A Cubeit guide for parents with kids moving away for college or university
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Cubeit helps families embrace change with grace
September 5, 2023
The day has finally arrived: your child is leaving home to embark on their exciting journey of higher education. While this transition may be bittersweet, it's important to focus on the positive aspects and provide the support your child needs to flourish.
From ensuring a smooth moving-out process to transforming the newly emptied space into an inviting nest, this guide from Cubeit offers essential tips for parents navigating this significant life change.
Planning for a smooth move
Moving can be a daunting task, but with careful planning, you can alleviate unnecessary chaos:
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Create a Timeline: Start planning several weeks ahead of the moving date to avoid last-minute stress. Outline a detailed timeline that includes tasks like packing, coordinating transportation, and addressing logistical concerns.
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Downsize Together: Make decluttering a joint project. Encourage your child to assess their belongings and decide what to keep, donate, or discard. This process not only reduces moving costs but also helps them begin this new chapter with a fresh perspective.
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Pack Strategically: Simplify unpacking by categorizing items and labeling boxes clearly. Designate boxes for specific areas, such as kitchenware, clothing, and study materials.
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Essentials Box: Pack a separate box with items your child will need immediately upon arrival, such as toiletries, bedding, a change of clothes, and any important documents.
Navigating the roller coaster of feelings
Emotions will inevitably run high during this transition. Here's how you can help your child (and yourself) navigate them:
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Open Communication: Create an atmosphere where your child feels comfortable discussing their fears, excitement, and concerns about moving away. Share your own feelings too; it's okay to admit that you'll miss them dearly.
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Visit the New Place: If feasible, visit your child's new living space before they move in. Explore the surroundings together and envision their life in the new environment. This will help both of you ease anxieties about the unfamiliar.
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Plan Family Time: Prioritize spending quality time together before they leave. Plan activities that hold sentimental value, such as a special dinner, a movie night, or a day trip to a favorite location.
Making the most of a new beginning
As your child's room becomes vacant, consider transforming it into a space that suits your evolving needs:
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Multi-Functional Spaces: Reimagine the room as a versatile area that serves different purposes. It could become a guest room, a home office, a fitness corner, or a hobby haven. This not only maximizes the use of the space but also allows you to explore new interests.
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Sentimental Preservation: While repurposing the room, allocate a corner to preserve cherished memories. Set up a small shelf or wall space for framed photos, awards, and keepsakes. This way, you're preserving their legacy within the family home.
How Cubeit can make for a better move
Moving doesn’t have to be stressful or backbreaking. With Cubeit you can streamline the moving process by more easily transporting belongings to the new location:
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Convenience and Security: Cubeit containers offer a secure and convenient option for moving. Once packed, they can be transported to the new location, minimizing the stress of coordinating multiple trips.
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Pack At Your Own Pace: there’s no frantic, last-minute packing with Cubeit. With the cube delivered to you prior to moving day you can pack it at your own speed. That gives you more quality time as a family in the weeks leading up to the move.
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Customizable Options: Cubeit containers come in various sizes, providing the flexibility to choose the one that suits your needs. This is particularly helpful for moving items of different sizes and quantities.
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Temporary Storage: In situations where your child's new living space isn't ready yet, Cubeit containers can serve as temporary storage. This can be especially beneficial during transitions, giving your child time to settle into their new routine.
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All in One Moving Option: You can also purchase moving supplies such as boxes of all sizes, packing tape, security disk locks as well as protective covers and wraps to help in your move from the easy-to-use Cubeit website.
Embracing their new phase
Part of the college experience involves newfound independence. Support your child as they grow into their own person:
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Financial Literacy: Teach budgeting and financial management skills. Help them set up a bank account, learn about credit, and handle expenses responsibly. This empowers them to make informed decisions about their finances and develop lifelong skills.
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Life Skills: Prioritize teaching basic life skills like cooking, laundry, and time management before they leave. These skills will serve them well as they navigate the challenges of living on their own.
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**Problem-Solving:**Encourage your child to think critically and find solutions to problems on their own. This will boost their confidence and resilience, preparing them to tackle challenges with a proactive mindset.
Nurturing long-distance relationships
Maintain a strong bond with your child even as they venture out:
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Regular Communication: Establish a communication routine that suits both of you—whether it's weekly phone calls, texts, or video chats. However, also respect their need for space and independence, allowing them to initiate contact as well.
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Virtual Dinners: Consider scheduling regular virtual dinners where the whole family can join via video call. It's a great way to catch up, share experiences, and make them feel valued and connected.
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Care Packages: Surprise your child with thoughtful care packages filled with their favorite snacks, personal notes, and useful items they might need. This gesture of love and support will brighten their day and remind them of home.
Embracing change as a family
As your child embarks on this new chapter of their life, remember that change is a natural part of growth. While saying goodbye might not be easy, it's a step toward fostering independence, resilience, and self-discovery.
By planning thoughtfully, staying connected, and utilizing resources like Cubeit containers, you can navigate this transition with grace and positivity. Cherish the memories you've shared and look forward to the exciting journey ahead—for both your child and yourself.
As you adapt to your "empty nest," you'll find new opportunities for personal growth and fulfillment, and your relationship with your child will continue to evolve in meaningful ways!
Whatever life’s adventure is our portable storage experts are here to help. Give us a call today to learn how we can help!