Tag: moving checklist

Tips for Parents Moving Their Children into a Dorm

Tips for parents moving their children into the dorm

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Our truck in this year’s homecoming parade… Go Gators!!

Parents who are sending a child off to college for the first time may understandably be feeling a mix of emotions. Emotions such as pride, stress and even anxiety and sadness are common. However, these emotions are often mixed with practical concerns, such as how your child will manage living away from you for the first time. One of the best steps that you can take to ensure that your child’s first experience living apart from you is a great one is to help him or her settle in a new dorm room. There are a few parent tips that you can follow to make this transition easier for your child.

Start Shopping Early

Most parents and graduating teens have their college plans established months ahead of time, so there is no point waiting until the last minute to purchase items for the dorm. Some new college students and their parents will wait until moving day to head to the store. While it may sound like a sound plan to purchase bedding, towels, storage bins and more closer to campus and after seeing what items you actually need, everyone else may have this plan to. Stores close to campus may easily run out of supplies when there is a mad dash to get these items by dozens of people all on the same day. You can get a fair idea about what may be needed for the dorm by contacting the college and requesting a list.

Coordinate With a Roommate

In addition, before transitioning into a dorm, consider having your child get in touch with his or her new roommate. Many kids like to coordinate what they will be bringing. After all, you don’t really need to have two microwaves, televisions or other items in the dorm room. If a roommate already has these items, you can save yourself the time and energy associated with purchasing them and moving them into the dorm. Many kids also like to coordinate décor, and selecting comforters and other decorative items with an online purchase makes it easy to ensure that the room looks great.

These parenting tips can help make your child’s move into a new dorm room a pleasant experience. Moving can be stressful for you, but it can also be stressful for your child. Consider helping your child pack several days beforehand, and attempt to take stock of any additional items he or she may need as you pack boxes and suitcases. Preparation and planning are key to making this experience a pleasant one.

An Easy Moving Timeline

An Easy Moving Timeline

If you know you will be moving in Gainesville months in advance, you may be tempted to put things off. After all, you have plenty of time, right?

You may be surprised at how quickly things can sneak up on you, and if they do, then you could become overwhelmed and stressed out very quickly. Instead of waiting until the last minute, follow this quick and simple timeline. It is guaranteed to make your life much easier. Remember that it is never too early to start planning for the move.

Eight to Six Weeks in Advance

If you can, then get started at least two months in advance of when you will be moving. This will give you enough time to do plenty of research and then make the right decisions. Start by learning about where you will be relocating. If you are relocating a long distance away, you will need to learn more about the community. Many towns and cities offer a relocation package that will tell you about utilities, schools, and much more. Other things to do during this time period include:

  • Put together a file on your computer to keep track of your moving information and receipts.
  • Start determining how much money it is going to cost to relocate and then start saving.
  • Begin gathering tips and information for choosing movers, packing your belongings, and finding a new place to live.
  • Make sure your children’s school records will be transferred.
  • Contact any clubs or groups you are members of and find out if you will have to pay to end or transfer your memberships.
  • Start planning how you will use each room in your new home. Get a floor plan if you can.
  • Start making a list of everyone that needs to be notified that you are moving.
  • Inventory each room and determine anything you don’t want to take with you.

Five to Four Weeks in Advance

About a month before your move, you can really start making progress so that you don’t find yourself doing everything a week before the movers will arrive.

  • Find boxes, whether you purchase them or ask local businesses for them.
  • Pack up anything you don’t need to use between now and your move. Donate or sell anything you don’t want to keep.
  • Determine if you need a storage unit in your new location and start looking for one.
  • Contact the post office to file a change or address. You can do this online or in person.
  • Get your pets’ veterinary records.
  • Arrange to have the utilities disconnected at your old home and connected at the new one on moving day.
  • Cancel your local newspaper subscription.

Three Weeks to A Few Days in Advance

In the last three weeks, you will have a lot to do before the movers arrive.

  • Get your car serviced.
  • Dispose of poisons or flammable materials.
  • Make arrangements to close your bank account or transfer funds.
  • Notify creditors and subscriptions of your move.
  • Finish packing.
  • Prepare a box or suitcase of essentials you will need before unpacking.
  • Empty your refrigerator.
  • Give friends and family your new address.

If you stay on track for your move, then you will find everything much less stressful. Remember that the more you can get done in advance of moving day, the better.