5 Moving Tips for College Students
It’s back-to-school time, and we’re here with some moving tips for college students!
Our company was founded in 1973 by college students working while attending the University of Virginia. Their idea was to provide moving services in and around the Charlottesville area, enabling college students to earn money for their tuition. That idea has evolved into what the company is today: A full-service professional moving company based in Charlottesville, offering nationwide service.
We’ve always had close ties to the university community here in Charlottesville, and we often work with students at other universities in the area. Over the years, we’ve learned a lot about what makes a college move-in and move-out day go smoothly for students and their parents.
Here are some of our top tips!
#1
Unpack Snacks, Drinks and Cleaning Supplies first
Many students and parents have traveled long distances from their home towns when they arrive on move-in or move-out day. One of the best ways to feel refreshed after a long travel day is to hydrate and refuel with good snacks! We recommend having a cooler and box of snacks easily accessible so that everyone has the energy to load or unload. If you’re bringing along a mini fridge for your dorm or apartment, remember to pack that last so you can unload and stock it as soon as you arrive! Pro tip: unpack your cleaning supplies first, as you may want to clean your space before settling in.
#2
Coordinate With Your Roommates
Since you might share a living space with two or more roommates, it can be a good idea to stagger your moving times to eliminate the stress of having too many people moving simultaneously. Often, students get moving help from parents, siblings, and friends. Extra hands are great but even better if your family isn’t running into your roommate’s family in doorways and stairways!
#3
Prepare for Bad Weather
Moving-day lousy weather can make things a bit more complicated. While you can't control the temperature and what's falling from the sky, you can do a few things to prepare for inclement conditions. Bring rain jackets and umbrellas, and wear shoes that are easy to remove at the door to keep the mud out of your space. Some extra towels are a good idea, in case the floors get slippery! Bring something waterproof to put over your cardboard boxes as you're carrying them inside, or try to pack in waterproof containers if you have them. Stretch wrap is a material we often use, making your boxes and belongings a little more waterproof!
#4
Borrow a Furniture Dolly
We always recommend renting or borrowing a furniture dolly or hand truck for your moving day. This tool is beneficial because it eliminates the need to lift and carry every single box! Our team uses them all the time (they can make a massive difference for the people helping you move.)
#5
Consider Your Summer Storage Options
We recommend summer storage if you live out of state or don't want to move your belongings back and forth each school year. We've offered summer storage to UVA students for years, minimizing the stress of moving for students and their parents. It works out because you don't need to rent a truck or rate shop for storage units, and parents don't need to travel to help their student(s) move. It also helps ensure that everyone stays injury-free since we do the moving!
Students can fill out this form to request a quote, review the cost, then call our office to schedule their pick-up date and time at the end of the semester. When summer ends, you call to schedule your delivery date and time!
