By Julie DeLong, A-1 Freeman
Summer always flies by, however, if you are the parent of a soon-to-be-college freshman, it truly is at warp pace. Typically the to-do list looks never-ending, and at the bottom of the list is the big question--how do you get everything from home to the university in Houston? In the event your child is actually heading to college down the interstate and you have a minivan, you'll be able to congratulate yourself and obtain something else to read through. But if your child's dream college is across the nation while you are living in the city and drive a Prius, moving to Houston could be a real stress. Here are several guidelines to help you to maneuver down the list, allowing you to delight in your last few months together with your fledgling.
Getting It Together
Currently, cyberspace can make school purchasing a breeze. Numerous retailers give you a college checklist page that sometimes has a registry--kind of like when you got married, just towels and sheets for just one. It's also possible to purchase at your house and grab your things nearby campus in Houston, or shop on the web and get your stuff delivered directly to the dorm. As an extra advantage, a multitude of locations offer free postage when you spend over a specific amount. This Age group whatever the letter grew up online therefore, to them, every other way of getting prepared for college seems bizarre.
In case your kid would like to shop in person, your first stop ought to be someplace for big bins--an assortment of sizes, meaning you can leave a few there (determine what the under-bed clearance is; storage is limited) and re-use them on move-out day. (Young people move a LOT, in case you have forgotten.) Designate the bins with masking tape, again so they can be used again.
Packing clothes is distinct to your situation, not a one-size-fits-all method. Some parts of the nation have a relatively constant environment, where winter means a thick jacket and lasts around three weeks. A number of schools are substantial and college students walk quite a bit, others are compressed and urban. Your child's school might be a fairly short distance, so exchanging out a set of clothes is a breeze. Or, it could be thousands of miles away and everything for the year goes at the same time. Regardless of how many suitcases you bring, leave just a duffle bag and possibly a hanging bag there--space is tight, and you can bring the whole set of bags back in May.
Getting It There
Again, each and every scenario is unique, but there's one constant. Except if you happen to reside across the street from the campus in Houston, you've got to get all of the stuff from your home to school. Here are a few alternatives for moving to Houston, feel free to merge and match.
· Driving Yourself--if you have an SUV or even a couple and your mileage is not much more than one or two hundred miles, you are able to most likely load up and go. If you have bought the necessities on the web and they are coming to the dorm, you may be capable of getting away with one vehicle. The downside to travelling a long range is the fact that means time off from your job, and accommodations along the route. Additionally, it may mean babysitters for younger brothers and sisters, or pet boarding, thus be mindful of costs you are going to bear.
· Flying--some kids are self-sufficient and therefore are happy to be dropped off at the airport. Flying may be suitable for a few families, and you could ship all of their stuff ahead of time so it's there when you arrive. Checking bags incurs serious cash, so shipping is really the sole thing which makes sense with traveling by plane.
· Hiring Movers--may seem to be extravagant, but in the long run may well be a truly handy solution. If you've got that Prius and therefore are considering renting an SUV as well as the costs that go with a long journey, using the services of professional movers in Houston could help you save time and money. Jump in the Prius and meet up with the movers at the dorm--and you'll have help actually moving the boxes.
Since you have settled on the logistics for relocating Junior in the dormitory, commence your checklist for the true moving to Houston. Quite a few educational institutions move in on a weekday (the more effective to mess with dad's or mom's work schedules), so the primary thing you'll need to do is check out the date and request the time off. Here are several other suggestions to bear in mind.
· Student Help--Most colleges have student volunteers to assist you unpack and move boxes, and set up any furnishings (if you're using a loft, validate they will be around for that). These kids are excellent resources regarding eateries, as well.
· Stairs or Elevators--If you are lucky enough to have a building having an elevator, be prepared to wait in a long, long, line. Likelihood is good you'll need to deal with stairs in its place; potentially up 3 or 4 flights.
· Check-in--Student Housing offices are generally a large distance from the actual students in addition to their dorms. Before you decide to get a parking place at the dormitory and start unloading, be sure you can get inside the building. Colleges vary about check-in policies--some have staff members at the dorms distributing ID cards and also keys, others, you must visit the office in order to let them know you're there and get moving.
· Cleaning Supplies--College dormitories are not known to stand out in cleanness. They are cleaned between inhabitants, but not to five-star resort standards--and might not get cleaned once again until May. Bring along some wipes plus a dry mop to dust the surfaces and floors, plus a small basket of basic cleaning supplies to leave. A few universities have housekeeping services, but the majority do not and young adults haven't gotten a lot more meticulous regarding cleaning in the recent years. (Some things never change.)
· Rentals--Find out the cost to rent a mini-fridge and microwave oven from the school, and see if it's cheaper than buying. Consider things such as repairs and also transportation back and forth to your house whenever you make your decision--they're both economical to purchase, however, if something goes wrong, it's your problem.
· Parent Programming--Find out what types of events are organized for moms and dads on moving day. If you're going to a big state school, there won't be a whole lot offered except if your child is an athlete or in the honors college or something along those lines. Smaller institutions tend to be more apt to offer coffee and muffins along with a bit of hand-holding.
· Bring Snacks--If you're the moms and dads which arrive with bagels or donuts for the student help, they'll adore you and put in a bit of extra hard work with your boxes. Load up a cooler with water bottles and snacks for yourselves, too. It's going to be a long day.
· Be Comfortable--Wherever you might be, moving in day is the hottest day of the entire year. Unless of course it is the rainiest. Wear loose attire and comfy shoes, but do not embarrass your son or daughter with dad socks and sandals.
· Allotted Parking--Find out if there are designated parking spaces near to the doors, and if so just how long is it possible to stay in one. You'll likely have 20-30 minutes to unload, after that go park in another lot for the box moving and set up.
When you have unloaded and unpacked in Houston, it is time if you want to leave. Give yourself a few minutes to say goodbye and then leave with your head held high and your sniffles under control until you are out of the parking lot.
A well-used custom regarding leaving small notes stowed in pockets is a great one--just a line to let your freshman know you're thinking about them is a superb touch, and it is your choice just how serious or humorous you want to be. However you communicate, keep doing it.
If you are looking for a professional mover in Houston to assist in moving your college student, give A-1 Freeman Moving Group a shout!!
