Heading off to university in a new city is an exciting time for young people, but it can also be an anxious time for parents and students alike. While students might be stressed out over leaving the familiar behind, parents too, are concerned about how well their son or daughter will adapt without the daily support of family members. If planning to move from a city like Winnipeg, Manitoba our Premiere Van Lines Winnipeg branch can help make the move stress-free and let you focus on other things.

During transition time, it’s important for parents to sit down with their university bound young adults and discuss best ways to navigate through these new experiences. In addition to the psychological factors involved, there are also some practical considerations related to moving away for school.

Here are 10 tips to help you get things packed up and moved to a new residence:

1. Confirm University Residence Arrangements

If your daughter/son is living in residence, information about this will be provided by the university. Accommodations usually include two students in one room, or four students sharing a suite. If you plan on requesting a single room, make sure to contact the school well in advance, since most universities are limited in room choices.

2. Rent Off Campus Housing

If it’s necessary to rent off campus housing instead, start your search as early as possible. Most universities have off-campus housing lists available. Other sources to utilize include online ads and ads in local newspapers. If accommodations are going to be shared, make sure to do some due diligence on who else will be living in the house. A more ideal situation is for your son/daughter to share an apartment or house with a friend or family member.

3. Decide What to Take

At least a few week’s in advance make a list of what your son or daughter will need for daily living. The quantity of items will depend on whether they’ll be living in residence or renting an unfurnished apartment off campus. In the latter case, it will be necessary to have furniture items shipped.

4. Shop for New Items

If it’s decided that you’ll need to purchase some household items, plan a shopping trip with your son/daughter and make sure everything they need is set up in their new living situation.

5. Gather Packing Supplies

When moving, it’s a given that you’ll need cartons of various sizes, packing paper, packing tape, markers etc. You’ll want to make sure cartons are sturdy so that nothing is damaged in transport. Moving cartons can be bought from big-box stores like Home Depot or directly from your professional mover.

6. Pack Efficiently

Always use smaller cartons for heavy items and try not to overpack cartons to the point where they become too heavy to lift. You’ll want to use larger cartons for items like duvets and other bedding, which can be quite bulky. Try to pack similar items together in the same carton, and use stick-on labels or markers to list contents inside the box. This helps unpacking and putting away items much easier.

7. Arrange for a Mover

If your son/daughter is taking furniture and other bulky items with them to another city or province, you’ll likely find it beneficial to use a professional moving company like Premiere Van Lines. Professional movers ensure everything gets safely transported and on schedule so you have less to worry about as you concentrate on relocating. Keep in mind that end of August to early September is peak moving time for professional moving companies, so make your arrangements early.

8. The DIY Moving Option

If the distance from home to the university isn’t very far, you may decide to rent a truck and do the move yourself. Just like moving companies, rental trucks are in high-demand at the end of August, so reserve your truck in advance. Don’t forget to reserve moving blankets and dollies as well. This makes moving furniture a lot easier and safer. If you’re moving long distance, you’ll need someone who can drive your truck to the university and back to its original location. Some truck rental companies will permit pick-up and drop-off in different locations, but there are extra charges for this option.

9. Insurance

Contact your insurance broker to find out if you can add a rider to your home insurance policy to cover the items that your student will be moving to university. This is particularly important if they’re taking furniture and setting up an apartment. Usually this can be done for a small fee or in some cases it might not affect your premium at all.

10. Saying Goodbye

In most cases, parents will accompany their son/daughter to university and help them get settled in. If possible, arrive a day or two in advance so you can spend some time together. Be cognizant that your son/daughter will likely be anxious to get started on their new life, so once they’re settled in, leave them to their new accommodations.

For more information about moving to university from Winnipeg, Manitoba call our Premiere Van Lines Winnipeg branch at 204-925-7795 or contact your local Premiere Van Lines office.