For many students, moving to university will be their first time living away from home, and within those years, it feels like you move 100 times. After spending my summers in different countries, and studying abroad, I think I’ve started to get good at the moving out business. Here is the ultimate guide to a seamless moving out:
Rumour has it, when you’re moving house, you need 10 boxes per room, then 10 more generally. Us students aren’t necessarily moving house, but we do have a lot of stuff to bring, so it’s a good thought that you could be looking at around 10 boxes.
When on the topic of boxes, I’d recommend using a range of box sizes, this may sound odd but let me explain. It’s almost like Tetris. You can work with box sizes creatively to utilise as much space as possible in cars etc. For example, your duvet can be used to cushion boxes, or could be given to the person in the backseat to get comfortable whilst on the journey, especially if it’s a few hours away.
You also need to consider when moving what you actually need to bring vs what you want to bring. It’s important to bring needs as well as wants, but within reason. If you know you can get to a shop on the day of moving in, don’t bother bringing toilet roll or shampoos for example, as you can pick them up when you get there. Be sure to bring some things to make your new place feel homely, like photos or fairy lights.
I’d also say, although things such as books can stack well, don’t put them in boxes. Use suitcases if you can for heavy things, as this will reduce the chance of damaging or hurting your back, we are getting older now…
I’d also recommend using vacuum bags when packing! Despite making your clothes/belongings into tiny packages, they still weigh the same amount. It sounds obvious but vacuum bags can get really heavy, despite being small. They may look easy to carry, but don’t underestimate the mighty bags, so I’d recommend putting them in a suitcase too.
When packing fragile things, valuables or kitchen stuff, use newspapers or soft things around the house such as jumpers and blankets to protect the contents. I saw a life hack that shown, when packing plates, between every plate in the stack, put a paper party plate. This will cushion the plates and avoid damages.
I’d recommend keeping your handbag or hand luggage close to you at all times, as this will be where you put things such as medicines or your purse. You are going to want this bag to stand out from the rest as the contents will be the most important things. This doesn’t just apply when you’re going abroad, keep a close eye on this bag even if it’s just an hour up the road.
When packing, be sure to pack things with categories, don’t just aimlessly throw everything into a suitcase. This will be particularly useful if others are helping you settle in. Be sure to label the boxes and unpack them as soon as you get there!
I know some people may want to take their time, but if you leave things in boxes for weeks, you’ll eventually learn to live without them and it’ll become the tedious job of making your house, a home. Making a home should be anything but tedious, be involved and present to make your new place something you’re proud of.
When you arrive to your property and unpack, you may feel the job is done, but there are just a few more things to consider. Firstly, you should know if you have a TV license or not in your contract, but I’d double check that to be sure. Secondly, if you need to take your own bins out, know when the bin men are coming. Thirdly, take pictures of your property! If you notice something on the wall upon arrival, or some of the fixings don’t look right, take a picture! This could be the difference of getting your deposit back or not.
Finally, I’d say, try and enjoy the experience, although moving can be stressful and emotional, you’re taking a leap into a new chapter every time you move, so embrace it. If you leave something at home that you desperately want/need, you can always post it, or get it when you go back at Christmas! Try not to stress too much!