It’s nearly the end of spring quarter. That means the end of another school year, and chances are you’re either getting kicked out of the dorms or the lease on your place will be up soon. Summertime for college students might as well be called moving season.
Behind divorce and death, moving can be one of the most stressful life events. Here are some tips to make the move a little less stressful.
1. Look at it as a way to clear out all your old stuff.
When I moved out of my parents house, I gave over 11 bags of clothes away to Goodwill. Yes, 11 bags. Whenever I move I see it as an opportunity to get rid of all the clothes or things I haven’t used in the last year. Garage sales are great to throw when you’re moving– you can make some cash while also getting rid of all your old things.
2. Pace yourself.
Do not wait until the night before you have to be out of your place to start packing. Have tons of winter clothes you haven’t worn in months? Start with those. A few weeks before you move date, start putting away anything you can, like knick-knacks, photos or extras plates and pans. You’ll have much less to do when moving-day arrives.
3. Think outside the box.
Most people insist on finding a million cardboard boxes to store all their belongings. False! Get creative when it comes to packing your things. For instance, clothes, bedding and pillows can all go in re-usable trash bags. You can also use duffle bags, luggage and backpacks, which are easier to haul around than cardboard boxes. Instead of relying on Styrofoam balls to keep your fragile items safe, reuse old newspapers. They work just as well and you can wrap and tape them around your items for extra protection.
4. You do not need a moving truck.
College students are usually on a tight budget. We tend to assume we need one of those fancy moving trucks, but there are many other vehicles that are great for moving and easily found on hand. My roommate moved all her furniture three hours up to SLO in a minivan. If you take out or fold down the back seats, that frees up a lot of space! Also, large SUVs and hatchbacks can fit more than you ever thought possible. The obvious alternative is a full-sized truck. Use bungee cords or rope to tie everything down and you’re good to go!
5. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Moving is tedious and time-consuming. It is not something anyone should have to do on their own, but we don’t usually have the means to hire anyone to help. Ask friends, siblings, aunts, uncles– anyone will do, but you are guaranteed no help if you don’t ask for it!
Remember, with every new move comes new opportunities and experiences. Think of moving as a fun new chapter in your life and use these tips to make the task much less stressful.