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5 Ways to Make Your College Summer Break Productive

MovingInsider — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 11:02:43 +0000

After a full academic year of intense study, and one last push through final exams, most college students can’t wait for summer break. Thoughts of days that don’t require study, fun with family and friends, and perhaps, plans for travel fill the minds of those ready for a few months of relaxation. Of course, there is nothing wrong with a college student spending the summer months idle; however, it’s possible to make a college summer break an industrious time—full of productivity. Here are five great ways you can maximize the value of your summer break:

Land a solid internship that is worth its weight in gold.

With the economy continuing in "recovery" mode and persistently high unemployment rates, recent college graduates have encountered difficulties in getting hired due to a lack of experience. Landing an internship in a field related to your major or career aspiration may separate you from the pack. In some cases, after graduation, the company may even offer you a full-time position.

Donate your time to enhance the lives of others.

Charitable organizations are always looking for positive and energetic individuals to contribute their time and talents. Giving your time to a charity will likely be a part-time commitment where you can still make a noteworthy impact in the lives of others, and gain experience working with an organization. Further, it can be a place where you can develop useful contacts; most non-profit advisory boards are full of individuals who are well-connected in the business world.

Earn some extra cash while gaining work experience.

Search for seasonal job options that can provide a respectable source of income for the summer months. You will gain valuable work experience that may benefit you when it comes time for your post-graduation job search; plus, saving these earnings can provide you with cash reserves that could be used as a recreational fund for the next academic year.

Conduct research now to make your life better later.

Many college graduates will be responsible for paying back varying amounts of student loans. According to a report from the Institute for College Access & Success' Project on Student Debt, the average college senior will graduate with nearly $27,000 in debt. By reaching out to your school’s financial aid office and embarking on a thorough research quest, you might be able to lower the expected amount owed. Each year, new grants, programs and scholarship opportunities are being offered. It’s very possible that you could lower your student loan amounts with research and diligence.

Take on the project you’ve been putting off.

The school year likely keeps your schedule full, leaving you little time to focus on the activities, projects, and hobbies that enrich you as a person. The focus of your college experience is to grow academically, but also flourish personally. Use the break from full schedules and studying to put in some hours with your favorite activity or overdue task. Maybe this means spending the time on your bicycle checking out some new trails, or getting your dorm room organized (with a system in place to keep it that way). Make a list of all of the things you put off when school is in session and select a few that will improve your life. However you choose to spend your college summer break, make it something that is meaningful and beneficial to you. Once you move back to campus in the fall, you’ll be refreshed and ready for the semester. As you graduate and enter the job market, the chance that you will have such a significant span of time to focus may become slimmer. Take full advantage of your final years of college by seeking treasured experiences that you will never forget. What is your favorite productive way to spend college break? Have you done any of these activities over your summer break? Let us know below in the comments section. This post comes from the editors at Movinginsider.com; your resource for everything related to moving, storage and organization. Recommended by the editors:

3 Ways To Transport Your Motorcycle on Moving Day

MovingInsider — Thu, 30 May 2013 11:14:36 +0000

When you’re preparing to move to a new city, careful consideration must be given to the items within your home, of course. But how do you transport your methods of transport? Specifically, how do you move your motorcycle to your new home? In this post, we’ll cover the most common options of transporting your motorcycle, including renting a motorcycle trailer, hauling it in a pickup truck, and driving it separately. Always be sure to consult your motorcycle’s owner’s manual for special transporting instructions and precautions.

Option 1) Rent a motorcycle trailer

Rent a motorcycle trailer that is specially-designed for safely hauling motorcycles. These motorcycle trailers typically come equipped with built-in wheel chocks and include heavy-duty tie-down sites and ramps for easier loading. You may also choose to rent an enclosed cargo trailer for surrounding protection, and purchase wheel chocks separately. Make sure that you familiarize yourself with the particular motorcycle trailer you’ve rented prior to your move and ensure that you have the tie-downs you need to properly secure your bike. When using a motorcycle trailer, consider investing in ratchet tie-downs to ensure your motorcycle arrives safely. They will secure your bike, and usually have soft loops that won't damage your paint job.

Option 2) Drive It

Moving the bike and your household goods all at once saves time, trips, and money, which is less hassle than going back to retrieve your bike. But driving your bike to your new residence is probably a viable option only if you’re moving someplace locally, and you don’t mind making a separate trip on your bike. If you’re going to be driving your motorcycle to your destination, remember to figure in the extra cost of fuel when you are calculating your moving budget, and be sure to plan your move dates so that you avoid inclement weather along your route.

Option 3) Haul It In Your Truck

If you drive a truck, or are renting a pickup truck, then you may be able to transport your motorcycle in the bed. If you are not able to lift the bike easily into the truck bed, consider purchasing a loading ramp so you can push or walk it up safely. Secure the bike to prevent damage by using portable wheel chocks and tie-downs, and close the tailgate completely. Whichever is your preferred method of transporting your bike, remember that reading your motorcycle manufacturer's instructions for towing is really your most important step. The recommended tie-down points and transportation precautions will vary from make to model. Which of these methods have you used in the past? Which have you had success with? Let us know below in the comments section! This post comes from the editors at Movinginsider.com; your resource for everything related to moving, storage and organization. Recommended by the editors:

5 Steps to Transporting Your Car During a Move

MovingInsider — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 11:05:26 +0000

You are moving cross-country, and all of your household belongings are loaded up in a moving van. So, how exactly are you going to transport your car to your new home at the same time? Towing your vehicle can be a great option that allows you and your family to ride in the moving van together. It can also combat driver fatigue because you can share the responsibility of driving a single vehicle, which may also help you save gas. Here is some helpful advice for choosing the right towing equipment, some tips for loading and unloading, plus special precautions to take while transporting your car.

Step 1: Determine which type of trailer you need.

There are two types of trailers commonly used to tow a vehicle: a tow dolly or car carrier. A tow dolly lifts your car's front wheels off the road (a low-cost option for front-wheel drive vehicles), while a car carrier lifts your car completely off the ground so that none of the tires make contact with the pavement (good for long-distance moves). The weight, size of the hitch and other specifications of both the tow vehicle and the car to be towed are important in determining which trailer you will need. Consult the trailer manufacturer for specific guidelines to decide which will work best for you. Some companies, like U-Haul, provide a hookup validation process that will qualify your vehicle quickly and easily. Remember, rental towing equipment is designed to carry most regular-production vehicles, so if you have after-market alterations (e.g. over-sized tires) or custom effects (e.g. lowered ground clearance), then you may need to take some extra steps before the towing equipment can accommodate your special vehicle.

Step 2: Familiarize yourself with the equipment.

It’s never a good idea to throw your car on a trailer and learn as you go. Take time to learn the proper way to use your equipment and become familiar with the components. Read all of the decals, the owner’s manual and pamphlets, when available. You may also find instructional videos on the trailer manufacturer’s website, or on YouTube.

Step 3: Load your vehicle.

Position the moving van, the trailer, and the vehicle to be towed in a straight line on level ground. Make sure the towing equipment is securely connected to your moving van before driving the to-be-towed car up the ramps. (Don't load your vehicle until the trailer is hooked up). Follow the manufacturer’s specific instructions when loading your vehicle. Some basic and general tips for loading are as follows: The Do's:

Double-check your connection to the moving van before loading the trailer.
Load forward. The heaviest part of the car (where the engine is) should always be loaded closest to the towing vehicle, whether you are using a car carrier or tow dolly.
Use adequate tie-downs, safety chains and tire straps to secure your vehicle.
Be careful getting out of your car after you load it onto the trailer. The trailer fenders may make it impossible to open your door wide enough to get out. You may need to climb out of the window, or consider renting a trailer with fold-down fenders if this is not an option.
When towing a rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive vehicle on a tow dolly, drop the drive shaft before towing. Putting the vehicle into neutral is not enough in many cases. Consult a trusted mechanic for questions or assistance. An easier solution for these vehicles may be a car carrier.

The Don'ts

Never load cargo into the vehicle being towed. The weight capacities of trailers are based on empty vehicle weights; yours may not be equipped for the extra weight of your cargo. Cargo in a towed vehicle will also shift the normal weight distribution, which can cause dangerous "sway."
Don’t put pets or people into the vehicle being towed.

Step 4: Drive carefully when towing.

Driving a vehicle combination is different from driving a vehicle alone. You should always take the following precautions when towing a trailer: Before you go:

Make sure your lights are operational. When using a tow dolly, you will need to attach separate vehicle-in-tow lights. Inspect all trailer connections once more before hitting the road.
Check tire pressure on your car and the tow vehicle before you set out.

On the Road:

Anticipate stops, and brake early. The heavier weight of the combination creates a need for longer stopping distances. In clear weather, allow a four-second gap between you and the vehicle in front of you. Allow at least five seconds when towing in adverse weather conditions.
Reduce your regular driving speed, and slow down even more for downgrades, curves, hazardous road conditions and expressway exits.
Take wider turns.
Always be alert and follow common sense driving behaviors. Fasten your seat belt, do not talk on your cellphone, and never operate a vehicle when you are tired.

At every stop:

Park with a pull-through, where the parking spot in front is clear; backing up can be difficult and could result in damage to towing equipment.
Inspect all trailer connections before driving, including the hitch.

Step 5: Unload the vehicle.

Before you unload your car from the trailer, make sure that the trailer is still securely attached to the vehicle. Position the vehicle so that the trailer is directly behind it in a straight line, and is on safe, level ground. Fully extend the loading ramps and then ensure the area around the trailer is clear before removing your vehicle. While it is not necessary, it is helpful to have a spotter available to guide you off of the trailer. This post comes from the editors at Movinginsider.com; your resource for everything related to moving, storage and organization. Recommended by the editors:

3 Tips for Making the Most Out of a College Visit

MovingInsider — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 12:30:32 +0000

College is a big deal. All the years of academic study, from grade school through high school, will culminate with your acceptance into college. It’s a place where you’ll live and become educated at the highest level for four years, totaling nearly $90,000 (for the average in-state public college), according to a College Board report out last October. The goal, of course, is for you to leave fully equipped with everything you need to pursue a successful career in your area of study. If you really take a moment to contemplate the magnitude of this commitment—four years, $90k in college savings, preparation for the rest of your life— then it’s clear why selecting the right college likely will be the most significant decision of your young life. At this point, you’ve probably carefully reviewed the program and campus information online, and read all the informational pieces sent to your home. Now, you are ready to enter the final stage—the campus visit. Here are three tips that can help you make the most out of your college visit.

Schedule Your Visit Like a Pro.

Advance planning is important. Why? Well, in addition to reserving a campus tour, you also should arrange for several other engagements. For instance, it is recommended that you meet with an admissions officer and professor in your area of interest, attend a lecture, participate in a student club activity and perhaps even spend the night in campus housing. The best time to schedule your visit is when classes are in session, and the campus is bustling with activity. This will give you the most authentic taste of the daily university profile.

Don’t Be Shy. Go Explore.

Standard campus tours are great for learning about the basics. But if you really want to peel back the layers and tap into true student experiences, you must venture out on your own. Hang out in a campus gathering area and ask students questions you might have about programs, campus life, extracurricular activities, facilities, housing, summer storage, etc. Their responses will be genuine and non-scripted, providing you with great insider information. After speaking with students, continue to explore your surroundings: Eat in the dining hall, visit facilities/buildings you weren't shown during the general tour, read bulletin boards and the school newspaper, attend an on-campus event and also make sure to check out the area just outside the campus perimeter.

Create a Campus Portrait.

It’s also a good idea to create a record of your trip. The easiest way to do this, of course, is by taking pictures. Snap photos of anything and everything that interests you. This will help you recall the sights and activities of your trip with complete accuracy. Also, carry a small notepad (or use the note application in your phone) so you can write down your thoughts during your tour, the responses of students, or any lingering questions you would like answered before you leave. After visiting several campuses, you will have a nice collection of photos and recorded thoughts, allowing you to effectively compare your college visits. Attending college is a cherished opportunity, valued privilege and a worthy responsibility. Many people say their college years were some of the best of their lives, a time when they experienced fundamental self-discovery, made lifelong friends, and built the beginnings of what would become their future careers. You should now be prepared to make the most out of your college visits. Before you know it, you will be packing for college and setting out to have the time of your life. This post is brought to you by the editors of MovingInsider blog, the DIY Experts in moving, storage and organization. Recommended by the editors: