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May is National Moving Month and many high school and college grads will soon be packing up and moving in or out of college dorms. So as part of our series for Master Lock’s Live Secure Safety Squad, I’ve gathered some tips for you to help your new graduates move on to their new homes.
I’ll admit, I’m not looking forward to the day one of my girls first moves out. I think I’ll be an emotional wreck. Fortunately, it’s still rather far into the future since my oldest just turned 11 years old. But I know the next decade of parenting will pass as fast as this first one.
In the United States, it is extremely common for high school grads to move away from home to attend college and live in a dorm.
Here in Canada, while many students will live in dorms, those living in the Greater Vancouver area often stay living at home while they attend one of many nearby universities or colleges.
So to be honest, I’m kinda hoping my girls stay living at home while they go to school.
I stayed at my parent’s house while I attended the University of British Columbia for a year and then part way through my time at the British Columbia Institute of Technology, I moved 20 blocks from my house to an apartment that I shared with a friend.
But whether your child is 18 years old and moving across the country to a college dorm for the first time, or she is moving into an apartment a short drive away, there’s a lot of planning and preparation (and anxiety) that goes into the move.
Since May is National Moving Month, I’ve gathered some ideas for helping grads move out and get settled into a new dorm or apartment.
- Check the weather.
Try to avoid moving on a rainy day. If you have the option of what day to move, check the weather forecast. If it is raining, ensure you cover items effectively. When I moved into my apartment, it was pouring rain and my TV got wet in the move and stopped working. (Although about a few days later, it strangely and suddenly starting working one night and randomly started, nearly scaring me to death.)
- Be open about anxiety.
This is a scary time for most kids and their parents. Talk openly about the fears and the adventure.
- Ask if help is wanted.
Before you start interfering in your adult child’s packing, ask if he/she wants your help packing and moving. This is a big step toward independence and by asking if you can help, you show respect to your child and a positive shift of responsibility can take place.
- Plan purchases effectively.
Remind your son or daughter to ask the college or university what furniture or appliances they provide and get an accurate floor plan with measurements. You don’t want to waste money on unnecessary items or those that don’t fit.
- Pack clothes on hangers in garbage bags.
If kids are moving into a small dorm, encourage them to take only their favorites from their wardrobe. Hang the clothes on hangers and put a large garbage bag over the top of the hangers so that it protects the clothes and keeps them together in a bundle. Then tie the hangers together so they don’t separate.
- Get a few padlocks.
There are many times college kids need to lock up their belongings. Send a few of these Master Lock 4400D Bluetooth Smart Padlocks along with them. This Master Lock 4401DLBH Bluetooth Smart Padlock is similar but better for outdoor use on storage lockers or tool chests.
- Get deadbolts for apartments.
If your college grad is moving into a house or apartment, make sure it has a good solid door lock such as this Master Lock BCCO0615 Door Lock with Single Cylinder Deadbolt.
- Pack a lock for the bike.
Getting around a large campus is best on a bike, so make sure you pack a good bike lock such as this Master Lock 8300D Bike Lock.
- Lock up small valuables.
Wherever your son or daughter is moving, one of these Sentry Safe Small Privacy Lock Chests will help keep valuables safe during and after the move.
- Pack an overnight bag.
Remind your son or daughter to pack a bag with everything necessary for the first night. This should include laptop, smart phone, chargers, toiletries, and a change of clothes. You might also encourage him or her to toss in some simple cleaning supplies to wipe down the room before moving in.
Major life milestones — such as your high school or college graduate moving out — seem to come and go too quickly, so try to enjoy the experience together.
Enter to Win!
Master Lock is giving away a prize package valued at over $140. One winner will receive one Master Lock BCCO0615 Door Lock, one Master Lock 8300D Bike Lock, and one Master Lock 4400D Bluetooth Smart Padlock! Use the entry form below to enter!
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As part of the Master Lock’s Live Secure Safety Squad, I’ve been compensated for my time in writing this post. My opinions are my own.
Written by Susan Carraretto, co-founder of 5 Minutes for Mom
Talk with me: @5minutesformom and Facebook.com/5minutesformom
Pin with me at http://pinterest.com/5minutesformom/
Christa Bengtsson says
My family would keep this and put this to good use 🙂
Kathryn C says
this would be a perfect gift for my eldest nephew who will be going to college in the fall and also has a birthday coming up mid June
Kathryn C
Julia Barnes says
I would give this to my brother in law as he moves into the dorms for his first year of college!
Rebecca C says
I would give this prize to my dad as a father’s day gift.
beth cole says
We’ve “adopted” a local college student. I would give it to her.
rosemary says
wow
Carey Hurst says
I have a toddler who just learned our locks so I need parts of this for myself and would gift other parts to my oldest son
Rosey says
This would go to my brother in law who would love it and use it!
Janine H says
I actually need these locks for myself, as a single mom!
Corey Olomon says
To be honest, I’d keep it for myself 🙂
Jonnie says
I would give the bike lock to my tween, the padlock to my teen and keep the door lock.
Laurie W. says
I would give it to my hubby for use in our own house.
TLee DeProspero says
Myself!!
Jessica Rose says
I would give this to my dad!
barbg says
I think I would give this nice set to my son who would really like it. It has it all.
amber Y says
I would keep the prize pack for myself. It would come in very handy where we live now.
Candace says
We would be keeping this 🙂
Heidi says
I would give it to my husband!
Michael Perkins says
I’d keep it, as I will most likely have to move in the next 3-6 months
Ancilla Jagdeo says
I would give this to my mom for her house.
Kristi C says
I would give this to my college sophomore daughter.
Roy F. says
I will be giving it to my brother.
Jaime Cummings says
I would keep one for myself and the rest for other family members.
Kendra Noble says
I would give this to my husband. He would love it! Thank you for the opportunity.
Daniel M says
would give to my cousin in college
Aarone Mawdsley says
i will give it to my fiance
Paol Trenny says
I am giving this to my little niece.
Richard Hicks says
forgot to give fb comment link
https://www.facebook.com/5minutesformom/posts/10154303770934203?comment_id=10154315896709203&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22%3A%22R%22%7D
Richard Hicks says
instagram id gmrich22
susan smoaks says
i would keep it for myself. i would love it.
Gina says
Would give it to my husband
Birdiebee says
I would use the items for my household but give the bike lock to my granddaughter.
Muhammad Khan says
I would give this prize to my older sister
clynsg says
I would give it to my grandson–he has a lot of tools that have to be secured. The bicycle lock however would likely go to another grandson–he is the one with the bike!
Erica B. says
It would be for a cousin.
Colette S says
I was thinking that my son will be needing these.
Stephanie Larison says
I’d keep this for my own family.
Doris H says
I would give it to my niece.
Jared Ruman says
I will give it to my girlfriend.
Kelley Moore says
I would give this prize too my daughter who’s a college student
Lisa V. says
I would give to my daughter, she could use it.
Chantel says
I personally would give it to my boyfriend. He’s not in college, but could totally use this! 🙂
jeani b says
i would give this prize pack to my husband. he has a use for every single item.
Jerome Cannon says
My wife
Kat says
My daughter will go to college in August. This prize package would be perfect for her.
Caryn Coates says
I would give it to my daughter
Austin Baroudi says
I’d give this to my father.
Samantha B says
I will use the Master Lock to keep our stuff safe.
DailyWoman (Lacey) says
I would love to keep it for myself actually.
liz lew says
Probably my husband
The Happy Wife/Danielle Garcia says
I would give it to my college bound nephew.
Soozle says
I would gift this to my sister
ken ohl says
i would love to give this to my niece
Laurie Nykaza says
I would keep it for my family we could really use them!
William Karcher says
Best locks made !
Betty S says
I would give this to my son, just bought a house and could use new locks
Aubrey says
I will give this to my husband.
Noreen says
Keep to use ourselves
Fran says
I’d split the prize between my daughter and son, and keep one for myself!
MaryAnn says
I would give this prize to my husband
LaKeisha J. says
I will give this to my oldest daughter.
Brenda Witherspoon-Bedard says
I will give it to my hubby
sandra says
my nephew in high school
meagan bs says
i would give this to a friend that just bought a new house!
Hargow Wong says
I’ll give this to my friend. She is go to college.
Marisa Poropat says
My son, he is moving to work as an apprentice. Waaaah!!! 😭😭😭😭
Maria C. says
My cousin needs this. She will be very happy to receive this package
Elicia P says
My very baby sister for her first place.
AD says
I would love to win this prize pack for myself! There are so many different uses I could make of it.
Fiona N says
I would love to win and share this awesome Master Lock prize pack with my sisters
Thank You for the chance
Brandy D says
I would give this to my sister in law who lives on her own.
Donna B says
This prize pack would go to my husband who would love it!
Laura Royal says
I would gift this to my sister who is attending school soon.
DebP says
I would give this as a present for my son.
Danielle says
I would give it to my girls because they are off to college this Fall and will be roommates.
greentopiaries says
I would give this to my sister. Thanks for the chance! 🙂
Brittney House says
I would give it to my mother. She locks her stuff up at work and needs new locks.
Richard Hicks says
I would keep it to my niece entering college this fall
Linda G. says
I would keep it for myself, I could really use it.
Amy Z. says
I would give this to my nephew.
deena says
my grandson
Deb K says
I would give this to my son.
Robin M says
I’d be selfish and keep it.
Maritess says
My niece would love this as she is looking for an apartment.
Julie-Lynne McCann says
I think my hubby or dad would love it!
Shirley Sommerfeld says
I would give this to my husband for Father’s Day.
Heidi c. says
I would keep this for our family to use.
Michele P says
I would share it with family members, my son needs the door locks for his apartment, the smart lock for hubby to lock up his tools with, and my daughter needs a bike lock as the neighbor’s bike got stolen last week so it’s best to be careful and protect our investments.
Sara Theissen says
I would keep this for myself!
Sara G says
I would give this to my mother.
Elizabeth Robinson says
I would give them to my husband.
Sandra Watts says
I would like to keep this prize pack for myself. I have always stood by Master Lock.
Ashley C says
It would be used for our family and the locks would be given to whomever needed that particular lock. We have bikes which require locks while out, gym membership but you have to take your own lock for the lockers, etc.
Erica Weaver says
i would give this to my boyfriend cause he is always finding something and needs to look it down also good for his work
Kristin Troska says
My best friend’s daughter needs this to be safe in college. Wow, she is in college already. Seems like just yesterday I was changing her diaper and she was putting herself in time out declaring herself ‘naughty’.
chris arnott says
I would keep it and use it myself
eric davis says
My son could use this next year !!
Jennifer Ann Wilson says
I would keep this for myself.
Darlene Cruz says
Share it with my husband and my sons since they’all need a lock.
jessica says
I would give it to my stepdaughter.
Ryan B says
I would give the door locks to my parents.
The other locks I would use myself, because I have use for them.
kassie says
I would give this to my inlaws.
Laura says
I’m planning to give this Master Lock prize pack to my sister.
Ronda says
I would give this to my husband. We could use a new lock on our shop.
Samantha says
I would give this to my daughter since she’s heading off to college.
Crystal Porter says
I would gift this to my husband. He has a birthday coming up.
Aaron Humphrey says
I really need this for my own place.
Luminous Angel says
I’d give this to my daughter who lives alone in a big city!
Terrence Coonan says
I would give this to my dad.
Sandy Cain says
This is perfect for my nephew Jayden, he is going off to school in the fall.
Katie K says
I will give this to a cousin of mine in NJ
tammy ta says
I would give this prize pack to my husband of I win.
Patrick Coleman says
My daughter
Sonya Sanderson says
I would give it to my brother.
Wanda Bergman says
I would give this to my son.
Alyssa says
I’d love to give it to my dad
jennifer aguero says
My little sister who is finally moving out on her own.
James Doyle says
Probably for myself 😉 lol
Kelly D says
I would give this to my husband.
Surso S. says
i would give it to my niece who will be attending college next year
Anne Derkat says
This would go to my grandson.
Jen says
I would give it to my nephew who is starting college next year.
yvonne says
I would give this prize to myself!
aaron Matteson says
whoever needs a lock. i need one for the gym
Leah Shumack says
I would give it to my daughter!
sarah alexis says
I would keep it for myself – our locks are in desperate need of replacement!
Tainan Lu says
I would give this prize pack to my sister
Liberty says
I would give it to my husband. He would really like it!
Robyn Bellefleur says
I would give it to my daughter to keep her stuff safe.
heather s says
I would give it to my nephew
Tom Griffith Jr says
I have to give this to my wife. She will feel much safer at night! Safety equals sleeeep!
Edmond says
WOW, rockstar . I keep it for myself for safety. A life saver.Thank you for the awesomeness, the contest, and generosity. 🙂
Julie bolduc says
I would like to win this for my daughter
Tom says
I’d give it to my wife
Cairine Stade says
Frankly I would keep this for myself as I could use these products too.
Justin Sparks says
i would love to give this to my mother
Ed Marth says
I would give this to my daughter who is going to university next year.
Marissa Castro says
I’d give it to my mom!
Lisa bolduc says
Split it up between hubby and my dad. They would both have a blast with it
Kristy Wolfgang says
I would give the prize pack to my dad. His are so old.
Krista M says
I would share this with my whole family! My daughter would get the bike lock, myself the door locks, & my dad the padlock so we’d all benefit from Master Lock products.
anthony ciofani says
I would give it to mom
Debbie F says
I’d give it to me! 🙂
well, I don’t need the bike lock so I’d give that to one of my friends who rides her bike on the weekends.
thanks!
Viv Sluys says
I would keep this for my family. My husband and our oldest daughter have started biking a lot, including biking to the store to pick up groceries and i have been thinking that we need to get a lock for their bikes.
Kasey Armstrong says
I would give it to my bro-in-law
ELIZABETH CURSON says
I would give this to my hubby! He could definately use it.
kath g says
I would give the bike lock to my sister, the padlock to my brother, and use the house lock myself.
janine a says
i would give it to my husband
Catherine Robichaud says
I would give it my youngest son.
Emily Jenks says
I would give this to my boyfriend! He is moving to a new house soon!
Melanie borhi says
ill keep it for myself i go to college, this would help alot.
Tammy Kennedy says
The door lock might go to daughter at college or keep for myself
Bike lock will go to son at college
Bluetooth lock will be used for locking a travel locker we have
Stephanie LaPlante says
I would definitely give this awesome prize pack to myself!
Mary Warner says
I’d give it to my husband so he can relax.
Florence C says
I would give it to my son.
Grant D says
I would give these to my wife to help us protect our stuff
Aarone Mawdsley says
i would give it to my self
Linda Lansford says
I will give it to my hubby
Sharon Kaminski says
I would give this masterlock prize package to my husband.
Cindy Peterson says
I would give to my Nieces. One just finished her first year of college. The other one starts college this fall. They are both moving into their first apartment together.
greg says
I’d keep it for our own house, we could use the upgrade.
Jim says
I’d split it as well.
Dave H says
My nephew could really use these. First person I thought of so they’d go to him.
Marty C says
I’d split it up — I could really use a new bike lock, my sister needs to replace her doorlock, and the kids can fight over the padlock 🙂
Stacie H says
I would give this to my brother.
joyce s. says
I would give it to my daughter.
Meg says
My husband. Thanks!
GENA VIGGIANI says
TO MY HUSBAND TO MAKE MY MOM FEEL SAFE IN HER HOME
Won Kim says
I would give this to my daughter
Heather Poindexter says
This would be great for my dad.
Silvia D says
i would give to my son
Bo Simms says
If I win, I will give this master lock prize pack to my daughter who will graduate in June and will start college in the fall.
Tiffany S says
I would give this to my husband. I think he would like it.
doug gerard says
I’d give it to my mother–she needs a new doorknob on her bedroom door
Jessica miller says
I would give it to my sister
ginette4 says
I would gift it to my daughter
Linda Svarovsky says
I would keep it for my own bike
Carol says
I’d give it to my granddaughter
Arielle says
I would give this to my dad to lock up his bike.
deena becker says
college bound grandson
jeremy mclaughlin says
Would give to my niece.
Jennifer Heintz says
I would give the MasterLock set to my husband. He would put the items to good use.
Tiesha says
my son
SarahJ says
I would keep this prize pack. I’m worried about my bike being stolen and people getting into our shed.
Elizabeth says
I would give this to my husband for his birthday!
Paul Gardner says
I am going to give to a friend of mine who has a son in college already!
jeannine glen says
i would give it to my husband so he could use it on his new garage
Gizele says
I would keep this for our household.
Brenda Lacourciere says
I would keep this because I need some extra security right now.
Doreen Lamoureux says
Our son who has his own apartment. 🙂
Liza Vladyka says
keep it for myself
Daniela Plume says
I’d give it to my daughter who is leaving for collage soon
Rajee Pandi says
I would give it to my husband
KATIE USHER says
To be quite honest, I could use this wonderful prize pack.
LeAnn Harbert says
I will give this to my son.
Barb W says
Me, myself and I; there are some nuts in this complex!
Kristina Rogers says
Hm….probably to 3 different people
Danielle Royalegacy says
Since I have no children in college now – all older than that now, I’ll be keeping this for myself. We could use a new lock on the backdoor.
Luzviminda Gunter-Smith says
To my sister who need this for her own move
Robin Abrams says
I would give this to my son. He could really use it
ivy pluchinsky says
If I won i would give it to my sister, she could use this
Heather W says
I would give this to my son and his girlfriend who just moved into an apartment downtown
bob tombs says
i will give this to my wife to secure all her stuff
patricia caradonna says
I would give this to my son who just graduated from pharmacy school…
Heather says
I would give these to my husband. Awesome prize.
Ann Fantom says
If I won, I would give this to my husband
Kristi Kellberg says
I would use this package to secure my home from neighborhood thieves who have been targeting homes.
Margaret H says
I will give it to Judy so no more of her stuff gets stollen
harold says
My granddaughter will get this for her dorm.
Amanda Throckmorton says
I would give this to my dad so he can lock his room away from the grandkids,older kids who steal.
Susan P. says
I would share this package with my daughter and give her the lock and cable and have my own door lock replaced with the dead bolt.
Mary W says
I would give this to my niece who is moving into her first apartment in the big city.
vickie couturier says
I would give this to my oldest grandson
Stefanie Hartman says
For my son getting ready to live on his own.
Kim K says
To my neighbour, they could use these
mrsshukra says
My daughter can really use these!
Patricia Wojnar Crowley says
I would give this to my niece!
Wendy hutton says
I would give this pack to my son, he could really use it
Kelly A says
I would give to my daughter.
Anne says
I would give this to my son. Thanks.
Tabathia B says
I would give to one of my daughters in college
Jessica To says
I would give this to my son.
LaTanya says
I would give it to my nephew
Alexandra Oller says
I would give this prize pack to my dad or boyfriend as a birthday gift, they’d both really love these!