College Moving Tips to Make Your Transition Easier
Going to college is a huge milestone. It’s an exciting time, but it’s also a stressful time. A lot of things are changing! Whether you (or your child) are moving a long distance or are just moving across town, actually moving into a dorm can make the whole process a little more stressful (and a little more exciting).
A little planning – and maybe a little help from some local movers in Mesa – can help everyone feel better prepared so that the transition is an easier one. Here are a few tips for how you can make the move to college a little easier:
The Student Should Do the Packing
If you’re the parent, resist the urge to pack for your budding college student. That’s just going to set you up for a lot of calls, texts, and emails asking you where things are or asking you to bring things that were “overlooked.” By making the student do the packing, you ensure that they know exactly what is in the boxes and where everything is. You also ensure that they pack everything they deem important, which will ease their anxiety as they make the transition.
Get Rid of Old Clothes
Before anyone starts packing, make sure you (or your student) clears out those old clothes that aren’t being worn. If there are a pair of jeans in the closet that aren’t being worn now, chances aren’t good that the jeans will be worn in a new place with new standards and new style expectations. Don’t bother packing the clothes that aren’t going to be worn.
By reducing the amount you move, you also save money with the money company, which will base your quote on the size of the truck needed to carry everything, the labor needed to move it, and so on. The fewer things you have to move, the less it’s going to cost to move.
Pack Seasonal Clothes in Boxes
Usually, college starts during the warmer months. While you will need to pack winter clothes to have when the temperatures drop, it’s not important to have these clothes readily available. It can help to get things ordered and sorted where they need to be right away by putting seasonal clothes in boxes, rather than in suitcases.
Use this same logic to pack away things that will be useful later but not needed right away.
Bring Organizers
Dorms are small, and you need to do what you can to make the most of that space. Organizers can help. Think portable shower caddies, pop-up laundry hampers, shoe racks, and so on. Thinking through these needs and bringing these items now instead of shopping for them later can take a lot off the moving checklist and make the transition to college life much easier.
Pack an Essentials Bag
Most people don’t dive right into unpacking as soon as they’re settled in a new place. Instead, they spend weeks or months scouring boxes every time they need something. That’s stressful and time-consuming!
You can make those first weeks and months of college life a little easier by packing an “essentials” bag. This should include things like first-aid items (bandaids, ointment, and so on), disinfecting wipes, laundry detergent, dryer sheets, ear plugs, and a sleep mask.
Make an Information Packet
Finding things won’t be the only stressful part of unpacking and getting settled. You (or your rising college student) are going to have to figure out where things like the cafeteria and the student union are, where to show up and when for orientation, and where classes are. You’ll also need to know where to park during the move-in.
Make an information packet to keep with your essentials bag in the car. Have this easily accessible to answer any questions that will pop up in those first days and weeks.
Meet the New Roomie
The new roommate is a shadowy and elusive figure – and a source of major stress for the new college student. You can alleviate some of this stress by arranging for a meeting before the big in-person meeting. Find out the person’s name and contact information, and then reach out to them through email or social media (or encourage your rising college student to do so).
Following these and other tips can help you make the college moving and transition process a lot easier. Hiring a local mover in Mesa can also help tremendously. You may not think it’s necessary to hire a mover since you don’t have a “lot” of stuff, but the stuff ends up being much more than you think. And having the help to move even small loads can free up your time and your focus for managing other aspects of the move.
A to Z Valleywide Movers is here to help. We are a Gilbert moving company offering both local and long-distance moves at affordable prices. Our movers are experienced and professional, and they have the tools and skills to get you moved quickly and safely. We’ll take the burden off you so you can focus on your transition, rather than the logistics of your move. We can handle the move or can even pack and unpack your things for you. Contact us in Mesa today to get a free quote for your move!
Published By:
A to Z Valleywide Movers – Michael Rodriguez
2316 E. Rawhide St.
Gilbert, AZ 85296
Office: 602-422-6409
Email: service@azvalleywidemovers.com
Website: https://www.azvalleywidemovers.com
