Back-to-school season sees thousands of college students packing their childhood rooms into cars, vans, and mobile trailers for transport to off-campus dorms and apartments. While college students normally do not have quite a lot of stuff to move around, the process can be tedious and overwhelming.
Whether you are moving to college for the first time or your third time, you will find ways to make your moves smarter and, believe it or not, more fun. There are many resources available to make moving to college a lot easier. One of the most practical things you can do is rent a moving truck. Since transferring colleges often means traveling long distances, it can be difficult to get a lot of people to help with the move. Rather than loading equipment into multiple vehicles, a truck is a fantastic and easy solution.
Instead of relying on guesswork, take some tips from the experts at Penske Truck Hire:
1. Compact. College apartments are small and dorm rooms are even smaller. Especially if you have roommates. Everything you own will not fit, so try before you start packing to only take the essentials with you. Reduce everything by considering what you need most. For example, if you have a few pieces of clothing that you love for special occasions but barely wear, it is better not to bring them with you. Instead, take clothes, shoes and private items that you wear often with you. As for what you will need, see if your college has a list of the essentials; this can be used as a guide.
2. Overcome packing little by little. Last minute packing causes stress and the potential to overpack, or forget something. Get started early and make a list of things you need to bring but cannot pack until it is time to leave. Also leave the box open and waiting for extra items while you consider it. When moving day finally arrives, ensure you have sturdy boxes in a wide range of sizes, together with foam “peanuts” and bubble wrap to protect your fragile items, in addition to a good supply of packing tape and a thick marker to label the boxes. Moving blankets and hand trucks will make the experience easier, so ensure you have those prepared.
3. Mark and group. Label the outside of your box when you pack. Try to make a general list of what is in the box. It’s a good idea to label the box with your first name or a symbol that will help you identify yours, particularly if you have roommates or are moving into a dorm. In the hustle and bustle of thousands of students moving without delay, it is important to reduce confusion.
4. Plan ahead. If you are renting a moving truck, it is necessary to order it at least two weeks in advance. Since it is a busy moving season, delaying can leave you stuck without transportation. Most movers find a 12 or 16 foot truck perfect for moving several large items or the contents of a small apartment. For a truck selection guide, visit www.PenskeTruckRental.com.
5. Safety and security. Trucks are taller, wider, heavier and require longer stopping distances than the vehicles you are used to driving. Take extra precautions, particularly when the truck is loaded. Watch out for low-hanging tree branches and overhanging buildings, and take care when cornering. To protect your belongings, park in a well-lit area and lock the back door, particularly if stopping at night. If possible, back up trucks tightly against building walls to stop access to storage areas. This can be particularly important when moving to college, as thieves have the ripe opportunity to take advantage of the busy days leading up to the start of the academic year.
One final packing tip is to keep important documents such as boarding registration and confirmation information, in addition to credit cards, driver’s licenses, drinks, and energy snacks in an unpacked bag for easy accessibility. For a full list of moving tips, visit www.PenskeTruckRental.com.
