Relocating a college student out-of-state can be an exciting time—but let’s be honest, it might feel daunting! Between packing up dorm necessities and figuring out the logistics of long-distance, there is a lot to consider. The biggest piece of advice is to be proactive, be organized, and involve your student in the process. Here is a simplified checklist to help make the big move more straightforward.
Start With a Plan
First, establish a timeline. Start with the move-in date and work backwards, listing things to do like packing and budgeting, and deciding how to move. It pays to plan well ahead to avoid the craziness of last minute packing! Consider checking out college storage for Drexel for a convenient option for storage.
Budgeting will be important too. Long distance moves can get expensive quickly, with moving services, gas or fuel, an overnight stay in a hotel, or shipping fees, etc. Start a budget to avoid incurring surprises. It will also be helpful to openly discuss money with your student, and since many times they can help with money from savings or summer jobs, there is a clear understanding about finances.
Declutter Before You Pack
Before loading the car or renting a truck, help your student sort through their possessions and categorize them into three piles: keep, donate/sell or toss. Be sure to encourage them to be as honest as possible—do they really need that collection of mugs or last semester’s textbooks? If they come across items they don’t want to take with them, locally donated or sold would be a good thing to consider. If you are going to beg for summer storage for college students in Haverford, there are businesses that can make the transition task easier.
When loading, use good boxes, use bubble wrap for fragile items, and use vacuum-sealed bags for clothes and linens. Clearly label all the boxes, designated items by the room and contents. Last but not least, put together an “essentials box” that includes items like toiletries, a change of clothes, cell phone chargers and snacks—this could save you time on a moving day. If you need summer storage for college students in Haverford, our services can simplify the transition.
Choose the Right Moving Option
There are a number of routes you can take to relocate your student’s belongings out of state:
- DIY Rental Truck: Great for a shorter distance move or smaller move. You do all of the driving, loading, and heavy lifting.
- Professional Movers: More expensive, but less stressful. Great for longer distances and larger amounts of things to transport.
- Portable Storage Containers: Versatile and cost-effective. You do the loading and they do the transporting.
- Shipping Boxes: Great for smaller moves—but pack carefully!
- Car Shipping: If your student is bringing a car but not driving it to the new college, you may want to consider hiring an auto transport company (goodbye, local car rental agency).
Each option has pros and cons, but it’s up to you to decide your transportation of belongings based on distance, costs, and amount of assistance.
For many families, the best “moving” option is actually not moving at all. By utilizing summer storage for college students in Cornell, out-of-state students can leave their bulky items safely in Ithaca, completely eliminating the need for expensive rental trucks or long-distance shipping during the break.
Help Them Settle In
Once they’re in and settled, it’s all back to basics – assemble their new bed, unpack the essentials and get out and explore the new surroundings with them. If they’re in a dormitory, check the decorating and what you are allowed to do. Of course moving an out of state student is more than logistics. It is emotional. Let your student know this is completely normal, and that the enthusiasm and nerves will hit all at once! Maintain open communication, but allow them some independence to grow with their new friends and thrive in this new place.
Are you ready to start your college moving stress-free? Contact us today to share more about dependable college moving and storage options created for students and families on the go!
