<p>I’m not saying I’m an expert…because I’m not. BUT we have done all three kinds of moves…across country, somewhat close (2 hours), and somewhat far but in same time zone (12 hour drive). They all had a different “personality” but the key for each was that WE (the parents) set a limit on how much we were able too take, and the college students had to make their “stuff” fit into our limits.</p>
<p>For the cross country move, it was four suitcases…and two carryons (as two of us were traveling). No siblings, one parent only…and it was orientation weekend too. We bought all of the big “stuff” in the college area (bulky linen things, printer, small TV, desk lamp, toiletries, school supplies, etc). EVERYTHING else fit into the suitcases.</p>
<p>For the 2 hour move, we used our minivan. Again it was orientation weekend and we left the younger sib at home with friends. We were able to take more but the difference was we did NO shopping in Boston because it all fit in the car and was bought near our home. I will say…by the time this same student was a college senior, we were able to move him home using 1/2 the backseat to a Volvo sedan, and the trunk to that car. He took less and less with him every year because he realized he didn’t NEED all the “stuff” he thought he needed.</p>
<p>Same kid moved 12 hours away to grad school. We used the same minivan to move him but he was moving into an unfurnished apartment and the minivan held a loveseat, table and chairs, filing cabinets, three area rugs, lamps, and all of the kitchen “stuff”. A Subura sedan held the kid’s personal belongings. </p>
<p>I guess what I’m saying is…pack light. It’s the easiest way to get to campus with “all the stuff”. Just take LESS stuff. Things we learned…they sell toiletries everywhere. No need to take a year’s supply with you. No need to send extra clothes to store under the bed. Our kids (both boy and girl) neverf really LOOKED in those under bed boxes until AFTER they bought a replacement item for what could have been found under their beds!). If it fits into your car, it will probably fit into your dorm room. If you take two cars, or a very large van…you will probably be bringing things home with you on the return trip. And most important…the kids will accumulate “more stuff” while they are in college so leave SOME spare room for that to happen.</p>