By Julie DeLong, A-1 Freeman
Summer invariably flies by, however, if you're the parent of a soon-to-be-college freshman, it goes at warp pace. The to-do checklist appears never-ending, and also at the conclusion of the list is the big question--how do you get everything from your residence to school in Oklahoma City? If your child is heading to college down the highway and you've got a minivan, you should congratulate yourself and locate something more productive to study. But if your child's dream college is across the nation and also you are living in the city in addition to drive a Prius, moving to Oklahoma City are usually a substantial headache. Here are some ideas to help you to move through the checklist, so you can delight in your last couple of weeks along with your fledgling.
Getting It Together
Nowadays, the online marketplace can make college buying very simple. Numerous merchants offer a college checklist page that even has a registry--kind of similar to whenever you got married, just bathroom towels and bedding for one. It's also possible to buy at your home and get your things nearby campus in Oklahoma City, or shop on the web and get your order sent straight to the college. As an added bonus, many places offer free delivery when you spend more than a specific amount. This Gen whatever the letter grew up on the net therefore, to them, almost every other way of getting prepared for school would seem bizarre.
If your young person wants to shop in person, a starting point should be someplace for big bins--an assortment of sizes, meaning you can leave some there (determine what the under-bed clearance is; storage is reasonably limited) and re-use them on move-out day. (College students move lots, if you've forgotten.) Designate the bins with masking tape, again for them to be used over again.
Packing clothing is unique for your circumstances, not necessarily a one-size-fits-all technique. Certain parts of the nation have a relatively steady temperature, where winter season means a thick jacket and persists about three weeks. A number of campuses are large and pupils walk a great deal, others are compressed and metropolitan. Your child's university may very well be across town, so swapping out a set of clothing is a breeze. Or, it might be a thousand miles away from you and all the things for that year goes at once. Regardless of how many suitcases you bring, leave only a duffle bag and possibly a hanging bag there--space is constrained, and you'll bring all of the suitcases back in May.
Getting It There
Again, each and every scenario is distinct, there is however a single constant. Except if you happen to reside next door from the campus in Oklahoma City, you have to get all the stuff from home to the college. Here are a few alternatives for moving to Oklahoma City, go ahead and blend and match.
· Driving Yourself--if you own an Sports utility vehicle or even a couple as well as your trip is not more than a few hundred miles, you are able to probably load up and head out. If you have bought the essentials on the internet and they're arriving at the dormitory, you could be able to get away with a single car or truck. The disadvantage to driving a long range is that indicates time away from your job, and accommodations along the way. Additionally, it may indicate babysitters for younger brothers and sisters, or animal boarding, thus be mindful of costs you may incur.
· Flying--some kids are self-sufficient and therefore are willing to be dropped off at the airport terminal. Flying may be OK for a few families, and you can ship all their belongings in advance so it's there as soon as you get there. Checking luggage incurs serious cash, so shipping is usually the sole thing which makes sense with traveling by plane.
· Hiring Movers--may seem extravagant, but in the long run can be quite a truly convenient option. If you have that Prius and therefore considering renting a sport utility vehicle as well as the costs that go with a long journey, hiring professional movers in Oklahoma City could save you both money and time. Hop in the Prius and meet up with the movers at the dorm--and you will be getting help actually moving the boxes.
Now that you've selected the logistics for relocating Junior in the dorm, start your list for your real moving to Oklahoma City. A lot of schools move in over a weekday (the more likely to mess with dad's or mom's work schedules), so the primary thing you'll need to do is verify the date and request the time off. Below are a few other items to bear in mind.
· Student Help--Most colleges have student volunteers to help you unpack and move cartons, and set up any furniture (if you are using a loft, verify they'd be around for that). These kids are excellent sources with regard to restaurants, as well.
· Stairs or Elevators--If you're fortunate enough to have a building with an elevator, get ready to wait in a long, long, line. Chances are good you'll need to deal with stairways alternatively; potentially up three or four flights.
· Check-in--Student Housing offices tend to be a decent distance from the actual university students in addition to their dorms. Before you grab a parking spot at the dormitory and begin unloading, be sure you can get inside the building. Universities differ regarding check-in policies--some have team members at the dormitories distributing Identification cards along with keys, others, you have to visit the office for you to let them know you are there and get started.
· Cleaning Supplies--College dormitories usually are not known to excel in cleanness. They are usually cleaned between residents, however it is not to five-star hotel standards--and may not get vacuumed again until May. Take along some wipes plus a dry mop so that you can dust the surfaces and floor, along with a small caddy of essential cleaning supplies to leave. Some schools have house cleaning, but most do not and teens haven't gotten a lot more meticulous regarding cleaning in the past few years. (A lot of things never change.)
· Rentals--Find out the price to lease a mini-fridge and microwave from the university, and determine if it's less expensive than buying. Factor in things like repairs and transportation to and from your house when you make your decision--they're each inexpensive to buy, nevertheless, if something wrong happens, it is your problem.
· Parent Programming--Find out just what kinds of events are scheduled for parents on moving day. If you are headed to big state university, there will not be a tremendous amount offered except in cases where your child is an athlete or perhaps in the honors school or something along those lines. Smaller schools are usually more apt to make available coffee and muffins plus a bit of hand-holding.
· Bring Snacks--If you are fathers and mothers who show up having bagels or donuts for the student help, they'll love you and put in a tad extra effort with your boxes. Load up a cooler with water bottles and snack foods for yourselves, as well. It will likely be a long day.
· Be Comfortable--Wherever you happen to be, moving in day is the hottest day of the year. Except in cases where it is the rainiest. Put on loose attire and comfy footwear, but try not to humiliate your daughter or son with dad socks and flip flops.
· Allotted Parking--Find out if there will be allotted parking spaces near to the doors, and if so just how long is it possible to remain in one. You will probably have 20-30 minutes in order to unload, then go park in another lot for the box transporting and set up.
When you have unloaded as well as unpacked in Oklahoma City, it's time if you want to leave. Give yourself a few minutes to say goodbye and leave with your head held high along with your sniffles in check until you're out of the parking zone.
An old custom of leaving small notes nestled within pockets is an excellent one--just a line to let your freshman know you are thinking about them is a nice touch, and it is your choice precisely how serious or funny you wish to be. However you connect, keep doing it.
If you are searching for a professional mover in Oklahoma City to help move your college student, give A-1 Freeman Moving Group a shout!!
