6 Tips for Moving Your Kids to College

Sending your kid off to college is a momentous time, but getting them there can be a hassle. Whether you’re moving your child into a dorm for the first time or you’re a seasoned veteran, these simple tips will help make the move easier for everyone.

1. Start Packing Early

During the summer months, your kids will be busy making memories with family and friends and may also be feeling a bit of anxiety about moving. This makes it easy to put off packing, but don’t make this common moving mistake. Plan to start packing at least three weeks to a month before your scheduled moving date so you don’t have to rush.

2. Document the Process

As the move gets closer, it’s common to start feeling like your head is spinning. Help relieve the stress and make sure you don’t forget anything important by creating a moving checklist. Work with your teen to write down everything they think they’ll need, then decide whether you’ll bring the items from home or buy them when you get there. As you start packing items on the list, check them off so you know what’s been done and what still needs to be addressed.

3. Keep Clothes on Their Hangers

If your teen has a lot of hanging clothes, don’t pack them in boxes or suitcases. Instead, keep them on the hangers, cover the clothes with a garbage bag, and secure it with a rubber band. This makes moving super easy. When you get to the dorm room, just remove the bag and hang everything back up.

4. Don’t Overpack

It’s easy to overestimate the amount of space in a dorm room. When deciding what to bring, focus on efficiency and space savings. Also, remember that you can easily order items online and have them delivered to the dorm if necessary.

Make sure your teen only brings the clothing they’ll need for the current season. They can always switch out their wardrobe when they come home on breaks.

5. Be Patient

Sending your kid off to college can be stressful and emotionally draining, and packing and moving also present physical challenges. There’s a good chance emotions may be running high on moving day, so do your best to remain calm and patient. Remember that this is a special day for your child and a chance for you to make important memories.

6. Get Help if You Need It

If your child is moving into a dorm nearby, you’ll likely be able to pack up the car and hit the road together. But if your child is moving a long distance or will be living in off-campus housing, hiring a moving company may be a smart idea. This will allow you to focus on transporting your teen and getting them settled while leaving the hard work to the professionals.

Hiring a mover often costs less than you may think and is well worth the extra expense. Contact us today to request a free quote!