Moving Your Kids to College the Right Way

The Dos & Don'ts of Packing for College

The 'must-have' items on your child's moving list are those that they'll use every day and that would be difficult or expensive to replace once they've arrived at college. A fairly new laptop in good condition qualifies, pencils, shampoo, and other items that can be easily purchased at a local store may not. 

Consider assisting your child in switching out their wardrobe during seasonal breaks at home. That way, they won't have an entire year's wardrobe clogging up limited closet and storage space.

Before deciding to haul cooking appliances or a small fridge to the dorm, better check if they're allowed (and consider if they're truly needed). Many colleges already provide a dorm fridge in each room, and several even have small kitchenettes. If you can, have them check in with their roommate to see if there are appliances that can be shared. After all, how many microwaves or TVs will one dorm room hold?

For a comprehensive checklist, take a look at College Board's Off-to-College Checklist. It covers everything from clothes and toiletries to electronics and storage.

Planning the Move

Start by sorting your stuff into categories according to what you'll do with it. 

• Keep & take to college
• Keep but store until after college *
• Sell
• Give away or donate
• Throw away

A yard sale is a great way for your child to make some spending money from things they need to get rid of anyway. Anything that doesn't sell can still be donated.

* Climate-controlled storage is a great option if you're already busy making plans for all the extra space you'll have once your child is moved out. Everything from important paperwork to your child's most precious keepsakes will be safe until their return.

Get Professional Help

This new chapter in your child's life is both exciting and a little scary. It's also very stressful if you try doing it all on your own! Save yourself some of that stress by hiring professional movers to help. From sports equipment to favorite posters, they know how to get items of all kinds to college safely.

We Understand What You're Going Through

At CT Moving and Storage, we've helped many students and their parents through this transition period. Our team of caring and compassionate movers will help with the packing and moving so you can concentrate on taking this big step for both of you.

For over 50 years, our family-owned and operated moving company has helped move students from home to college — and sometimes back again! Let us help with your move, too. Contact us for a free estimate.