College Moving – TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®

August 2, 2021 Movers Who Blog College Moving

Top 5 expert tips for moving into college dorms

As summer comes to an end, many young adults are starting to get ready to move into their college dorms. Whether it’s your first or fourth year, these tips will help you to maximize your storage and make the most of your small living space!

Start with a packing list

Creating a packing list before moving into your dorm will allow you to save time and space. A list can also help make sure that you’re only bringing the necessities so you don’t have extra clutter you probably will not need.

Look at your dorm before you move in

Since there are a few different types of dorm styles, look on your school’s website before moving in to see pictures of your future space. This will help you to come up with ideas on how you’re going to organize the room and make it livable for you.

Every space is a storage space

Whether you’re living in a dorm or a smaller apartment, finding storage can be tricky. Places like underneath the bed, desk drawers, a shelf of the closet, etc., can be used to store any of your things. You can even use the back of your door as a hanging shoe rack, or to hang towels.

Hold onto your boxes

Be sure to hang onto the boxes you use when you move in. This will make the process of moving out much less stressful. Flatten out the boxes when you’re done to minimize the amount of space they take up.

Make it your own

Since you’ll be spending the next several months in your new dorm, make it a place you enjoy being in. Create a plan with your roommate on how you want to decorate and personalize your room so you’re both able to have a space you’re comfortable in.

Although it may seem like you don’t have much room in a college dorm, you can always get creative with your new space. Follow these tips to start your new school year in college off right!

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is the first and largest franchised moving company in the United States. Let us help move you forward! For more helpful tips and information on moving services subscribe to our blog and like us on Facebook.

August 6, 2018September 10, 2018 Movers Who Blog College Moving, Organizing, Our People, Preparing to Move, Tips and Tricks, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, Uncategorized

What to consider when choosing a college apartment

-Written by Caitlyn Laidler

So, you’re getting ready to move into your first college apartment, how exciting! There are several things to consider when choosing a place to call home for the school year. While everyone’s priorities will be a little bit different, we’ve developed a list of things to consider when comparing communities and making a final decision.

Rent and fees

First and foremost, rent is an important factor in determining where to live. Student housing often offers different types of payment plans — monthly, by semester, or for the full year. Make sure wherever you live has a payment option that is best suited for you.

On top of rent, look at the other fees you would be responsible for paying. There are often application fees and security deposits required before moving in. Sometimes, apartment management offers special deals where they may waive certain fees, or even give you a special rate on rent when you sign during specific promotional periods.

Utilities

While we’re on the topic of money, let’s talk utilities! Every community is different, and knowing if they charge you for utilities such as gas, electricity, water, cable, and internet is important to know. Some of these may be included and others may be your responsibility to pay for separately. Utilities vary between communities, so take into consideration what your bills may look like depending on where you chose to live.

Lease type

It’s important to know whether you’re signing an individual lease, or a joint lease. Both are fairly common in student housing, and each comes with pros and cons.

In an individual lease, or bedroom lease, each roommate signs their own lease and is responsible for paying their portion of the rent.

Pro: You are not responsible for the actions of your roommates. If one of your roommates breaks their lease, or is late on rent, you won’t be affected.

Con: You may pay a little bit more than you would in a joint lease. While an individual lease is low risk for you, there’s more risk involved for the apartment company, so a premium is added your monthly rent.

With a joint lease, you and your roommates will sign one lease altogether. Instead of each roommate paying individual rent per room, there will be a monthly price you and your roommates will split and pay together.

Pro: Joint leases are generally cheaper than individual leases.

Con: You and your roommates are equally responsible for putting up the money to cover rent, utilities, and repairs. If a roommate is late on rent or decides to move out, you are still responsible for making sure their portion gets paid — the apartment company can come after any or all of you in order to get the money they’re owed.

Amenities

Every apartment is going to offer various amenities, some more necessary than others. Below is a list of amenities that are generally offered by student housing communities. Some places may have more than others, it’s up to you what you want most out of your future home!

Washer and dryer (Some communities will have these in every unit, and some offer a shared laundry room located somewhere on the property)
Dishwasher
Gym/fitness center
Tanning
Pool and/or hot tub
Roommate matching (if you don’t already know who you are living with, some communities help set you up with roommates)
Pet-friendly
Private bathrooms
Air conditioning
Covered parking

Parking

Figure out what each communities parking policies are. Whether they have numbered parking, and what their guest parking policies are. It can be a hassle if guests have to get a pass or park far away, but at the same time it could be even worse if guest parking was not enforced and you end up with nowhere to park in your own Community.

Location and transportation

Is the housing close to campus? The closer it is, the higher the price will likely be. If it’s further from campus, is there a bus stop by the community? Some places even offer a free shuttle to campus which is an added bonus — that way you don’t have to buy a parking pass and you can use public transportation to get to class!

Another thing to consider: is the community close to nightlife, entertainment, and shopping? Whether you have a car, bike, or ride the bus, these are all important things to think about since you will be commuting to and from these places on a regular basis.

For many students, price is a huge concern and each of these aspects affects how much an apartment will cost. Figure out what is most important to you and look for places that offer those elements in your price range. Whether or not you get everything you want out of your apartment, you can decorate any space to suit your taste and make it feel like home.

May 21, 2018June 10, 2018 Movers Who Blog College Moving, Downsizing, Hiring Professional Movers, Home Sweet Home, Moving, Organizing, Our People, Preparing to Move, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, Uncategorized

What to expect when moving into a rental property

This is a guest blog post from Avail.co

Are you moving into a rental property? From signing your new lease to getting settled in your new home, we know just the right steps to take to help you navigate the move-in process.

Follow along with these helpful tips on what to look out for as you move into a new rental property this summer!

Sign a lease

Be sure to review your lease completely, paying close attention to the rent price, security deposit, move-in fee, and lease dates. You’ll also want to read the clauses and rules to make sure everything looks good.

If you have any questions about the lease, you should ask your landlord before signing. It’s better to ask questions up front rather than sign a legal document you’re not sure about. And remember, it’s standard for tenants to sign the lease first.

Pay first month’s rent and your deposit

Typically, your landlord will ask you to pay first month’s rent after signing the lease and before you move in. Landlords want to make sure you’ll be able to pay on time before handing over the keys.

Schedule professional movers

Professional movers are the safest option when it comes to moving your belongings. At TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®, there are trained professionals who will take care of your belongings as you move. They guarantee your belongings won’t be damaged, and your landlord will appreciate the apartment will also not be damaged during the move. They’re experts at moving furniture without scratching walls or surfaces because they’re properly trained moving professionals who have all the necessary equipment to make your move safe and efficient.

Want to be prepared? Read these tips for your upcoming move.

Switch your utilities

If your current and new home have the same utility provider, then you can schedule to transfer service to your new address on your move date.

You can also set up utilities quickly if you use a service like My Utilities.

Complete move-in inspection checklist

Landlords often require that you fill out a move-in inspection checklist. If you paid a security deposit, then it’s in your best interest to fill one out with your landlord even if he or she doesn’t initiate it.

In the checklist, you’ll mark existing damage in the rental. When you move out, you’ll fill out the same checklist to show what damage is new versus pre-existing. Your landlord should not charge you to repair any damage that was already there.

Enjoy your new home

Finding a new property and moving in are the tough parts. Next, you’ll unpack and settle into your new home! Here are some ongoing tips to keep in mind as a renter:

Treat the place as your home (taking care of the rental goes a long way with your landlord)
Pay rent on time
Submit maintenance tickets as needed

Next steps

At Avail, we empower responsible tenants with online tools, education, and customer service to support them in their rental experience. Learn how you can pay rent online with Avail.

August 14, 2017August 28, 2017 Movers Who Blog College Moving, DIY Projects, Downsizing, Hiring Professional Movers, Moving, Organizing, Packing, Preparing to Move, Tips and Tricks, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, Uncategorized

Utilizing space to create storage in your new college dorm room

Written by Anna Stephens

For many college freshmen, the transition to college is a massive shock because of all the free time you get in between classes, the cafeteria food, and the distance from home. But why doesn’t anyone warn you about the shock of having no storage when you move in to your dorm? Most dorms only have a bed, a dresser, and a small closet. Throw your roommate into the mix, and you’re left with half a closet and two drawers to store all of your belongings in. For some, this is manageable, but for those who tend to over pack (most people!), this simply isn’t enough space.

Our advice is to ensure everything you own has its own space, so the floor doesn’t become an ocean of clothes and random items. Creating enough storage takes serious creativity, and from personal experience and our own research, we’ve created handy storage ideas that will make your dorm room seem bigger.

Sneaky storage. Areas underneath the bed and under the futon are full of storage potential. Depending on how high the bed and futons are off the ground, you can place smaller boxes or storage containers in the space under them filled with essential items. As you plan for your room, note the ideal color, material, and size box for this area. If you love DIYs, use a cardboard box and decorate it with wrapping paper. Another tip is to use labels for these boxes, as it’s easy to forget where everything is stored amongst the move-in chaos.
Bathroom storage. Get a plastic shower caddy to keep all of your toiletries together. This will make it much easier and faster on your trips to and from the bathroom. It’ll also keep all small bathroom items, like toothpaste and shampoo bottles, organized and out of the way.
Closet storage. Maximize the space in your closet by creating a two-level closet. You can purchase a closet rod that comes with hooks to attach to the top rod. This way, your top closet rod can be for your tops, and the bottom rod can be for your bottoms. Another handy hanging item is an over-the-door hanging shoe organizer. All of your shoes will be off the ground and your floors will be clear. Lastly, you can purchase foldable hanging sweater shelves so you have more space to hang items in your closet. This is convenient for foldable clothes that are too bulky to put in your dresser.
Night stand/TV stand storage. Small night stands/TV stands are inexpensive and easy to assemble. These often are paired with square foldable storage bins that go in the different compartments of the night stand. They come in several colors, so they’ll match your décor and offer more places to store your stuff.
Seat storage. Purchase furniture and décor that will serve more than one purpose. You can buy inexpensive cubicle ottomans that open in just about any color and material. These are great places to store items, and also serve as a comfy chair or foot rest.
Drawer storage. In the dresser, you can place foldable dividers so you have separate compartments within each drawer. This will maximize the efficiency of each drawer so you can fill the entire space.

Our best advice is to look for deals along the way. Make a list far in advance of the items you need to purchase for your dorm and make a budget. Scope out different stores for special college deals and do some research online. Remember: the cleaner the space is, the bigger it’ll feel.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is here to help with all of your college moving and storage needs. We also offer professional packing services and boxes and supplies to help take the stress out of moving.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is the first and largest franchised moving company in the United States. Let us help move you forward! For more helpful tips and information on moving services, subscribe to our blog and like us on Facebook.

July 31, 2017August 14, 2017 Movers Who Blog College Moving, Hiring Professional Movers, Moving, Organizing, Packing, Preparing to Move, Tips and Tricks, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, Uncategorized

Ease the stress of college moving with these expert packing tips

–Project by Anna Stephens and Cathryn Armstrong

The moving process can be extremely stressful, especially when it comes to packing up and moving away to college, for some, even leaving home for the first time and being on their own.. Moving into a dorm room can be hectic, and making sure you’re properly packed is essential to easing the stress of moving and unpacking.

With over 30 years of moving experience, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to packing, and we are here to help you as you move on to the collegiate world. We offer a wide variety of boxes and packing supplies to supplement your move, ensuring you’re able to get all of your personal belongings to your new destination safe and secure.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® boxes are built to endure your toughest moves and keep your belongings intact. The last thing you want to deal with on college move-in day is broken items, and our specialty moving boxes will help eliminate any mishaps with your belongings. This box is called the Dish Pack box, and is available for purchase at your local franchise. The dimensions are 18 x 18 x 28, or 5.25 cubic feet, and we have packed it full of college essentials. This box will hold the majority of your belongings, saving you trips to and from the car. This is extremely beneficial since most colleges limit your unloading time on move-in day.

Here is a complete list of everything we put in this box, and in the correct order we packed it:

Throw blanket. Small blankets are very convenient for a drafty dorm room and are easy to throw in the narrow dorm washing machines.
Towel. Brighten up the bland dorm bathrooms with a vibrant towel.
Hand towel. Wash this weekly to prevent germ multiplication. Make sure it matches your bath towel!
Bath mat. Use this in your bathroom for a soft landing after your shower or as a door mat for your shoes.
Decorative pillow. Great way to add a comfortable and personalized touch to your bed or futon.
Neck pillow. This comes in handy if you’re planning on traveling somewhere during the school year. Or, for a quick nap at the library.
Desk lamp. You’re going to want this for late night study sessions. Make sure to take the lightbulb out and place it in a protected container.
Little fan. Dorm rooms can get stuffy! A little breeze makes sleeping much more comfortable. The noise of fans will also help drown out any loud neighbors.
Bongo. Impress your friends with your musical talent!
Scrapbook. This is a great little thing to have in your dorm when you start to miss home or want to show your new friends some of your favorite memories.
Binders. Stay organized from the get-go.
First aid kit. Accidents happen more often than you’d think! Be sure to pack this.
Iron. No one likes a crinkly shirt! Especially when you have a formal event to attend.
Travel toiletries bag. If you ever need to head out of town for a weekend, you’ll need this!
Purse. If you can resist, only bring one or two.
Decorative cork boards. They’re super cheap, easy to hang, and you can arrange them any way you want. Bring photos or memorabilia and push pins to decorate them once they’re hung up.
Hair dryer. Limp hair is not in, FYI.
Hair brushes. Tame your mane.
Laundry supplies. Get detergent for your colors and whites!
Air freshener. Inevitably something will smell weird in your room. Pick a nice scent to cover it up. Coconut scent is better than the smell of abandoned turkey sandwiches left under the bed.
Board games. This is a great way to break the ice with the new people you’ll meet, and an excuse to invite people over!
Umbrella. It’s difficult to think of a situation more miserable than getting soaked on a walk to class. Carry this thing with you everywhere.
Twinkle lights. Add some ambiance to your dorm to make it cozy.
Crate. This can be tucked under your bed, next to your bed, in your TV stand, really anywhere! It’s nice storage for the little things such as staples, erasers, extra writing utensils, etc.
Hats. Have some baseball hats for the outdoor activities you’ll participate in.
Favorite stuffed animal. No shame! It’s nice to have a cuddle buddy.
Books. Reading will help you unwind at the end of a long day. Or, if you’re like me, it’ll help you fall asleep instantly.
Office supplies. Stock up on pencils, colorful pens, paperclips, staplers, etc.
Calculator. Bring batteries that the calculator requires. Some professors offer no empathy toward a panicked test taker with a dead calculator.
Hangers. Hanging clothes is the easiest way to keep them fresh and neat.
Chargers. Bring chargers for your phone, computer, or any gadget that requires charging.
Q-tips. These come in handy for your personal hygiene as well as manicure fixes (you’re welcome.)
Picture frames. Easy and cheap way to decorate your desk!
Ukulele. Has anyone ever said they don’t like the way ukuleles sound?

Whew! Told you it could fit a lot of stuff!! Take note that we placed the softer, but bulkier items, at the bottom of the box, as this provides a cushion for the items you place above it. Next, place items strategically in order to maximize the number of items that will fit in your box. The more fragile items like picture frames and clock should be toward the top so there isn’t too much pressure on them. The smaller items like chargers, socks, etc., should go in a bigger bag like the pencil case and crate so you don’t lose them. In general, bigger boxes like this one, should be filled with lighter items so it’s easier to lift. Smaller boxes are best for heavy items to ease the lifting process. You can view the box size options available, here.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is the first and largest franchised moving company in the United States. Follow our blog and like us on Facebook for more helpful moving tips and tricks. Let us help move you forward!

September 19, 2016September 15, 2016 Movers Who Blog College Moving, Preparing to Move

The pros and cons of living with friends

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK living with friends

Written by Katie Peterson

Living with friends is common among college students because of the convenience and fun factor of being around people you know you like. While there are many perks to living with friends this experience may cause more obstacles while living together than with a roommate you might not know as well. We’ve put together a list of the pros and cons of living with friends, as well as possible solutions to the obstacles that may come your way.

Pro: There is no need to “make plans” with the people you love to hang out with, they are already with you! It is much easier to coordinate plans, and you will always have someone right there to go on adventures with. Boring things you would normally do by yourself will become a fun and entertaining outing. Need to go grocery shopping? You’ve got a shopping companion! This is one of the most fun aspects of living with friends and you will make so many memories doing all the mundane things with your roomie.

Con: As much as you love your friends, living with them will uncover things you didn’t know before. No matter how well you think you know someone beforehand, living together will unearth habits, routines, and pet peeves you didn’t know before, which can lead to potential conflicts.

Solution: Be intentional about spending time with the friends you don’t live with and see every day. Taking time away from your living situation is important because it creates space in the roommate relationship, which is something even best friends need.

Pro: Close proximity will help strengthen your friendship. Seeing your friends every day means they know all about you and the happenings of your daily life. They become your family.

Con: If a problem occurs, you don’t have separate places to go in order to get space. Inevitably, fights can and will happen.

Solution: Be open and honest about your feelings and emotions. If you need some breathing room, speak up! Communication is the key to any successful relationship, and if yours is a friend/roomie relationship, it is even more important.

Pro: You have already established a relationship before moving in. Obviously you like the person and enjoy hanging around them, so you can avoid the first awkward encounters you would normally have when moving in with a stranger. When you come out of your room in pajamas and crazy hair, there will be almost no judgement (almost).

Con: Because you are living with your friends and you have pre-established relationships, difficult and necessary conversations about rent, money, and rules may be hard to address. In worst-case scenarios, a friend might take advantage of the relationship in a tough situation because of your background (late on rent, leaves the place messy all the time).

Solution: It is important not to be too relaxed with responsibilities because of the personal relationship. Be assertive and honest with one another just like you would if you were living with a stranger. Even though you are friends, keeping the house clean and getting the rent in is important and should be treated professionally, not personally.

Pro: You have another person to share clothes, furniture, and chores with making life a little less expensive and a lot more enjoyable.

Con: Sharing is not something that should be assumed because of your relationship as friends, and not communicating your preferences can lead to tension.

Solution: It may seem like overkill, but creating a roommate agreement might be a good idea before moving in. This agreement could include which items are shared, a cleaning schedule, and which day of the month rent is due. The expectations are clearly laid out so no one is in the dark and you and your friends can be held accountable to what has been agreed upon.

The most important thing to remember when deciding if living with friends is something you want to tackle is that although you will have plenty of fun, you must be professional and responsible. Communicate and lay out the expectations early in order to prevent conflict, and spend some time away from your roommate if you need space. In the end, the hope is that living with your friends will be an experience leading to a stronger friendship and a fun living situation. Good luck!

Like us on Facebook for more helpful tips and updates. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is the first and largest franchised moving company in the United States. Let us help move you forward!

August 1, 2016September 6, 2016 Movers Who Blog Moving, Organizing, Preparing to Move, Tips and Tricks

Surviving your move: What to know about moving into your first apartment

Apartment moving pic

Written by Katie Peterson

At TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® we know moving can have its fair share of challenges. There’s the packing, the cleaning, and let’s not even mention move day itself. Moving into your first place is stressful, and apartment moving has its own set of headaches. Neighbors are more like roommates, there are a ton of rules and regulations while renting an apartment, and what about all those stairs? We’ve come up with some tips to help you survive your first apartment move.

Ask questions

-Ask the landlord about any concerns beforehand. Good questions to ask might include what kind of maintenance is available if something goes wrong in the apartment, how old the building is, and even questions about the previous tenants. Your landlord will love bragging about any new construction, and you will be making a more informed decision about your new place as a result.

-If you have a chance, talk to some of the current residents of the building while you are there. What do they think of the landlord? How are the other tenants in the apartment? This will help you make an informed decision about the apartment and give you a chance to introduce yourself to some of your future neighbors if you are already serious about renting.

Be prepared and organized

The actual move into your new apartment is all about being prepared and organized throughout the process. With these tips in mind, you’ll be ready for anything that comes your way.

Before your move:

-Make sure to bring paper documentation to your lease signing. This might include proof of employment or a copy of your lease with highlighted areas you might have questions on. Especially in competitive markets where multiple tenants are looking to rent, it pays to be prepared! This will also give your landlord a good idea of your trustworthiness and ability to bring important documents in on time (like your rent).

-Schedule a walk-through of the apartment with your landlord before you move in. This is a good opportunity to take photos of the condition of the apartment for reference when you are negotiating your security deposit. The photos can also be used to ensure you took care of the apartment when you eventually move out and want your deposit back.

-Measure the dimensions of your new apartment before you buy furniture or bring in items you already own. This will save you the headache of having to return any items that won’t fit, and the backache of your movers trying to fit the furniture through the door. Important spots to measure include the area for a washer and dryer and the nook for your refrigerator (if you have to supply them), tight doorways, and wall space for seating.

On move day:

-First things first, clean every nook and cranny of your new apartment! Scrub all those places you won’t ever be able to get to once your furniture is moved in, and even the places you will. It will save time and energy later in the day when all you have to do is a quick trip around the apartment with the vacuum.

-Schedule a timeframe to move into your new place at a reasonable and respectable time. The earlier, the better! Make sure you have enough time to finish moving in before residents in your apartment building are thinking about going to sleep. Your neighbors will appreciate meeting you during daylight hours as opposed to when they are complaining about the noise in their pajamas.

-Schedule any big items you’ve purchased to be delivered on separate days or spaced apart on the day of your move. Items such as mattresses and large furniture pieces will have their own deliveries and can create inconveniences on move-in day if arriving all at once. The day after your move, or a few hours after the movers have gone, are good times to schedule these deliveries to ensure the elevators and parking lots aren’t crowded and remain accessible to other tenants.

Be friendly and considerate

-This probably goes without saying, but be friendly! Introduce yourself to your surrounding neighbors. Even if you don’t go around knocking on your neighbors’ doors be sure to say “hi” in passing or on the elevator. You might make new friends, or at the very least, get to know their names in case their mail ends up in your box by accident.

-Make sure your landlord knows who you are and has a face to go with your name. It will be useful for him/her to know you in case you have a maintenance problem or you are a few days late on the rent. A little effort will ensure your landlord knows you as more than just a name on a check.

-Be considerate of the noise level and your activities at certain hours. Bouncing a basketball in your room on the third floor is never a good idea, especially if it’s at three o’clock in the morning.

Moving into your own apartment for the first time can be exciting, scary, and stressful all wrapped up in one. Making preparations beforehand, staying organized, and being considerate of your neighbors are great ways to help you survive your first apartment move!

What advice do you have for moving into your first apartment? We’d like to hear! Like us on Facebook for more helpful tips and updates. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is the first and largest franchised moving company in the United States. Let us help move you forward!

July 27, 2015July 24, 2015 Movers Who Blog Moving

College moving 101: tips for your first move

Written by Corinne DeVries

Where do you even begin?! Preparing for your first move to college can be stressful and overwhelming, to say the least. The uncertainty surrounding what will soon be your college life is looming ahead. You’re not sure where everything on campus is, where your room is, what you should pack, if your new peers will be welcoming, or if you’ll get everything done before your move in date.

Thankfully we have quite a few college moving experts on hand to offer their advice on expertly preparing you for your move, so you’ll have one less thing to worry about!

Getting started and getting there

Most universities and colleges begin sending brochures, flyers, and check-up emails a mont College moving h or two in advance to prepare you to move in. Often, among these materials will be a list of suggested items you need to bring. This is a good way to start your list of items you know you need to bring. Another important thing to remember is most campuses get crazy busy during move-in days. A high influx of cars are on campus, makes parking and getting to your dorm or apartment just short of impossible. Be sure you check what time you are scheduled to move in and where you can park to unload your belongings, and try to stick with this schedule! A lot of students will be moving in on the same day, and if you try to move in at a different time, there may not be a place to park and unload. Lastly, on move day, give yourself a little extra time to get there—there are many people in one area, and getting through campus or around town can take a lot longer than usual, and you want to make sure you are punctual for your move-in time.

Roommate bonding

It’s a good idea to get to know your roommate and become familiar with them so you don’t feel like you’re moving in with a total stranger. Meeting up to grab lunch is the best way to introduce yourself but if you don’t have time, or you roommate doesn’t live near you, you can always chat online or over the phone. This way you can find out what they like to do in their free time, as well as figure out who will be bringing what items. The typical list of items students share with their roommates are things like a futon, fridge, microwave, TV, carpet, etc.!

Sharing a bathroom

Check if your dorm is suite style or community bath. If you’re in a suite style dorm, you will want to stock up on cleaning supplies. Usually with four people plus your friends that come over, your bathroom gets gross pretty quickly. Get to know your suitemates and set up a weekly cleaning schedule for the bathroom. Since cleaning supplies can be a hassle to pack, you will most likely want to find the local convenience store once you move in, and get cleaning supplies for your bathroom.

If your dorm has community bath, you will probably want to invest in a carrier for your shampoo/conditioner, tooth brush, razors etc. to make trips to the bathroom simple. You can just grab your carrier rather than trying to carry everything in your arms. Sometimes toiletries can be awkward to pack. If you don’t want to deal with trying to find a place to squeeze your toiletries in with all of your clothes on move day, you may want to wait and buy these items at the convenience store once you arrive.

Other essentials

Be sure to read through all of the information the university has sent you about measurements. All dorms are different, so before buying your futon, carpet, or fridge, check the size of your room to ensure what you’re buying will all fit in your room. Also, double check things like bed size. Some bunk beds or lofts in college dorms are longer or a different size than your average twin bed. If you’re planning to buy your own sheets, double check the bed size to make sure the sheets will fit.

Linen agreements

Some campuses offer linen agreements for on-campus living. So if you don’t want to go out and find sheets that fit, check to see if your campus offers a linen agreement. Often linen agreements include washing the sheets as well as shower towels. These items usually need to be returned at the end of the year during checkout, but it’s one less thing to pack!

In addition, check the laundry situation in your dorm. There may be washers and dryers in your dorm hall. Some campuses may include the use of the machines in your housing contract. However, some may require you to use cards or quarters. If this is the case, you may want to bring quarters or find a nearby location where you can exchange cash for quarters!

Survival kit

Some things you may not think about when moving into the dorm is that you will most likely get sick whether it be a cold, the flu, migraines, or maybe you will get a really bad paper cut! Or for those bad days where you seem to be spilling everything, whether it be on your carpet, desk, or even on yourself, there are a few things you will want to pack:

First aid: bandages, antibiotic and hydrocortisone ointments, pain killers, digital thermometer, decongestant, and antacids
Laundry: detergent, stain remover stick, and fabric softener
Cleaning: antibacterial wipes, glass cleaning wipes, microfiber dust cloth, roll of paper towels, broom, and dustpan

Tips

Pack light
- The dorms aren’t very big and there isn’t a lot of room for clutter. Try to only pack the essentials with maybe a few decorative items such as pictures of family and high school friends to make it feel more like home.
- It may be easy to pack clothes in a suitcase, however there isn’t a lot of storage space in a dorm room so try to pack clothes in garbage bags or something that can be easily thrown away or stored for when it’s time to move out again.
Pack like things together
- If you pack similar belongings together, it makes unpacking on arrival so much easier.
Tool kit
- Bring a tool kit for move in day and have it handy in case you want to loft/de-loft your bed, put together a table you brought, or something of the sort.
Explore
- Introduce yourself to people living on your floor or in your hall. The friends you make in college will likely become lifelong friends.

Also find nearby convenience stores because we all know there is that one thing you forgot to pack and you won’t be able to wait for mom to send it to you in the mail.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is the first and largest franchised moving company in the United States. To learn more moving and packing tips subscribe to our blog or like us on Facebook.

August 5, 2014August 5, 2014 Movers Who Blog Moving

Your moving (and sanity) guide for making the college transition

Written by Claire Schneider

With stores setting up their back-to-school displays, many 18-year-olds are getting ready to embark on the thrilling adventure of going off to college. While preparing a move to college might seem fun and exciting at the time, it also has its challenges. As a parent you want to be there help them in the moving process while making sure to not overstep. With these helpful tips, moving to college might be the easiest thing your college student does all year.

First, check the paperwork. By this time you’ve received numerous pamphlets and emails from the college containing information about the upcoming year. Remember to re-read everything the residence life dean sent, paying particular attention to check-in times, locations, and procedures for dorm move-in day. Some schools let arriving students and their families pull cars right up to the dorm door, while for others it’s first come, first served. See that you have all the necessary paperwork easily accessible.

Get to know the roommate. It’s important for roommates to meet before move-in day, so they don’t feel like they’re moving in with a stranger. This is a busy time of year, so if you can’t find a time that works to meet-up, connect with them on social media to learn their interests, hobbies, and interior decorating ideas. They should also take this time to decide what large items they can share and who will be responsible for bringing them.

Create a checklist. Together with your college student, make a list of the necessary items and stick to it. Make sure to include photos of friends and family and other sentimental items which will help make the dorm feel like an extension of home. Keep in mind everything will have to fit in your vehicle; otherwise, there might be too much stuff. This is the perfect time to go through the overstuffed closets and drawers to identify those favorite clothes and shoes which will make the journey to college.

Assemble a “living” kit. A “living” kit contains little items, which are not liquid or bulky, a teen may not think of as necessary but will need at some point. Items include:

• First aid: Bandages of assorted sizes, antibiotic and hydrocortisone ointments, pain killer, digital thermometer, contact solution, decongestant, and antacids
• Laundry: Detergent pods (they’re small, easy to store and easy to use), a stain remover stick, and fabric softener sheets
• Cleaning: Antibacterial wipes, glass cleaning wipes, microfiber dust cloth, roll of paper towels, broom, and dustpan.

Remember, storage space is minimal so anything in a convenient, flat-shaped packaging is ideal.

Locate the store oasis. No matter how prepared you may think you are, there will always be those items you’ll need to make a trip to the store for. Before moving day, find out where the nearest Target, Staples, and Lowes (or similar stores) are.

Know your time and arrive early! Colleges take a lot of time planning out all the inner workings of moving day to ensure things run smoothly. For a lot of colleges there will be limited parking space, so the earlier you arrive the better. Just remember there are so many others moving in that day as well and are just as stressed as you are. Be sure to stick to your designated time of arrival. If you come before your time, it could throw the housing staff completely off.

Only bring one or two suitcases. Even though they make it easy to move, especially if they are on wheels, you won’t need many while you’re away to college. Instead pack your belongings in large storage bags; these can easily be stored until you move out.

Moving tip: Keep clothing on hangers, place a trash bag over them, and tie the bottom. Then secure the hangers together so they don’t fall back into the bag. This will keep all of your clothes together and protected during the move. Then all you have to do is hang them up in the closet, rip the bags off, and you’re ready to go!

Bring tools. A tool kit with a basic hammer, screwdrivers, and pliers can be a handy thing on move-in day. You may need to bunk the beds, raise or lower mattresses, or deal with minor repairs.

Relax. Going to college is a fun and exciting time. Don’t get stressed with the move. Instead have fun and take this time to bond as a family. Make a fun and upbeat moving playlist prior to keep everyone in good spirits. Maybe include a few songs which have special memories for your family.

Of course you could always avoid the college moving day drama and hire a moving company. Here’s a fun video showing just how relaxing moving day could be for you.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is the first and largest franchised moving company in the United States. Let us help move you forward! For more helpful tips and information on moving services subscribe to our blog and like us on Facebook.

August 21, 2013 Movers Who Blog Hiring Professional Movers

Planned packing makes transition to college more organized

Between tuition costs, everyday school stresses, and decreasing job opportunities for graduates, college-bound students have enough to focus on without having to stress about moving their belongings from home to college.

According to Childstats.gov, in 2011, nearly 68 percent of high school graduates enrolled immediately in a two-year or four-year college. It is safe to say a good amount of those students traveled away to college and needed the support of family or friends to help them move.

Luckily, we know a thing or two about moving and have provided easy-to-follow tips to simplify the move to college:

• Use the right supplies – It’s worth the small investment. Don’t make the mistake of using grocery store boxes, garbage bags, or laundry baskets. Boxes that once stored food items often carry bugs, and garbage bags and laundry baskets are not dependable. Instead, buy moving boxes and use packing tape. Sturdy boxes can easily fold up, be stored for the entire school year, and are ready to use again for summer break.

• Pack like items together – Moving back to school can be a little overwhelming so the more organized the better. Label boxes clearly – there’s not a lot of room in campus housing, so organizing boxes can prioritize unpacking without the huge mess.

• Pack smart – Don’t make the mistake of overstuffing boxes. Too many items can cause the box to collapse and it may be impossible to lift. Just remember: the heavier the object, the smaller the box.

• Try to use original packaging for large electronics – A new computer, TV, mini-fridge, and microwave all come with packaging to keep them secure and protected. It’s much more likely that these items will arrive unharmed if they remain in manufacturers’ packaging.

“Transitioning to college should be an exciting time in a student’s life, but it can be overwhelming,” said Randy Shacka, president of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®. “A successful and stress-free move starts with proper planning. Through simple preparation, students can make life easier as they head to school.”

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® can help with your college move or packing needs. Start college off right and have TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® to do the heavy lifting for you!