5 Essential Tips for Moving College Students and Their Cars

Summary:

• Introduction: Over 16 million students move to college each year, many bringing cars. This guide offers five tips to help make moving with a car stress-free.

• Tip 1: Plan early and book car transport at least two months in advance to avoid peak season stress.

• Tip 2: Shipping your car vs. driving—comparing costs and the environmental impact.

• Tip 3: Efficient packing tips to maximize space and ensure safety.

• Tip 4: Create a realistic budget, factoring in shipping, hidden costs, and savings opportunities.

• Tip 5: Prepare your car for transport with a checklist of essential tasks.

• Conclusion: Why AmeriFreight is the best choice for college students, with a limited-time offer for student discounts.

Introduction: Over 16 Million College Students Move Each Year — Here's How to Move Your Car Stress-Free

Each year, over 16 million students across the U.S. pack up their lives and head to college campuses, with many choosing to bring their cars along. However, moving to college can be stressful—especially when considering how to get both your belongings and your car to campus.

Whether you’re moving across the state or cross-country, car transport adds a layer of complexity to the move. But did you know that with early planning and smart shipping choices, you can save both time and money? 

With over a decade of trusted service, AmeriFreight has helped thousands of students transport their vehicles safely, efficiently, and affordably. Backed by an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, AmeriFreight is the go-to solution for simplifying your college move.

Here are five tips to help you and your family navigate moving to college with your car, ensuring the process is smooth and hassle-free.

2. Tip 1: Plan Ahead to Avoid Last-Minute Stress

When it comes to moving your car to college, the earlier you start planning, the better. Last-minute decisions can result in higher costs, limited availability, and unnecessary stress. Booking your car transport early, especially during the peak summer months (July-August), is key to securing the best rates and ensuring timely delivery.

Step-by-Step Guide to Planning Your Car Transport:

• 2-3 months before the move: Begin researching car shipping companies. Look for companies with strong reputations, like AmeriFreight, which offers student discounts and flexible shipping options.

• 2 months before the move: Secure your car shipping service. Booking two months in advance ensures you’ll avoid peak season price surges and have more scheduling flexibility.

• 1 month before the move: Confirm the pickup and delivery dates with your shipping company to align them with your move-in date.

• 1-2 weeks before shipping: Prepare your car for transport (see Tip 5 for details).

Planning in advance allows you to focus on other moving details and ensures that your car arrives at college when you need it.

3. Tip 2: Consider Car Shipping for Long-Distance Moves

While driving your car to college may seem like the easiest solution, the hidden costs and exhaustion of a long road trip can add up. Let’s break down the real expenses of driving vs. shipping your car.

Cost Comparison: Driving vs. Shipping Your Car

• Driving: Costs include gas, food, hotel stays, and wear and tear on your vehicle. For a cross-country trip, gas alone can cost over $400, while food and lodging might add another $300-$500. Plus, consider the toll a multi-day drive can take on you and your vehicle.

• Shipping: Car shipping with AmeriFreight, depending on distance and season, can range from $800 to $1,200. While it may sound like more upfront, it saves you time, stress, and potential repair costs from wear and tear.

Environmental Impact: In addition to the financial costs, consider the environmental footprint. Long-distance driving significantly increases your carbon emissions, while car shipping consolidates multiple vehicles onto a single carrier, reducing the overall environmental impact.

By choosing to ship your car, you can arrive at college refreshed and ready to start your new chapter without the stress of a long drive. AmeriFreight offers competitive prices, student discounts, and a simple, reliable process to get your car to campus safely.

4. Tip 3: Pack Efficiently for Maximum Space

Packing for college is always a challenge, especially when space is limited. Whether you're driving or shipping your car, efficient packing is essential.

Efficient Packing Tips:

• Prioritize Essentials: Start with the items you absolutely need—clothes, bedding, electronics, and school supplies. Use soft items like bedding and towels to cushion fragile objects.

• Maximize Car Space: For those driving, place heavier items like books or electronics on the bottom to stabilize your load. Pack smaller items in storage bins to keep things organized.

• Safety First: Overloading your car can create visibility issues and make it harder to drive safely. Ensure the driver’s seat has enough room and the rear windows are clear for safe driving.

For students shipping their cars, remember that personal belongings generally aren’t allowed inside the vehicle. Some carriers allow up to 100 pounds inside the vehicle so check with your agent to find out more. You'll need to use a separate service to transport your non-car items.

5. Tip 4: Budget Smart for Your Move

Moving to college can be expensive, and unexpected costs can easily blow your budget. It’s important to create a clear budget that covers all potential expenses, including car shipping, travel, and on-campus costs.

Sample Budget Breakdown:

• Car Shipping: AmeriFreight offers cross-country car shipping services ranging from $800 to $1,200, depending on distance, time of year, and vehicle type.

• Packing Supplies: Budget around $50 to $100 for boxes, tape, and packing materials.

• Travel Expenses: If you’re flying or driving separately, consider costs for gas, lodging, and meals.

• Campus Expenses: Don’t forget to factor in parking permits, dorm room essentials, and other campus-related fees (parking permits can cost $200 or more annually at some universities).

By preparing a detailed budget, you can better manage your move and ensure you don’t face any surprise expenses. AmeriFreight offers free quotes and discounts for students to help you save on car shipping.

6. Tip 5: Prepare Your Car for Transport

Before shipping your car, it’s important to ensure it’s in good condition. This not only guarantees a smooth shipment but also protects your car from any potential issues during transit.

Car Preparation Checklist:

• Remove Personal Items: Shipping companies don’t allow personal belongings inside the car, so remove everything, including loose items like chargers or spare change.

• Check Fluids and Tire Pressure: Ensure your oil is fresh, fluid levels are topped off, and tires are properly inflated.

• Disable Toll Tags: Avoid unexpected charges by removing or disabling toll transponders.

• Take Photos: Document your car’s condition with photos before it’s shipped. This will help in the unlikely event of damage during transport.

• Insurance Check: While AmeriFreight ensures all of its carriers have verified insurance for your vehicle,, it’s a good idea to double-check with your provider to ensure full coverage during the move.

Preparing your car properly ensures that it arrives at your new campus ready to go.

7. Conclusion: Simplify Your College Move with AmeriFreight

Moving to college should be an exciting time, not a stressful one. By planning early, considering car shipping, packing smart, budgeting effectively, and preparing your vehicle, you can make the process smooth and manageable.

AmeriFreight has been helping students and families ship cars for over a decade, offering reliable service, competitive pricing, and special discounts for college students. Ready to make your college move stress-free?

Get a fast, free quote today from AmeriFreight and take advantage of our exclusive student discounts! Simplify your move and focus on starting your college journey with peace of mind.

FAQs

1. Is it better to ship or drive my car to college?
Shipping your car can save time and prevent wear and tear. For long distances, it’s often more cost-effective than driving.

2. What are the costs involved in shipping a car for a college move?
Car shipping costs depend on the distance, vehicle type, and season. AmeriFreight offers rates between $800 and $1,200 for cross-country moves, with student discounts available.

3. How far in advance should I book a car shipping service?
For the best rates and availability, book your car shipment at least 2 months in advance, especially during peak moving season in the summer.

4. Can I ship personal belongings inside my car?
Most carriers will allow up to 100 pounds in the trunk area, but it is important to note that any personal items in the vehicle are not covered in the carrier's insurance.

5. What services does AmeriFreight offer for college students?
AmeriFreight offers affordable, reliable car shipping with special discounts and flexible options for students moving to college.