Getting into college is quite an achievement. There is all the applications, the stressful waiting and finally the acceptance. If your college is far from home then you will have to find a good apartment, or a dorm if you live on campus. Moving to campus can be tricky, so to alleviate your distress here is a guide on the ways to get your stuff there.
1. Use a Car if You Have One
This is usually the first choice for most students moving to college. It is the least expensive method, particularly if your parents will be driving you there. If you are making a trip across the country, rent a car for a one-way trip rather than flying your belongings there. It is affordable and it is a chance to have a road trip.
As cars are small, you can only pack the essential items that you cannot do without. So cars are great for those moving into dormitories as they do not require as many items. Cars can also be a way to transport smaller more delicate items, while bulkier items are transported by movers or bus.
2. Take The Bus
Buses are the next most inexpensive option on this list, and they are very easy to use. Buses will transport absolutely anything you are carrying with you to college. You could take the bus along with your items, or you could fly ahead and the bus could transport them to your destination.
Transporting items by bus is usually based on weight, so if your boxes are heavier, than you pay more. You may also pay extra for unusual belongings which are tricky to park. Buses are great for dorm moves, as students rarely need a lot of things.
3. Consider a Truck or a Van
If you are moving into a dorm you will probably have no need for a truck or van as you cannot carry many belongings into a dorm room. However, if you plan on getting an apartment then you are probably anticipating transporting a lot more things. If you are planning on renting with friends and you came from the same area, you can share the costs of renting.
Before renting a truck or van, determine how large a vehicle you will need to transport all your things. Also read reviews regarding the companies online, to ensure that they are trustworthy. If possible look for referrals so that you can be sure.
4. Use Containers
This is a rarely used option, but one that can be great for students. It is much less expensive than using a mover. You get to choose what size of container you want, and how long you can have it outside your home so that you can take your time packing or unpacking.
The great thing about containers is that they help you save money on movers, and if you are not too keen on the idea of driving a truck long distances then you still get your belongings transported by someone else. It is perfect if your belongings do not fit into a car.
5. Consider Self-Service as an Option
Self-service moving is slightly cheaper than hiring a mover. You rent a truck and your family and friends help you load it up while the mover drives it to your destination. It is a great option if you are transporting a lot of things to college. Talk to your company to know how much they will let you transport.
Self-service lets you save costs while avoiding the problem of having to drive a large truck to your destination. Self-service is a great option if you are moving into an apartment and you have lots of belongings, you save money and still get someone else to drive.
6. Fly To College
This is definitely the most expensive alternative if you are not hiring a moving company. This is determined by how many things you are transporting and the distance to your destination. This is a great option for long distance travel, and can be excellent for those who do need everything at once. You can carry the essentials, and have the other items transported by another means.
7. Consider Hiring Movers
Finally you can consider using movers to get your belongings to campus. In general this is the most expensive option, however if you select a good company like Budget or Enterprise you can end up with a great experience. This option is great for those students with lots of things to move.
Ensure that you select a respectable company. Do this by asking for referrals, reading reviews online and going to the Better Business Bureau website. Look up the credentials of your company to ensure that they checkout, which will save you the risk of being scammed or having your property lost or damaged.
