easy and that both crews were punctual, efficient, courteous, and careful through your overnight storage and next-day move. Knowing the process felt seamless from move-out to move-in means a lot to our team. We appreciate your recommendation and wish you all the best settling into your new home.
Barbara Brindle
Incredible crew! They did an amazing job from the moment we booked the move to the last box. We have moved over a dozen times and this was a demanding move. I could not be more impressed with the young men and crew leader. Absolute pro’s. Thank you very much
Response from the owner:Barbara, thank you for the wonderful review and for trusting Bradford Moving & Storage with such a demanding move. It means a lot to hear our crew leader and young team delivered from booking through the last box. We’ll be sure to share your praise with the crew—they’ll be thrilled. Wishing you a smooth settle-in and all the best in your new home.
Lucille Plante
Best choice hands down. When I first called, I had no idea how to plan the move when closings of sale and purchase was on the same day. They gave me options and wow, what service. Moving day, they arrived on time, loaded up - piano included - and were off within a couple hours. The movers were amazing and professional. Delivery to the new house? Well even my neighbours commented and asked if I would refer them!!! And I totally would! Nothing broken or damaged. Professional all the way. Respectful and the price was what was quoted. I would definitely call again!!
Response from the owner:Lucille, thank you for the wonderful 5-star review and for trusting Bradford Moving & Storage with your same-day closing move. We’re thrilled the options we provided made planning easier and that our team arrived on time, handled your piano with care, and delivered everything damage-free at the quoted price. It’s great to hear our crew’s professionalism stood out—right down to the neighbors noticing. We truly appreciate your referrals and look forward to helping you again whenever you need us.
Stephanie Moore
Great experience with Bradford movers. Professional friendly hard working and so respectful of the house and contents. Would highly recommend!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Stephanie, for the wonderful review. We’re thrilled our team was professional, friendly, and hardworking, and that they treated your home and belongings with respect. Your recommendation means a lot to us—thanks for choosing Bradford Moving & Storage!
Sabine Bock
Bradford Moving never disappoints, they have just moved me for the third time, and as usual pleasant to work with, Friendly, efficient, very good at what they do. They will definitely be hearing from me for my next move.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Sabine, for the wonderful 5-star feedback and for trusting us with your move for the third time. We’re thrilled to hear our team was pleasant to work with—friendly, efficient, and consistently delivering quality service. We truly appreciate your continued support and look forward to helping with your next move.
Christopher Smith
Did a great job. Quick and professional.
Response from the owner:Christopher, thank you for the 5-star feedback. We’re glad our team was quick and professional and that we did a great job for you. We appreciate your support and are here if you ever need us again.
Mikayla speranza
The movers were excellent. They moved us out of our old place and into our new home quickly and efficiently. They took the time to ensure all items were placed exactly where we requested and handled everything with care. They were great at navigating challenging areas of the house and maneuvering large furniture through tight spaces. We would definitely use their services again in the future and highly recommend them to anyone looking for reliable movers.
Response from the owner:Mikayla, thank you for your wonderful feedback. We’re delighted our crew moved you quickly and efficiently, placed items exactly where you wanted, handled everything with care, and navigated tight spaces with large furniture. We truly appreciate your recommendation and would be glad to help again whenever you need us.
Bradford Moving & Storage
© Copyright Bradford Moving & Storage
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
MENU

Designed by Addictive Design

Go to Top
Leave a Google Review