I’m flying there alone and I don’t really want to take much luggage with me. I was thinking of purchasing and shipping my stuff and most of my clothes beforehand. My mother suggested that I buy anything I need there or order stuff and have it shipped to my college. I’m purchasing my things primarily from Walmart.com and Amazon and I don’t want multiple packages or boxes, I just want everything organized in one or two large boxes. I realize I have to pay for shipping, but I’m willing to do that for the sake of convenience. I feel like having to carry two boxes(though, they are big) of already sorted essentials is easier than potentially sifting through multiple.
What’s your opinion; do you thinking the shipping cost is not worth it(potentially $50-70 per box)?
I know from experience that shipping large, heavy boxes can easily be $50 each. What I would suggest is to have the stuff you’re buying new sent directly to your address at your college rather than to your home. Most colleges will hold packages for you before move-in. The rest you’re taking from home you can take in your luggage (some clothes, toiletries, etc.) and send in boxes yourself. I don’t think the organization is really worth spending easily $100.
Look at flying Southwest, you get to check 2 bags free. My kid also shipped 2 boxes ahead, her college gave her a mailbox # over the summer. She shipped stuff she thought would be picked over near campus (bedding, for example). But we also went to a Target near campus for a lamp, toiletries, etc. check and see what is near campus (but a cab or Uber ride might be cheaper than shipping if you are going to buy the stuff anyway). Or maybe someone on your hall whose parents are dropping them off might give you a ride. You can pick some stuff (warmer clothes, for example) over your first break, too.
Bed, Bath, and Beyond has a service where you can pick out what you want at a store near you, and then it will be ready for pickup at their closest store near your school. Really handy!
Handy IF there is a B,B, and B very close to the school. Since the OP is flying herself, she likely won’t have a car to tool around and pick stuff up. So a cab, Uber, or (if very likely) kind parents of hallmates who happen to also be going to B, B, and B would be required. I know there is no B, B, and B within several miles of my kids’ college. But that service is handy if you have a way to pick the stuff up.