Starting college is an exciting milestone, but moving out of state, across the country, or even Starting college is an exciting milestone, but moving out of state, across the country, or even internationally can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re flying. With limited luggage space, travel logistics, and the challenge of ensuring you have everything you need, it’s easy to feel stressed. Fortunately, Collegeboxes, the experts in student moves, have prepared this guide to help you move to college by plane with confidence.
Plan Ahead
Moving to college by plane requires careful planning. Start by creating a checklist of what you’ll need, dividing it into three categories:
- Pack for the Plane: Include essentials like clothes, toiletries, medications, chargers, and personal items you’ll need during your trip.
- Ship Later: Bulky or non-essential items, such as bedding, storage bins, or seasonal clothing, can be sent separately.
- Buy There: Save space by purchasing items like cleaning supplies, school essentials, or dorm decor once you arrive in your college town.
- Bonus Tip: Check your airline’s baggage policy early to understand size and weight limits and avoid surprise fees. Many airlines offer student discounts, so be sure to ask and save some money!
Pack Smart
When flying, less is always more. With limited luggage space, focus on packing efficiently:
- Clothing: Pack versatile, season-appropriate outfits you can mix and match. Avoid overpacking trendy pieces you might not wear often.
- Essentials: Include everyday items like toiletries, medication, and electronics (with chargers!).
- Comfort Items: If space allows, pack a small comfort item from home.
What Goes Where?
Knowing how to divide your belongings between carry-on and checked luggage is key to staying organized and avoiding extra fees.
Carry-On Bag
Your carry-on is valuable for essentials and heavier items that could push your checked bag over the weight limit.
- Heavy Items: Pack bulky hoodies, jeans, and shoes.
- Electronics: Include laptops, tablets, phones, and all chargers.
- Toiletries: Pack travel-sized toiletries, following TSA’s liquid rules.
Checked Luggage
Your checked bag is ideal for lighter items and things you won’t need during travel.
- Clothing: Pack the bulk of your clothes, lighter shoes, and accessories.
- Non-Urgent Toiletries: Include full-sized hair products, skincare, and makeup.
- Dorm-Specific Items: Pack any dorm necessities you purchased ahead of time.
Ship the Rest
For larger items like winter coats, bedding, or storage bins, consider shipping them directly to your dorm or apartment. Services like Collegeboxes make moving easy by handling storage and shipping, ensuring your belongings arrive safely. This option lightens your load on travel day and helps keep your move stress-free.
Navigate Travel Day
Traveling to college can be hectic, but preparation goes a long way. Here’s how to stay organized:
- Identification and Documents: Keep your ID, boarding pass, student ID, and travel itinerary in an easily accessible spot.
- Purchase Luggage Allowance Early: Buy your luggage allowance online before check-in to save time and avoid long lines at the airport counter.
- Comfort Essentials: Bring travel items like headphones, snacks, a cozy blanket, and a neck pillow to make your flight more comfortable.
- Arrive Early: Get to the airport well in advance to avoid crowds, reduce stress, and handle unexpected delays like long security lines.
Settle In with Confidence
Once you arrive, take time to unpack and organize your belongings. This will help prevent clutter and make your new space feel like home. If you used services like Collegeboxes to ship items, track their delivery status to ensure everything arrives on time.
Moving to college by plane doesn’t have to be stressful. With thoughtful planning, smart packing strategies, and support from services like Collegeboxes, you can make the process smooth and even enjoyable. Safe travel and best wishes for your new chapter!