After moving my brother into college multiple years, I swore that the only way to truly experience move-in day was to go on the official day. The number of people there and the waits for the elevator were just part of the experience! Yeah, I was wrong.

My family made the last-minute decision to move in three days early, and it was the best decision we could have made. Clearly, there was an extra daily fee, but it was completely worth it. Moving out of a house that you love so much is already stressful enough; there is no reason to add even more stress by moving in on a hectic day.

One of the best parts of my move-in experience was the group of at least five workers ready to help us and only us in carrying everything up. One trip after another up, the elevator went smoothly, never running into any trouble with occupied elevators. Even the following few days of early move in were not as hectic as the official day. During each day I continued to load in everything until I was completely moved in. Because I grew up in town, it was great being able to spend my last few nights at home while simultaneously getting settled into the dorm.

On the final move-in day when I was officially dropped off, I got to relax in my completely finished dorm while the halls filled with empty boxes of the hundreds of people moving in that day. With only 2 elevators that were constantly full, I can't imagine the wait for kids on the highest floors. As I watched loads of people carrying everything in, all I could think about was how lucky I got.

If wherever you chose to live has the early move-in option, consider yourself lucky, and take advantage of that!