Finals are right around the corner for college students, which means resident advisers’ will soon be going from dorm room to dorm room issuing move-out dates.
Some students will return home for the summer, while a vast majority will be on the hunt for an apartment. For those students, now is the time to begin weighing all housing options wisely, with affordability being a major consideration.
From knowing how to search for an apartment or other type of housing to moving tips and being budget-minded throughout the entire process, here are some tips to keep in mind:
Simple Money Saving Tips
- Roommates – One of the easiest ways to cut back on expenses is to find roommates. When it comes to cost, the more roommates the better–but don’t compromise too much living space and pack people in like sardines in a can.
- Stay Within Your Budget – A monthly stipend from a scholarship or a certain allowance from parents is a huge help, but leave a little wiggle room for utilities, food and other necessities.
- Emergency Funds – Whether living solo or sharing space with roommates, it is easy to fall prey to spending outside of a budget. Set aside a certain amount each month for an emergency fund to factor in problems with your car, health or any situation that might cut into the monthly budget unexpectedly.
- Go Online – While there are many newspaper ads to help students find an apartment, one of the safer alternatives is to do research online. Whether it’s an established apartment finder or a community forum focused on apartment discussions, credible reviews of previous tenants are available as well as various amenities offered between communities. Some apartment finders provide budget calculators to estimate rent, utilities and help answer other financial questions.
- Location – How far is the apartment from campus? How close is it to the interstate and other fast routes to school? Is the area fairly close to hospitals, a grocery store and/or local eateries? These are the types of questions that should be asked.
- Don’t Procrastinate! – Waiting until the very last days of school to find an apartment can be detrimental to the whole process. It’s important to have a number of options in play before finals and end-of-the-semester headaches become a reality.
General Moving Tips
- Make a Checklist – Make a checklist of everything that must be packaged and moved out, even if that list is very small. Set aside enough time to find boxes and related supplies and fully secure every item so that when moving day comes everything will be prepared.
- Pack and Store Things Safely – Since many college students are limited on resources as it is, packing and storing possessions with care is critical. Bubble wrap fragile items and protect furniture and TV sets by moving them with care, not carelessness.
- DIY Advice – If roommates/friends/family have access to a truck or two and are willing to help with the move, take them up on the offer. Remember to be safe when lifting and transporting heavy items like couches and other bulky furnishings. Always lift at the knees when picking up an item off the floor and be mindful of staircases.
- Hire a Mover – Moving services are a great option for students who are living by themselves and don’t have the time to get everything out in a timely manner. Just be careful when scouting a company and understand what, if any, special rates are attached to the move, how much they cost per hour and how reputable the company is.
Moving out for the first time is a big milestone for college students. Experiencing the freedom that comes with it should be approached with a sensible responsibility. Use helpful tools like an online apartment finder, have a budget, determine the want/need of a roommate and adhere to general tips for moving out to make the entire process easier in the end.
Also to be sure to check out ForRent.com’s Move In Pinterest board!
About the Author: Kyle is a freelance writer sharing tips and advice for college students and others embarking on apartment or home living for the summer and beyond and is a consultant for a local moving company, Great Day Moving.
