August 13, 2012

MOVING TO UNIVERSITY/COLLEGE RESIDENCE REQUIRES

SMART ORGANIZATION AND PLANNING

by: Dan Hopkins 

For most first year university or college students, a new school year means a new home.

Moving into a dormitory for the first time can be a stressful change. However, taking a few painless steps can make the transition to the new “home away from home” go more smoothly.

Moving children to their university or college of choice for the first time can leave parents and their student children physically and emotionally drained, if unprepared. It’s easy to get frustrated when faced with packing and condensing belongings which will ultimately have to fit in a small room shared by one to three other people.

So here are seven tips for parents and students to make the process easier:

● Start early – don’t wait until the last minute to collect boxes and moving supplies. Start packing non-essential items immediately, such as seasonal clothing. Clearly label all boxes so unpacking is easy.

● Try to condense – go through the new student’s belongings before packing. Reduce the amount of items to move to start the school year clutter-free.

● Use the right supplies – shop around for competitive prices on supplies. Avoid using old shopping bags, laundry baskets or topless boxes to transport belongings. Items can get tossed around during the move and if loose items fall out, people can get hurt. Also, beware of using grocery store boxes – they stored food and can carry bugs.

● Pack similar items together – label the boxes so they are easily identified. This will help the student prioritize unpacking without making a huge mess.

● Don’t over-pack boxes – remember, the heavier the item, the smaller the box.

● Use original packaging for large electronics when possible – the safest way to transport electronics like a computer, TV, mini-fridge or a microwave is to use the original packaging. If it’s not available, wrap the electronics in anti-static bubble wrap.

● Recycle – buying reusable supplies like high-quality containers is good for parents’ wallets and for the environment. Most corrugated cardboard boxes can be easily folded and stored during the school year. Plastic storage bins with lids are also a good option. The containers parents buy this year can be reused and recycled throughout their student’s University career. 

Other Articles by Dan Hopkins:

Packing Up For A Move: Breaking Down The Process

Brides and Grooms Combining Households for the First Time

Follow "The Golden Rule" for Moving Etiquette

Five Ways to Make Moving a Cleaner, Greener Process

Sort, Downsize and Organize Now For a Stress-free Spring and a Happier Summer

Understanding the Language of Moving

Moving Can Be Fun, and Kid-Friendly

Make Future Holidays Merrier by Properly Packing Seasonal Decorations

Make Moving Comfortable For Seniors

Top 10 Tips for Moving with Dogs

Expected the Unexpected When Moving

The Word-of-Mouth Factor

Moving is Much More Than Picking Up Boxes

The Grandma Rules, Rules!

To Pack, or Not To Pack...

Do your Research and Choose Your Mover Wisely

ABOUT TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® – CANADA

In 2005, TMT International awarded its first master franchise in Canada to TMT Franchising Corp - a division of the Heron Capital Corporation. The Canadian TMT Master Franchise company currently has a customer referral rate of 94 per cent with fourteen Ontario locations servicing London, Hamilton, Halton, Mississauga North, Mississauga South, Brampton, Etobicoke, Toronto Mid-Town, Toronto East, Oshawa, Barrie, Newmarket / Aurora, Kingston and Ottawa. Visit www.twomen.ca.

Dan Hopkins is Chief Operating Officer, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® - CANADA

ABOUT TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK has been in business for over 25 years and currently operates in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and Ireland with 200 locations operating 1,400 moving trucks and completed 358,000 moves last year. www.twomen.com.