The College Student's Guide to Moving

By Nayra Mendoza on January 29, 2017

Behold readers, for I have the college student’s ultimate guide to moving

I have scoured through various articles and suggestions, pulled the essential advice, discovered and added neat tips, and compiled it in one place for you right here. Please learn from others’ experiences and wisdom, and avoid damaging, losing, or ruining your precious belongings during your move.

To make it easier for you, I broke down the long process of moving into three stages: the before, the during, and the after.

Image via pexels.com

Stage One: The Before

Who Needs to Know

Remind your leasing agent or housing landlord that you are moving out. While at the beginning of the move into your current place you should have discussed the length of your stay, he or she may have forgotten that you’re not staying forever. Be sure to also inform your utility company, your credit card company, and any other monthly subscriptions you have mailed to your door.

I would also take the time to change my address on shipping sites like Amazon or eBay. I have accidentally sent packages to old addresses, and the hassle to get them back was honestly unworthy and unnecessary.

Keep Important Papers on Hand

If you’re the kind of person that ends up stuffing all of your receipts, copies of signed contracts, and other important notices at the back of the drawer in your kitchen or bedroom, it’s time to recover those now. It would be in your best interest to organize these papers and keep them in a folder in case you need to present them elsewhere or show proof of residence.

Set Your Materials Straight

You will need lots of boxes, some black markers, duct tape, and newspaper, to pack all of your belongings and transport them safely to your new location. Because the purpose of this guide is to save you as much time and money as possible, below is a list of things you can do to save on both when gathering these basic moving materials:

•Boxes: U-Haul has a Box Exchange service to “help its customers sell, give away, or find boxes and moving supplies.” Retail and food-chain stores receive weekly shipments in boxes that usually get trashed, NOT recycled. Just ask an employee first.

•Markers and duct tape: You can find these materials at any grocery or office supplies store. If your campus has a bookstore, you can most likely find markers and tape there, too.

•Padding paper: Your campus newspaper should have multiple stands across grounds. Be sure to collect a paper every day for at least a week. Don’t make it too obvious that you’re repurposing the paper. As a matter of fact, you should read the school newspaper just for support. You can also find bubble wrap paper at office supplies stores. Furniture stores can also have left-over padding paper after unwrapping tables and chairs.

•Scissors or a box cutter. While I’d recommend a boxcutter, this guide is meant to save you money so don’t feel like you need to go out of your way and buy one. Simple scissors will do the trick.

Sort it Out

Nothing brings on the need to declutter like a move. Creating a sorting process for all of your belongings can make packing and decluttering a lot easier for you. Here are three things you need to keep track of: what you need to keep, want to keep, and want to get rid of.

Image via boulevardgroup.ca

Over time, you will collect posters, essay papers, books, rugs, plants, and clothes. Here’s a list of other things you probably won’t need at your new apartment.

Stage Two: The During 

Find Some Extra Hands

Friends that are willing to help you move are THE BEST PEOPLE ON THE PLANET. Do not argue with me on this.

Image via Twitter

Hiring a moving company can help you save time and energy. It won’t save you money, though. Be prepared to pay upwards of $200 to let the professionals handle your furniture. Try calling local moving companies for the best prices.

Heavy Things First

While you can choose to unload your vehicle any way you’d like, I would suggest that you move all of your big and heavy furniture first. Boxes, bags, suitcases, and baskets may take more than a few trips and will tire you out before you even pick up a chair.

Stage Three: The After

Reward Your Helpers

I cannot thank my friends enough for helping me move beds, couches, and tables over the years. And while that’s what friends are for, it always helps to reward their awesomeness. A pizza and movie night goes a long way with your loved ones.

Donate or Sell

Now that you have a basket full of clothes and shoes you’re getting rid of, don’t immediately dismiss the value of your trash. What do they say about another man’s treasure? Please consider donating school supplies to schools, clothes to homeless shelters, and furniture to a local furnishing store.

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