college – TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®

July 29, 2019August 19, 2019 Movers Who Blog College Moving, Uncategorized

Use these moving and packing tips as you prepare for a college move

-Written by Taylor Hawley

August is right around the corner, and for many young people around the country, it’s time to either move to your first year of college or move back to campus as you work toward finishing your degree.

Whether you’re moving into a dorm room for the first time or going back to your college town, packing all of your belongings can get tricky if you’re limited on space. As someone who has moved back and forth from college to home for four consecutive years, I’ve picked up several tips and tricks that could make your next move to school more manageable and efficient.

Use this guide to prepare for your move back to college this fall!

Shop for essentials later – To save space, buy some items once you get to college. This will save room for you to pack other belongings that are essential to take. No one should have to choose between packing your favorite sweater or having toiletries.

Wrap fragile objects – While moving with fragile objects, wrap them with bubble wrap, dish towels, or blankets before packing to ensure they’re protected from potential damage. Using belongings such as towels and blankets will help save space while providing cushioning and these are items you need to pack anyways.

Keep boxes – When unpacking, keep the boxes that some of your belongings (such as fans, printers, etc.) come in. Break them down and store them under your bed or in your closet so they’re out of the way during the school year. When it comes time to move out, you’ll have the boxes to pack your items into again.

Don’t bring everything – One of the most commonly made mistakes students make while moving back to school is packing too much. Over packing can make the move even more difficult if it won’t fit in your car, new dorm, or apartment. Start off by bringing the basics and then figure out what else you would like or need to bring after you unpack.

Utilize spaces – Be creative in how you pack to get the most out of the space available. Packing things into spaces such as empty trash cans and drawers will save space and allow you the opportunity to bring more of your favorite items.

Don’t forget these essentials

Two towels – If one is still damp from a previous shower or if you can’t find time to do laundry every week, it’s good to have a backup towel in times of need.
A shower caddy – This is useful if you’re sharing a bathroom, allowing you to easily carry all of your toiletries when you need them.
Flip flops – This is also useful for shared bathroom situations. Although it may seem odd to shower with shoes on, it is a lot more sanitary than not having them.
Fan – This is perfect for when you don’t have a control over the temperature in your room. It is also useful to create white noise if you are a light sleeper.
Organizing racks and drawers – Most dorms do not offer that much storage space for students, so it is great to have these. This will give you more room for clothes and school supplies, while keeping your room more organized.
Pocket shoe organizer – Whether this is placed behind a door or in a closet, this is a useful organization tool that will make life easier. The pockets can be used to hold shoes, cleaning supplies, or whatever you decide.
Small trash cans – This is a necessity for all homes. If you’re in a dorm, it is helpful to have one near your desk and by your lounging area so you won’t have to constantly walk across the room to throw things away.
Medicine/first aid kit – This might not come in handy when you first move in, but one day you might need some sort of medicine or first aid. Keep the basic medicines on hand such as Advil®, Tums® or Pepto Bismol®, allergy relief, cold medicine, and cough drops. This will ensure you do not have to make a quick run in a time of need.
Power strips and extension cords – Most dorms and small rooms have limited or inconveniently placed outlets. These will give you the amount of plugins that you need for all of your electronics.

If you’re in need of packing supplies for your college move, click here.

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 27, 2018September 17, 2018 Movers Who Blog College Moving, News, Newsroom, Organizing, Tips and Tricks, Uncategorized

Tackling rising college costs with effective planning

-Written by Erik Sargent

Another summer is coming to a close and for many, the time to head off to college for the fall is quickly approaching.

For all of the fun and responsibilities that come with enrolling in college, there’s one unfortunate side-effect that comes with it – debt. The continued spike in college tuition has placed a large number of people – those who have completed their degree and otherwise – in a substantial amount of debt they are required to handle the minute they leave campus.

According to research completed by The College Board, reports released in 2015 and 2016 showed moderate increase in published tuition and fees ranging from 2.2 to 3.6%, with the continued increased fees of colleges and universities outpacing financial aid, family incomes, and the average prices of other goods and services.

“The reports document that, despite the moderate increases in average published prices, there were considerable increases in net tuition and fees over the past few years,” said co-author Jennifer Ma, policy research scientist at the College Board. “These increases, combined with stagnant incomes for many families, raise concerns about ensuring educational opportunities for low and moderate income students.”

Where does the cost come from?

“The demand for higher education has risen dramatically since 1985,” said Richard Vedder, an author and distinguished professor of economics emeritus at Ohio University in an interview with Business Insider. “Once demand goes up and nothing else happens, that will raise the prices.”

Everyone sees the hefty price tag attached to a college diploma, but where exactly is all of the money going?

A large chunk of this money is going straight into tuition. According to CollegeData.com, the moderate college budget for an in-state public college for the 2017-18 academic year averaged $25,290. A moderate budget at a private college averaged somewhere around $50,900.

Other fees that the research highlighted included:

-Room and board ranged from $10,800 at four-year public schools to $12,210 at private schools.

-The average cost for books and supplies for the 2017-2018 school year was $1,250 at public colleges and $1,220 at private colleges.

-The estimates for things colleges don’t bill you for – transportation, clothing, personal items, and entertainment – averaged $3,270 at public universities and $2,730 at private colleges.

The best ways to save

There’s always something that can be done to save money, especially for college students, and being conscious of where your money is going and what you’re spending can help you make the right decisions.

With the media coverage around these rising costs, students have taken notice and started to plan accordingly – both on their own, and with the help of their parents.

According to an article by the U.S. News Personal Finance section, some effective ways a student can save during their time in college include:

-Avoid additional loans at all costs

-Look for on-campus work to make extra spending money

-Master simple, low-cost foods for meals and snacks outside of meal plans. If living off campus, stay away from meal plans and use coupons and sales when grocery shopping for low-cost meals!

-Stick to being an authorized user on someone else’s credit card

-Utilize on-campus resources for entertainment and social connections

-Buy used textbooks or use textbook rental

-Check out the student discounts around your college town at restaurants, stores, gyms, etc.

Another useful and effective way to save money during college – and put you in line for work in the future – is through internships.

All around the country, companies offer internships to college students where they can earn a summer paycheck, and even college credit in some cases. These internships not only help students get adapted to the professional workplace, but also give them real-life experience in the fields they are working toward.

One company that offers an extensive learning opportunity through an annual internship program is the international moving company, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK. Each summer, college students are given the opportunity to work in various departments at the Home Office location in Lansing, Mich., where they gain valuable experience performing hands-on, innovative tasks.

“Interns have access to a number of resources while they are interning here during the summer,” said Rocco Cironi, employee development manager for TWO MEN AND A TRUCK in an interview last year. “Our interns meet with each member of the executive team to get to know them better and ask questions about their experiences. They also meet with our directors through our ‘Lunch and Learn’ program. We want them to learn both professional skills and personal development skills while they are here, as this will help them become more well-rounded and prepare them for life after graduation.”

From marketing to finance, human resources, information technology, and sales, the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK interns aren’t just getting coffee for their supervisors – they‘re involved in real-life tasks, and get placed into the everyday working environment for the company, while still finding time for fun and new experiences.

“In addition to daily department responsibilities, our interns also take part in various educational sessions we host at our corporate office,” Cironi said. “Our hope is not only do our interns learn more in the areas they work in, but they also have a better understanding of other departments throughout our corporate office. Our goal is for them to go back to school with a better understanding of the culture and pace of a corporation.”

Start planning now

Although the tips above are best for saving money while in college, one of the best ways to cut back on the rising costs is to plan ahead with saving. Scholarships and financial aid are two of the most important ways you can help save money and get yourself on track to avoid massive debt.

“Scholarships can make all the difference in college affordability,” said Chicago Tribune Contract Reporter Terry Savage in an article last year. “Set aside some time in the holiday season to search for them. High school sophomores and juniors should search, too. Starting early to build credentials required for some of these scholarships – or practicing writing application essays – can pay off when it comes time to apply.”

Thankfully for anyone finding themselves on this path, the Internet has an abundance of resources to choose from to find scholarships that fit any background. Visit sites like Fastweb.com, Scholarships.com, TuitionFundingSources.com, and SallieMae.com to find out more about which scholarships you may be eligible for.

For information on financial aid you are eligible for, fill out your FAFSA form.

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.

August 9, 2017August 21, 2017 Movers Who Blog News, Newsroom, Our People, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, Uncategorized

Smart allocation of money can ease the burden of college costs

-By Erik Sargent

As more and more people stress the importance of attending college after graduating high school, potential and current students across the country have seen a constant increase in the expenses related toward earning a college degree.

From the spikes in tuition to textbooks, on-campus or off-campus housing, food, travel, and other living expenses – the price can seem daunting, and sometimes unmanageable. According to a study done by The College Board last year, the average total cost per year for a full-time undergraduate student at a four-year public, in-state school was $24,610.

For students choosing to take the route of a private, four-year school while living on campus, the cost was more than doubled, averaging $49,320.

“Hopefully it doesn’t continue to rise, but people should plan like it’s going to,” said Kathryn Randolph, the contributing editor for financial aid for the company Fastweb. “People should start saving for college as soon as possible, even if you’re currently a senior in high school. The more you save, the less you end up having to borrow.”

Companies like Fastweb use expert teams of researchers to find potential scholarship matches for future and current college students, aiming to take some of the stress out of searching for scholarship money and financial aid by organizing information for people who sign up on their website.

According to Randolph, Fastweb is just one of many tools that help students find resources to pay their way through school, but there are also many other valuable resources available to students if they look in the right places.

“Another place to look for scholarships is through your high school, and the best resource for students in high school is their guidance counselor,” Randolph said. “They will have a listing of scholarship opportunities that are local. Another thing students should do is fill out the FAFSA, which helps them qualify for financial aid. Essentially, the more research students and their families do, the better equipped they are going to be to pay for college, and the more they will understand how much it actually costs instead of going up blindly and ending up with large student loan numbers.”

When working out the payment plans for your college education, it is important to fill out the FAFSA and find out how much money you are able to receive through financial aid. Any money is helpful when it comes to paying for college, and financial aid allows you to work out payments in the future so you are able to get the education you need.

Fastweb produced a list of money saving tricks for students in college outside of scholarships and financial aid, with some important ones that included: buying or renting used textbooks, limiting the amount of times you eat out, using public transportation instead of a car, and never taking out a loan for anything but education.

Paid internship programs or part-time jobs to earn extra cash, particularly during the summer months when school isn’t in session are two additional ways to support the expense of higher education. One company that offers an extensive and hands-on internship program is the international moving company TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®, with opportunities offered at their corporate headquarters in Lansing, Mich.

Students who intern with TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® are given the chance to work in a variety of business fields that can translate anywhere in the professional world, including the marketing, finance, human resources, information technology, and sales departments.

“In addition to daily department responsibilities, our interns also take part in various educational sessions we host at our corporate office,” said TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Employee Development Coordinator Rocco Cironi. “Our hope is that not only do our interns learn more in the areas they work in, but they also have a better understanding of other departments throughout our corporate office. Our goal is for them to go back to school with a better understanding of the culture and pace of a corporation.”

The interns at TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® are given a variety of tasks to complete within their respective departments, and through other departments as well. This includes everything from volunteer work to video projects, helping set up events, and assisting in daily responsibilities at both Home Office and the Lansing, Mich., franchise. Near the end of their internships, they complete a final presentation highlighting their summer and what they’ll take away from the experience.

This internship is designed to be extremely beneficial to everyone who participates, and TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® strives to provide as many resources as possible for the interns to use in the present and future.

“The interns have access to a vast amount of resources while here during the summer,” Cironi said. “Our interns meet with each member of the executive team to get to know them better and ask them questions about their experiences. They also meet with our directors through our ‘Lunch and Learn’ program. We want them to learn both professional skills and personal development skills while they are here, as this will help them become more well-rounded individuals and prepare them for life after graduation.”

As Randolph pointed out, there are a multitude of ways to go about handling the expenses of college education, but the most important thing to remember is be smart about your spending. Don’t take on more than you can handle, and be smart about where your money is being allocated, as this will ease the burden of life after graduation.

“One thing we like to say a lot at Fastweb is that when you are in college, you should live like a college student so you don’t have to live like a college student when you graduate,” Randolph said. “This is the time in your life when you should be buying used textbooks, looking on Craigstlist for furniture, living with a roommate, and doing anything you can to cut down on your daily, monthly, and yearly living expenses.”

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!

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!

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!

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.