Best moving container options when sending your kids to college
College moving day. It’s the day that parents and college students alike look forward to, sometimes for entirely different reasons. Part of the moving process will inevitably involve some type of containers to transport supplies, clothes, and other dorm essentials. Moving to college doesn’t have to be a chaotic experience if you plan ahead. The best place to start planning is with how you intend to transport all your stuff from point A to point B. Here are some containers you should consider using to make college moving day less hectic:
Use What You Have First
Pack things like clothes and accessories in suitcases, duffel bags, backpacks, and other storage bags you have on hand. Make sure you take the time to actually fold your clothes when you put them in your suitcases and other storage containers. The last thing you need when you get settled into college is to do a bunch of laundry. Put clothes that easily wrinkle on hangers. You can easily lay these on the backseat of your car.
Use Foldable Boxes with Lids
Before purchasing new boxes, ask local merchants if they have any foldable boxes with lids you can have. This saves you money and gives you boxes that can be used for both move-in and move-out day. Once you transport your stuff, fold the boxes up and stick them in a closet or under your bed.
Use Recycle Containers
You know those containers you have at your home for your recyclables? Borrow them for college moving day. They make great containers to quickly carry stuff and they go back to their original purpose once moving day is over. Another option is to borrow milk crates from local businesses. They serve the same purpose. Try to avoid buying such containers since they tend to be bulky when trying to find a place to keep them after you’re all moved in.
Use Clear Plastic Containers
Again, why not use containers you already have on hand that are normally for another purpose? In this case, the containers in question are those clear plastic boxes you use for either sewing or as a place to keep your fishing gear. These are great for small items such as jewelery and watches that may otherwise get lost if tossed in with the other stuff you’re moving. These container are also good for school supplies and any other little stuff you don’t want to lose.
Maximize Your Use of Cardboard Boxes
If you do need to buy some cardboard boxes, pack them efficiently so you don’t have to use a bunch of them. If you’re going to pack your computer or laptop, for example, put some blankets or sheets in the box too. This provides natural protection for your possessions and eliminates the need for bubble wrap, a plus if you want to make your move a little more green.
Use Reusable Storage Containers
These are usually the containers you use to store your Christmas decorations. If you have some around the house already, the decorations won’t mind if you dump them out for a day or so. If you’re going to buy new storage containers, use the small or medium containers. This way you can easily store them in your dorm or stack them and use them as a table. These containers can also serve as laundry baskets or an easy way to carry soda or any other beverage of choice you may need to transport once you’re settled in at college.
Use Portable Shopping Carts
These are the so-called “granny carts” usually used to cart groceries to and from the store. See if you can borrow a few of these carts for the day or go ahead an invest in one for yourself. They are great for multiple trips from the car to the dorm. Once you’re done using it for that purpose, you can store it under your bed or use it to transport your laundry.
The key to a successful college moving day is organization. Get all your containers together ahead of time. Pack what you can in advance. This leaves only things like your computer and little odds and ends to pack on the actual moving day. Try to use containers that can be easily stored or borrow containers that you can return once you’re all moved in. Finally, only take what you need. Some things you can either leave at home or buy once you get there. Now, your only concern is getting good grades and remembering to call home from time to time.
