Between the textbooks, rent, and late-night food runs, college can get expensive. Not to mention the high cost of tuition! Although there are lots of reasons to spend money in college, there are also a variety of ways to save. Start the year off right by saving on moving expenses and giving your wallet a break.
Follow these tips to save some serious cash:
Limit Your Stuff: One of the basic rules of moving is that the more stuff you have, the more it costs to move. Save money by packing smart. Consider your living situation and plan your belongings accordingly. If you’re living in a furnished apartment or dorm room, you probably don’t need to bring your old desk or beanbag chair. Ask upperclassmen friends for advice on the items you really need — it may be tempting to bring your guitar and sheet music or your sentimental keepsakes, but chances are you won’t really use them in college. You can also coordinate with your roommates to decide who will bring which communal items so you don’t all have to spend the money to move a couch or waffle iron.
Get Free Cardboard Boxes: A big moving expense often comes in the form of cardboard boxes. Almost every moving or truck rental company sells boxes for a few dollars apiece, but there are also lots of ways to get boxes for free, which can save hundreds of dollars. Ask friends for any leftover boxes or post an ad online … you might be surprised how many people want to get rid of their old moving boxes. Many stores, including some big ones like Walmart, also throw out high-quality boxes, so ask the manager. If you must buy boxes, Home Depot has very reasonable prices.
Share a Truck: If you’re moving a lot of items, you’ll probably want to use a moving truck or trailer. Save money by sharing the truck with a friend or roommate, as it is often cheaper to split the cost of a slightly larger truck than for two people to individually rent a smaller truck. If you end up renting a truck, plan ahead and look for deals — many rental companies like Budget Truck Rental offer student discounts around back to school time. You can also borrow a pick-up truck or trailer from a friend and offer to pay for gas, which can end up saving lots of money. Borrowing a truck typically works better for shorter moves, but if you plan early and start asking around, you might be able to coordinate with someone for a longer trip as well.
Buy Once You Get There: Another way to save money is to simply pack up your car or suitcase with the essentials and buy the larger items once you hit campus. Many stores like Staples, especially in college towns, hold back to school sales, or you can frequently find used furniture or home items at garage sales on online sites like Craigslist. Buying items once you reach your destination also helps you to only purchase items that you will really need, since by then you will have a better idea of your living situation and requirements.
