When to start planning your university move
In Milan, student leases often expire between May and July, with the peak of moves falling between the end of June exams and the start of July. If you wait until the last week to get organised, you'll find every transport and storage service fully booked — or at double the price.
The practical rule: start planning at least 3 weeks before the apartment handover date. That gives you time to gather boxes, pack calmly and book your pickup without stress.
How to pack: boxes, tape and protective material
Use sturdy medium-sized boxes (about 40x30x30 cm) — oversized boxes become impossible to lift when full. Save the big boxes for light items like blankets, pillows and clothes. For books and heavy objects always use small boxes.
Wide packing tape (at least 5 cm) is worth twice as much as narrow tape. Always reinforce the bottom of the box with two crossed passes. For fragile items use newspaper or clothes as protective material — saving on both materials and protection.
What to do with furniture and appliances
In many rented apartments in Milan the furniture belongs to the landlord — so you don't need to move it. If you own some furniture (an IKEA nightstand, a lamp), consider whether it's worth transporting or reselling on Subito.it before leaving.
For small appliances (blender, coffee maker) the best solution is to pack them in the original box if you still have it, or wrap them in towels inside a box. Avoid packing them with heavy items that could break them.
Calculate the costs: van vs storage vs Smoves
Renting a van in Milan during peak season costs between €80 and €150 per day, plus fuel and — most importantly — the time to load, drive and unload it. Factoring in the value of your time, it usually doesn't pay off for fewer than 20 boxes.
A pickup and storage service like Smoves starts at just a few euros per box: you book online, we pick everything up, and in September we bring it back wherever you want. For most away-from-home students in Milan it's the cheapest and least stressful option.
The ultimate checklist for moving out of your Milan student flat
3 weeks before: inventory everything in your room, gather boxes from supermarkets or order online, book your pickup with Smoves or reserve your transport.
1 week before: start packing items you use less (books, off-season clothes, decor). Label every box with content and destination room.
Moving day: only leave out things you need until the last moment (charger, dopp kit, change of clothes). Take photos of every room before returning the keys — it protects you in case of disputes over the security deposit.
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