Safeload Coverage
Moving to college can be a scary transition. It can be even more nerve-racking for an out-of-state student. Moving far away from home requires some different preparation than staying close to home.
The Moving Help® Marketplace will help you prepare for this huge life transition as you navigate to a new state.
Moving to a New State
Moving away from home for the first time is a huge deal, but being far away from home can prove to be an entirely different challenge. Being out of state can mean being 30 minutes over state lines or being a six-hour flight away from home.
Being further away from home makes your packing process entirely different. The number of belongings you can bring with you also depends on your mode of transportation.
Packing for School
Traveling far to school requires a more meticulous packing plan as you have a limit on how many items you can bring.
You should go through your wardrobe and decide what clothes you wear and prioritize them when packing. It’s important to be aware of the weather at the school you’re attending, especially when it’s a different climate than you’re used to back home.
It’s important to pack everything you may need for the next few months. If you’re extremely far from home, it’s likely the next time you’ll be back isn’t until Thanksgiving or winter break. Make sure you bring all the personal items you need because some items you can simply buy if you forget them.
Driving
If you’re driving, you have more space to fit your bags. You can bring more of your wardrobe, some decor, and even items you may have bought specifically for college.
You also may be able to bring some furniture or appliances if you end up having the space. Some items you may want for your dorm include:
- An ottoman
- Coffee pot/machine
- Iron and ironing board
- Microwave
- Mini-fridge
Flying
Flying is a different story. You have a limited number of carry-on bags and checked bags you can bring with you. In this case, you may have to ship some of your belongings ahead of time, or you can order items online and ship them straight to your dorm.
Another way to save room when packing is to buy toiletries and other products when you get to college. It’s good to leave some at home when you visit, and it’s easier to purchase full-sized products than the travel sized ones.
Important Items
Important items to ensure you pack include any documents you may need while at school. These can be:
- Insurance cards
- Triple A card
- Passport
- Documents for school (parking pass, student ID)
- A copy of your birth certificate
- A copy of your social security card
Other important items include any medication you need. You should ensure you get your prescription(s) refilled before you leave, so you don’t have to worry about it right after moving in.
Storage
Going out of state most likely means you won’t bring everything home for summer. So, it’s important to look at summer storage options. Getting a storage unit may be a good idea to keep your belongings safe for the summer.
Depending on your location, temperature-controlled units may be a good option, so your items don’t freeze or overheat. Then, once move-in time comes back around, you have everything in one place, ready to be moved again.
Storage Bins
Investing in quality storage bins is a good idea for moving in and storage. They’re typically stackable and can fit many smaller items that would be difficult to carry otherwise. If you’re traveling by car, these may be easier to load into your vehicle.
Once you move into your dorm, you can put the storage bins under your bed or in your closet until they are ready to be used again.
Preparing Mentally
Moving away from your parents for the first time is a huge deal, and it’s not always easy. When you’re moving out of state, it can be especially hard since you can’t go home often.
Starting college is a huge adjustment so prepare to be homesick. To prepare for this, you can schedule weekly calls with your family or bring a memento that reminds you of home like a stuffed animal or pictures.
Oftentimes, students who live in-state will go home on the weekends, so it’s good to find friends who are also out of state. This way, you’ll have friends who stick around on the weekends and can relate to your situation.
Meal Plans
Looking over dining options in advance is a good idea for out-of-state students. Some students can go home and get a home cooked meal, but some students must rely on campus dining options.
Deciding on a meal plan and stocking up on easy dorm dinners may be a good idea since it’ll be difficult to cook.
Being an out-of-State Student
Going to college out of state can be a difficult life transition, but ultimately, it can be a valuable life experience. Although it may make packing more difficult, the Moving Help Marketplace is here to help with all your moving labor needs.
