<p>Four people and a car leaves barely enough room for travel luggage, not enough room for moving one, much less two students. It’s a two day trip each way. Perhaps a one way rental plus the family car for the trip down. Bonding time for one parent/one child. Or fly. Your parents need to think of doubling their travel budget and not try to save money because two kids are going to the same place at the same time.</p>
<p>I would bring a suitcase of clothing and shoes and buy everything else when you get there. Rent a storage locker over the summers and when you graduate, have a “garage sale”.</p>
<p>At my husband’s company, if a trip is longer than 150 miles they are instructed to rent a car rather than drive their own vehicle and be reimbursed for mileage. It is actually CHEAPER to do so. If you consider driving a family vehicle to Florida, the true cost should be considered in terms of the federally-accepted mileage figure, which accounts for wear and tear. I believe it is currently over $0.50 a mile. </p>
<p>When we moved our S into college freshman year, we rented a Grand Caravan from U Haul, taking advantage of some incredibly cheap deal. There was plenty of room for the three of us, plus all of his stuff, which included the basics plus three stringed instruments and a futon frame and futon. (The futon thing was the deal breaker on a regular car.) It was very comfortable and easy to drive. I must say that it was pleasant not to have to worry about whether stuff would fit. </p>
<p>Since you presumably won’t be taking anything that large, your parents could look into car rental deals. There are definitely some available for under $100 per day! It is also possible to rent a carrier for the top of a car.</p>
<p>Since you will be going to school in FL, you will not need to bring bulky stuff such as comforters, down parkas, and winter boots. It is probably a good idea to buy cheap pillows and so forth at Target online and have them delivered when you get to FL, rather than taking them from home. And ordering them online means you are certain to get them. Stores do run out of stuff–like those extra long twin sheets–when hordes of college students descend at the same time.</p>
<p>I agree that the emotional health of all concerned is a key consideration. :)</p>
<p>Consolation–we always rent cars if we are driving more than about 3 or 4 hours. First, it helps keep the mileage down on our personal vehicles and it’s usually less expensive when you figure in gas costs. I rent through National exclusively because they have great deals and I like the Emerald Island option where you just pick your car and drive off. We can tailor the car we pick to our needs–vacation cars are fun, sporty, convertibles, business trips are usually some kind of a black sedan :). Most recently was able to rent a Nissan Ultima for $14/day.</p>