Moving is a pain and a habit for college students – but there is a method to the madness.

Shop around

Athens provides plenty of resources for students looking for housing on or off-campus. Before students sign that lease, check out the various housing options in Athens.

Photo by DANIEL SHIREY

Bus schedule

Since parking spots on-campus, especially for commuters, are expensive and hard to come by, find a spot with access to the Athens or University bus systems. To check out stops, maps are available at www.transit.uga.edu and www.athenstransit.com.

Parking

Students need to know the parking situation at their new home before they arrive. Students should learn the visitor parking policy, ask about how the lot looks on game days and check if there is a permit system.

Investigate the area

Check out what stores and shops are around a new living space so when it comes time to take a trip to the supermarket or post office, it is not overwhelming.

Plan how to unpack

“Pack the car in the order you want to unload things,” said Aubrey Mowery, a University student from Marietta. “If you have a dresser that needs to be in your room before you can unload the clothes, remember to pack the clothes in the car first and then the dresser, so when you unload it, the dresser will be out first.”

Use storage containers

Students move at least twice in college, so instead of using boxes, invest in storage containers. Not only do they provide an easy way to organize and carry goods, they come in handy for the next move.

Have a tool kit handy.

For hassles such as hanging a shower curtain or assembling a bedside table, have a tool kit. Basic tool kits are available at IKEA for $7.99.