Parents: Save Time, Money, and Stress with These College Move-In Hacks
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College drop off season is over and now is a good time for parents of returning students (and ever first timers) to reflect and learn on what they could have done differently to better manage the challenge and logistics of move-in day.
As a mom to a graduating college student who resides in an off-campus house and a college sophomore who lives in a dorm, I offer these three key tips to help parents navigate this process efficiently, save money, and reduce stress for the move out and next year’s move in process.
1. Listen to Your Child’s Feedback
One of the most important lessons parents learn after their child’s first year in college is that not everything on the standard dorm checklist is necessary.
Your child now (or will soon have) firsthand experience with dorm life and can tell you exactly what they used and what remained untouched.
Essentials vs. Non-Essentials: Many items you thought were crucial may end up being redundant.
For instance, while extra sheets might seem like a good idea, your child may find that one set suffices. Towels might be necessary, but perhaps not as many as you initially packed. Cleaning supplies are another example; many dorms provide cleaning services, making personal supplies less essential.
By taking your child’s feedback into account, you can lighten the load for the upcoming year.
This not only saves money but also reduces the hassle of packing and unpacking.
2. Rent a Smaller Vehicle and Buy Locally
As you probably noticed, moving day can be daunting, especially if you’re transporting a lot of items across long distances!
However, there’s a more efficient way to handle this.
Save Bulk items for Local Purchasing: Many college towns have nearby big-box stores like Target or Walmart where you can purchase bulky items such as fans, lamps, and even small furniture once you arrive.
This approach allows you to travel lighter and make more efficient use of your rental vehicle.
More Customized Buying Experience: Buying locally after you’ve assessed the dorm room layout can be advantageous. Your child may have specific needs based on the room’s configuration, which you can only identify once you’re there.
This way, you avoid unnecessary purchases and ensure everything you buy will be used.
3. Utilize Amazon Student for Free Shipping
One of the most convenient resources for college students is Amazon Student, which offers six months of free shipping.
This service can be a game-changer for obtaining necessary items throughout the year.
Seasonal Items: For instance, students attending schools in colder climates don’t need winter gear at the beginning of the academic year. Instead of packing heavy coats, gloves, and boots, you can order these items later as needed. This not only saves space but also ensures your child has what they need when they need it.
Convenience and Safety: By signing up for Amazon Student, your child can order items directly to their dorm or mailroom. This reduces the need for off-campus trips, which can be time-consuming and potentially stressful. Parents can link their Amazon account to their child’s, providing them with a budget for essential purchases.
Inclusivity: Amazon Student, now branded as Amazon Young Adult, extends its benefits beyond college students. Whether your child is interning, working, or pursuing other post-secondary activities, they can still take advantage of the free shipping offer.
Wrapping up
By following these three tips, parents of college sophomores and juniors can make the move-in process smoother and more efficient. Listening to your child’s feedback helps prioritize essential items, renting a smaller vehicle and buying locally saves time and money, and utilizing Amazon Young Adult ensures convenient and timely access to necessary supplies.
As a parent with years of experience navigating the college move-in process, I can attest that these strategies significantly reduce stress and make the transition back to school much more manageable. Remember, the goal is to support your child’s needs while keeping the process as hassle-free as possible.
Good luck to all parents and students as they embark on another exciting academic year!
