<p>Hi all! I’m a rising freshman living in South Florida with 20 days left until I move up to Boston for school. I’m the eldest child in my family so we are totally inexperienced in terms of move in… I’ll make this short:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Should I trust bed bath and beyonds “pack & hold” system? (I’m scared that once I arrive at the BB&B at Boston they won’t have everything I scanned in stock there)</p></li>
<li><p>If I were to choose to buy my dorm stuff here in SoFlo and then ship it via usual couriers, would that be ridiculously expensive? (I’ve checked out a few things at Target & walmart and they’re cheaper than BB&B) </p></li>
<li><p>I’ve heard a lot about Target and their “Store pick up” option but, I’m not too sure if thats reliable either.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Bascially: please help me choose the best way to move my dorm stuff from Miami to Boston. All advice is greatly appreciated:) </p>
<p>We haven’t used the BBB option but I understand people are very happy with it.</p>
<p>If you get the Target Redcard, you can buy online, get 5% off and shipping is free.
<a href=“RedCard: Save 5% at Target”>RedCard: Save 5% at Target;
You can set the card up linked to your regular debit card instead of as credit card, register for the card in any store with a void check, and get card instantly. Have stuff shipped directly to your mail address at school. Most schools will hold the items for you until you arrive, but check with your school to see how they handle it. </p>
<p>Are you flying? If shipping cost is a concern, the rates for baggage on planes is generally cheaper than most shipping services, though it’s a bit of a hassle pushing all the boxes around and getting stuff to vehicle at curb. You can check boxes as baggage so long as they meet size/weight restrictions.</p>
<p>I don’t know what sort of stores are close to your school, but at D’s school, Target and Walmart both have sales around move-in time. Walmart had 10% off everything for students first 2 weeks of school and Target had a designated day during move-in weekend with a similar discount, and ran special buses for the kids from campus to store. If you have easy access/transportation to stores in Boston, you could wait to buy some things until you get there. Maybe call some stores in the area and ask if they run any special deals during move-in time.</p>
<p>Pack a roll of toilet paper. You may get into your dorm room to find there is no paper if you have a suite style room with attached bath. And for that type bath (as opposed to community bathrooms) you’ll likely need to supply shower curtain and hooks. </p>
<p>Get plenty of command strips and hooks from whoever sells them cheapest as that is the legal way to hang stuff on walls in most dorms.</p>
<p>If you have stuff to assemble, take a screwdriver/tool set.</p>
<p>Good luck. Everything will be fine. Have a great year.</p>
<p>We live in SoCal and my daughter went to school in Massachusetts. We also found it was cheaper to pay the airlines than UPS to ship stuff. But it is wise to keep the shipping of stuff to a minimum.</p>
<p>We purchased her computer at home so that I could install all the software and check it out before we left. We bought pretty much everything else in MA. To do so, we left about a week early so we could also do some sightseeing, let her get to know the area and not have to run around in a panic to buy everything she needed.</p>
<p>A few tips:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>The school may have printers that the students can use on the network but having your own printer (at least an inexpensive laser printer) in your own room really helps during the panic that sets in when papers are due. If you have roommates, you can share one printer.</p></li>
<li><p>The one item that sometimes sells out are the extra long sheet sets for the dorm room beds. See if your dorm uses the longer mattresses. Either order them ahead of time (BBB?) or buy those at home and bring them with you.</p></li>
<li><p>You will need winter clothing. Dressing in layers is best; most flexibility and best warmth. You can also remove layers as it warms up during the day and then add them back in the evening. Buy the clothes in MA (there are some good discount stores like the Burlington Coat Factory) but remember that winter clothes go on sale starting in the early fall. Shop early for best size and style selections. Don’t forget boots, hats and gloves. Wind is usually the killer, so a lightweight, waterproof shell for an outer layer is a good idea. It is a good idea to have at least two winter coats as one might get wet and you need to go out again before it dries. You may want an active set of winter clothes (for sledding, etc.) and one more dressy coat for social events.</p></li>
<li><p>See if you can find storage for your stuff over the summer. You won’t need your winter clothing in the summer in Florida!!! A local friend might be able to help you out or if you are renting an apartment for sophomore year, see if the timing of the lease can be in your favor (leases are usually for 12 months). See if your school offers storage, some do.</p></li>
<li><p>Get a small set of tools in MA at Home Depot (or a similar store); pliers, screwdrivers (Philips and regular), hammer, etc. Never know when you may need to assemble or emergency fix something.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>BBB will hold your reserve for 3 days. At time of ordering, you can see what items are available in the local BBB or not. If you go this route, you will at least have a couple days to think about where to get alternatives. Target will only hold for 1 day. I couldn’t say which one will be best for you. I know for my D it’s BBB because we can’t pick-up same day and we really only have the first half of a day to pick-up all her stuff.</p>
<p>Amazon is a good deal if you can ship things early. We’ve had a few things sent to her room that way. </p>
<p>If you have educational books or DVD’s you can send them media for a lower price. You have to go into the post office with the package open so they can verify it’s just books. We did this for D’s Shakespeare Lexicons and couple favorite resource books. I wouldn’t recommend sending just anything though because it’s really quite pricey!</p>
<p>Are you going alone? how much luggage are you bringing? We’re flying on Southwest which is sort of a pain but at least still lets you check 2 backs free per ticket. D’s got 2 suitcases and 2 duffles packed with clothes and bedding. That’s sort of the important stuff. </p>
<p>Remember it’s not the end of the world if you move in without a shower caddy. You can pick-up stuff later.</p>
<p>I forgot to mention Southwest in my first post. I don’t think they run many (any?) direct flights from Miami to Boston, but they run 1-stops from Ft Lauderdale and you can go round trip for $200 if you shop enough in advance. We flew SW freshman year and with both parents travelling had 6 free checked bags/boxes plus all the carry-ons. Pretty loaded down. Have to think about size of car rental if taking that much stuff.</p>
<p>Other people have done exactly what you’re doing and done it successfully. Take a deep breath. You’re anxious, and it’s manifesting itself in this “how do I get my stuff to Boston” concern. It’s not a big deal.</p>
<p>You’re still allowed to be anxious. Just acknowledge it for what it is, and this particular issue will evaporate.</p>
<p>When we moved DD from DC to Houston we used the BB&B scan and pick up with no problems. We shopped when we got there and if she did not want what we had scanned then we just did not buy it. Everything we had scanned was there waiting for us though. We also used SW airlines and had 6 checked bags/boxes plus carryons. We did rent a minivan. You need to reserve those in advance because they sell out during that time. </p>
<p>Thank you all for your input, I appreciate it! I wish I would have known about SW airlines earlier… They sound great, especially for my move in flight. Oh well. Next time.</p>
<p>I think I’m gonna go ahead with BB&B’s option. Do you guys have suggestions on what kind of things I shouldn’t wait to purchase once I’m in boston (like the XL sheets) I want to be sure to get those for sure now. </p>
<p>We purchased everything early in our home state. I think this is best because you will know in advance if something is not available and be able to find it elsewhere. They have your order all together when you arrive and all you have to do is head to the cashier and pay. Very easy. Dont forget all your BBB coupons for 20% off an item. They let you use multiples which is so nice. If you are lucky, you have one that is 20% your entire order which saves alot of money. </p>
<p>I’ve never used the Target pick-up option but what I can tell you is that if you visit the Target in Watertown (adjacent to Cambridge) on Labor Day weekend expecting to find a pillow or anything that you really are in need of… the store will be filled with a zillion people hoping to do the same as you and there will be hardly anything left to buy. Trust me… having been there. Now we were there to pick up kitchen/bathroom things primarily for off-campus apartment but I can tell that all those pillow displays were totally empty already. </p>
<p>Oh wow… Thanks @bookmama22 for the heads up. That’s what I figured… And @spring162 I didn’t know you could use multiple! Looks like I’ll be heading
over to BB&B soon.</p>
<p>I will be in the Back Bay Area of boston once I move in… For future reference, would anyone happen to know of a place where I could get winter clothing near by? I plan on stocking up on winter clothes sometime later in the semester and I’d appreciate some recommendations from Boston/New England natives. </p>
Boston is a very compact city with very good public transportation. You won’t need to shop near your residence, but will have the whole city available to you. Don’t worry about this. Within a few weeks of arriving (you won’t need “winter” clothing right away), you’ll have friends to shop with and a good idea of the options. You should take a breath. Trying to plan out every aspect of your life in advance will just make you anxious. I don’t think the Boston cops have ever had to pick up a student wearing a sun dress in below zero weather because she never figured out where to buy a coat, honest!</p>
<p>Great shopping on Boyleston St., Newbury St, Downtown Crossing. The “T” (subway) is easy to navigate. You can get a “T” map app on your phone. You are going to have a great time in a great city!! :)</p>
<p>Wait to consider winter clothing until fall. Your FL winter wear will likely get you through the first few months until you find out from fellow students what to buy and where. Your school should have lists of what to have for your dorm. If your roommate to be is from that area ask him/her. Compare the school list with BB&B- stores usually have some extras on their lists. Pay attention to what comes with the room, what is suggested and what is forbidden. I would plan on one set of bedding, two sets of towels (a dry one if the other one still wet) and about 2 weeks worth of clothing- eg underwear, socks Yes, unlike FL- we moved here- you will want shoes and socks instead of flip flops) but not jeans- those can be reworn. You may decide you will do laundry every week but there will be times it won’t work out.</p>
<p>I would not count on a roommate sharing a printer (son’s said he would but I don’t think that worked out, he had free printing pages for comp sci anyhow, and they had easy dorm printing available as well). It can be cheaper to use school printing than buying ink and paper.</p>
<p>Check out locations of some stores online and map them out relative to your school. Bedding- XL sheets but not comforters are often needed. Even if you wait to buy stuff do a dry run at your local stores and ask questions. Get you mother involved if possible. I did the shopping for my son- he and H are nonshoppers.</p>
<p>You and your parents should look around your house for things you use often and even occasionally. It can be cheaper to make up a first aid kit with some bandaids et al instead of buying a whole box you may never use but want without needing to go to a store. Think flashlight and those household things everyone shares. But- don’t go overboard. It is nice to have a pain med Tylenol et al) without needing to shop for it. Consider your lifestyle. basically bring the things you use all the time- you are moving, not vacationing. Son had to be told this- bring all of your underwear et al, not just some… In your case you may need to decide how much of your summery wardrobe to bring- you will have limited space and will need warmer clothes eventually. Some things such as scissors are nice if there are extras at home. </p>
<p>For clothes on a budget, if you don’t mind “vintage” try The Garment District in Cambridge. I have found some great designer stuff for cheap. I think there is still a Marshall’s or T J Maxx on Boylston Street. Finding winter clothes won’t be a problem.</p>
<p>I would buy absolutely everything in Miami and ship it to Boston. It will be much easier than shlepping around. PM me if you have any questions. I live minutes from most major Boston Colleges/Universities. </p>
<p>If you are in the Back bay, you are near all major shopping at all price points.</p>
<p>No rush on buying winter clothes especially if you will live in the Back Bay. Tons of choices and very easy access. Many kids buy a North Face or Patagonia fleece (can find on sale at City Sports), college sweatshirt, raincoat and water boots such as Hunters. It will all be very easy for you even if you have nothing to wear and want to shop the same day. You may want to buy a simple black skirt and tank top for going out. After the first few weeks of colleges, most people will wear leggings, sweats and gym clothes. A good knapsack could be helpful.</p>
<p>Feel free to PM me if you need any specific recommendations.</p>
<p>Last year we moved our son 1,800 miles, from the east coast to Colorado, for his freshman year. We did “purchase” items at the local BB&B store and picked the stuff up at the locally-assigned BB&B. Upon looking at what had been originally selected, we decided we didn’t need everything and were able to not actually pay for everything selected. Using this method with BB&B worked fine.</p>
<p>We also flew Southwest Air where each passenger can check two bags for free. Parents and son meant six free checked pieces of luggage.</p>