Busy Bee Movers gives tips for a smooth, stress-free local, long-distance, or college move over the summer.
Introduction
Summertime is a popular season for families to relocate to a new home. The warmer weather is the perfect backdrop for moving to a new home or apartment filled with the promise of brighter things and the American dream.
Many recent graduates are also on their way to their chosen colleges and universities with the electricity of excitement in their souls. Or students may be returning home from college for summer break.
Whatever your specific circumstances, summer is the season for moving. However, summer moving is a challenging task; a lot of work and stress can come your way with any move.
You owe it to yourself to make the transition smooth and hassle-free. Here are some tips for making your move this summer a success.
Tips and Tricks
Plan Early
As they say, the early bird gets the worm. Begin organizing your move well in advance to avoid last-minute stress. There will be plenty of stress-makers on moving days, so there’s no reason to add unnecessarily!
Part of your preparation for your move might be to learn a few new life skills to make the transition easier, especially if this move will take you further away from family.
Try learning a few simple recipes to save money on eating out. Or research other ways to save money by learning basic home repair and maintenance skills.
While we’re touching on money, set up a budget for your moving project. Understand what boundaries you must work within to see the move through to completion without the added stress of taking on unexpected costs.
The more planning you do, the less unexpected things will crop up with your move to your new residence.
Make a Checklist
Create a comprehensive checklist of all the tasks you must accomplish before, during, and after the move. It’s far too easy to forget simple necessities, and purchasing these at the last minute can add significantly to the overall cost of the move.
Schedule time to make a list of belongings that you will need for your new space. These may fall into several categories listed below.
ESSENTIALS
- Identification documents (ID card, driver’s license, passport)
- Acceptance letter or other college documents
- Health insurance information
- Financial documents (bank account details, credit/debit cards)
- Prescription medications and documents
- Keys!
BEDROOM AND STUDY SUPPLIES
- Bedding, including sheets, pillowcases, and comforter
- Pillows
- Mattress pad or topper
- Desk lamp
- Study desk and chair
- Desk organizer
- Notebooks, pens, pencils
- Sticky notes and index cards
- Power or surge strips and extension cords
- Laptop or computer with charger and essential accessories
- Printer and printer paper
CLOTHING AND PERSONAL CARE ITEMS
- Clothes hangers
- Seasonal clothing
- Undergarments and socks
- Shoes suitable for various activities
- Winter gear (jacket, hat, gloves, boots)
- Towels and washcloths
- Shower caddy
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo)
- Personal care items (razors, hygiene products)
- Laundry detergent, fabric softener, laundry basket
- Iron and ironing board
- Sewing kit
- Basic first aid kit
KITCHEN AND DINING
- Microwave
- Mini-fridge
- Cooking and eating utensils
- Pots, pans
- Plates, bowls, glasses
- Can opener
- Water bottle
- Food storage containers
- Coffee maker or tea kettle
- Cooking ingredients (salt, pepper, oil, etc.)
- Snacks and non-perishable food staples
ELECTRONICS AND ENTERTAINMENT
- Television
- Gaming console
- Streaming devices
- Headphones
- Charging cables
- Batteries
CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE
- Basic cleaners to tidy up upon arrival (all-purpose cleaner, disinfectant wipes)
- Vacuum cleaner, broom, and dustpan
- Trash bags
- Paper towels
- Air freshener
- Small tool kit for assembling furniture or handling minor repairs
MISCELLANEOUS
- Backpack or tote bag
- Umbrella
- Room decorations
- Removable adhesive strips and hooks
- Books or e-readers
- Sports equipment
Do Your Research
Save yourself time and stress by researching your options ahead of your move. Check with your college or university facilities regarding move-in procedures, prohibited items, and necessary paperwork.
For example, some institutions may not allow or already provide small kitchen appliances.
Contact them beforehand to discuss shared items and responsibilities if you have a roommate. This also lets you establish a rapport and start on the right foot.
Packing
Work smarter when it comes time to package and label belongings for your move. You can save yourself a lot of stress with how you organize, whether your move is long-distance or just down the road.
Plenty of sturdy cardboard boxes and packing tape are on hand to seal the boxes. Boxes that are the same size and shape allow for easier storage during the move if using a moving truck.
Optimize space by rolling clothes and using vacuum bags to remove air from bulky clothing items. Pack similar items together.
Keep a separate bag or box for essential items like toiletries, medications, a change of clothes, and important documents.
Remember when packing that you must reverse when you get to your destination! Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to, making unpacking much easier.
Only bring what you truly need to avoid clutter and save space if the move is temporary. Include basic medical supplies like band-aids, pain relievers, and necessary prescription medications.
Use storage bins, folders, and desk organizers to keep your belongings and study materials in order in your dorm.
Smooth Transition
A relocation brings a lot of changes, and there are a lot of details to remember. But there are some things you can do to smooth out any rough patches that may crop up with careful forethought.
Contact utility companies to ensure your dorm or apartment has essential services like electricity, internet, and water. Inform your bank, credit card companies, and other relevant institutions of your new address.
Having familiar items can make your new space feel more like home, whether it’s photos, a favorite pillow, or a cozy blanket.
Moving away from home can be an emotional experience. Be open to new experiences, and remember to take care of your mental health.
Busy Bee Movers is Here to Help
For 30 years, Busy Bee Movers has helped thousands of residents and offices in Indiana move safely and efficiently. Our professional movers provide exceptional service at affordable, competitive prices.
You can trust us to handle your move for you. Or you may be interested in a DIY move and only need supplies or storage space. Whatever you need, we are here to help!
Whether your college move is taking you to Indiana University Bloomington, Purdue University in West Lafayette, or Notre Dame, you can be sure Busy Bee Movers can get the job done.
Conclusion
Summer is when America is on the move. While many details can derail your moving project, we hope the checklist above can keep you from overlooking essential items.
Know that Busy Bee Movers looks forward to making your moving experience worry-free.
