Tick-tock, tick-tock… the long-awaited move-in day is fast approaching! You’re probably so excited about starting this new chapter of your life, but you’re also no doubt feeling a bit overwhelmed as you prepare to embark on this new journey. Moving away to college is a great life experience, but it can also be really stressful, especially when you’re moving far away.
Today we’ll be diving into the nitty-gritty details of long-distance moving for college. From what you should pack to how to tackle it to some tips and tricks for packing like a professional, read on for the best advice on long-distance moving for college.
Preparing to Move a Long Distance to College
Preparing to move long distances for college can be an overwhelming and tedious task. So, it is important to properly plan ahead and make sure that you consider all parts of the process when making your move. Ultimately, careful organization and adequate planning will save you a lot of time, stress, and money in the long run.
When it comes to preparing for a long-distance move to college, there are some important considerations that need to be made: Start looking at potential movers early on; create a budget; plan out exactly what needs to be moved and where it needs to go; ask lots of questions; and keep documents organized. It’s also wise to pack an overnight bag with essential items just in case something goes wrong, so you have some supplies on hand. Additionally, if you are making multiple trips back and forth between two spots for any reason during your move, make sure to plan out maps and routes beforehand.
Organizing Your Important Items
Organizing your important items, such as documents, electronics, and valuables, is an often-overlooked step when packing for the move. To make sure you can access the items easily and at any point during the move, it’s best to create a separate box specifically for these important items. A dedicated container ensures that all of your private information isn’t just floating around among other items. Documents like birth certificates, health records, credit card statements, diplomas, and certificates should all be kept away from everyday items—all in one place. Similarly, wrap up jewellery, fragile electronics, or any other sentimental objects and pack them carefully with newspaper or bubble wrap in a separate box.
Having everything set up early on provides a sense of security as it eliminates any pressure life offers from strange distractions and unforeseen obstacles that come with relocating miles away from home.
Making a Packing List & Blueprint
At this point in the process of packing for a long-distance move, it’s important to create a packing list and a blueprint of your belongings. This will not only help to identify what items need to be brought with you but also aid in figuring out where everything should go at the new destination.
Creating this document ahead of time might seem tedious, but it can save valuable time when it comes to unpacking and moving into a new home. It’s a great way to keep track of smaller details that could easily slip through the cracks when trying to remember who owns what and where they last saw it.
When formulating this list, take inventory of everything that needs to be brought with you. In doing so, make sure to consult any roommate(s) beforehand about items that could be brought or left behind, as you don’t want duplicate supplies building up in one room!
Transportation and Shipping Options
Once you have your blueprint and packing list ready, the next step is to decide how to transport items and send shipments. There are two main options when it comes to transportation and shipping: doing it yourself or hiring a professional. Consider both options carefully before making a decision.
When it comes to transporting items yourself, you can either ship items that may cost more to move in your vehicle or attempt to rent a truck, trailer, or moving container. The main advantage of this option is that it gives you control over the timing and flexibility of the move. The downside is the hassle of finding reliable transportation that can hold all of your items in one trip at an affordable price.
Hiring a professional moving company is another popular option for long-distance moves. When you use a professional service, there are a few big benefits: they will make sure that your belongings are moved and packed safely, they will handle most of the work from packing to unpacking, they will offer insurance in case any items are lost or damaged during the move, they will offer storage options if you want them, and they usually have good deals for different packages depending on your budget and needs.
Selecting the Right Carriers & Boxes
Once you have chosen a transportation method and shipping option, it is critical to focus on selecting the right carriers and boxes. Carriers should be strong and sturdy enough to survive the long journey and be able to safely support the weight of your items. For example, if you are transporting heavier items like furniture, invest in reliable moving vans with appropriate box sizes. Alternatively, for smaller items, consider selecting suitably sized boxes that fit comfortably instead of squeezing them full until they become overloaded.
Packing & Containerize Your Belongings
Now that you have selected the right carriers and boxes to transport your belongings, it’s time to start packing. Moving your possessions over long distances can be a daunting task if not done the right way. It is important to pack your items in a way that ensures everything arrives safely and without damage.
Beginning with big items, like furniture, use plastic or cardboard sheets whenever possible to ensure that all surfaces are well protected. Pack larger items along the walls or corners of the truck to maximize space and minimize shifting. Place lighter items on top of heavier ones so that all items remain secure during travel. And lastly, use tie-downs for items that are too large for boxes and padding.
For smaller items, group similar items together in boxes like books, kitchen supplies, clothes, bedding, etc. Whenever possible, use original boxes from appliances like TVs or gaming systems as those are best designed for protecting those particular objects. It is also helpful to label each box with its contents as carefully as possible, so you know where everything should go when setting up your new home.
Tracking & Budgeting for Your Move
Once you have prepared your Essential Items and Supplies List and are ready to begin packing and preparing your move, it is important to remember to track and budget for your move. Moving can get expensive quickly, so tracking and budgeting appropriately are essential.
One strategy for tracking and budgeting for your move could involve creating a spreadsheet with all of the costs associated with the move. This could include packing materials, equipment rentals if needed, gas costs, shipping costs for sending things early, etc. With all the expenses associated with the move, you will be able to better plan ahead and avoid surprises at the end.
If you don’t want to deal with the stress of moving, you can rely on Division 1 Moving & Storage services. Not only do we move, but we also assist with packing, storage, and all of your other moving needs. Contact us!