Survival Tips for Students and Parents on College Move Day

FAIRFAX, VA (August 9, 2011) Colleges and universities are preparing to welcome 19.7 million students this fall, according to the U.S. National Center for Education Statistics. Millions of these students will live off-campus, a living environment that requires different steps for preparation than moving into a dormitory. CORT, a Berkshire Hathaway company and the only national furniture rental provider, offers survival tips for students and parents as they move into off-campus housing.

• Drink water: In nearly every part of the country, it’s guaranteed that move-in day is going to be hot. Chances are, students and parents will be moving up stairs or battling crowded elevators. Be sure to keep hydrated as you make it through the day.
• Stretch properly: A full day of moving will test muscles most students and parents aren’t even aware that they have. Some may call it procrastination, but taking the time to stretch will help prevent injuries and make sure students and parents are still mobile the day after the move.
• Exercise patience: We’ve already covered the heat and pain likely to be experienced on moving day. Throw in the chaos of moving day traffic, other roommates and their parents and the inevitable unexpected obstacles and short tempers are likely to follow. Hold your tongue, stay patient, and the day will end on a happy note.
• Consider furniture rental: Unlike dormitories, most apartments and homes are not furnished. While lugging that free couch out of the basement is one option, out-of-pocket costs for moving and storing furniture can add up quickly, easily costing $1,000 to $2,000. In addition, students and parents must consider taking days off of work for moving, nights spent in a hotel, and physical therapy to repair the damage – all reasons students and parents should consider renting furniture and accessories for their off-campus housing this year.

“We start with a basic student package that will outfit a bedroom, living room and kitchen, and most students choose to add on items such as televisions, décor items or kitchen or bath goods,” said Mark Koepsell, senior vice president for CORT. “For students and parents seeking a simpler solution for move-in day, rental furniture offers an affordable, convenient and flexible option that lets you focus on enjoying the time together and avoid the sweltering heat, pulled muscles and short tempers that often accompany the ‘Big Move Day’ when moving furniture is involved.”

CORT, the only national provider of furniture rental, is providing thousands of students and parents with solutions tailored to their unique needs. Rental furniture can be delivered or removed “on-demand,” ensuring students maintain the highest quality living standards with the least hassle and no hidden costs involved for parents. Rental packages start at $99 per month with 12-month lease options; other lease terms including nine months are available. For more information on student rental packages, see www.cort.com/students.

For the past 40 years, CORT has been a leading provider in rental furniture and has provided services to more than 80 percent of the Fortune 500 companies. CORT is a Berkshire Hathaway company and has offices in every major U.S. market, offers a full range of rental and transition support services, including area-orientation tours and online apartment search services at www.ApartmentSearch.com. For more information about CORT, visit www.cort.com.