According to 2023 Deloitte back-to-college survey as back-to-college preparations heat up, an uneasiness towards the economy has created price sensitivity, causing parents to reassess how they’ll approach shopping for the upcoming school year. As stated in the survey, back-to-school shopping is typically the second largest spending event for families after the holiday season, but parents plan to spend less this year, with total spend dropping 10% year over year, while the focus is on replenishing the necessities.

PODS® of Northeast Wisconsin, a moving and storage company, provides helpful cost saving back to school hacks and tips to make moving back to school easy and more affordable:

Tip #1: Combine and consolidate – Start by separating essentials versus the non-essentials. Do not move what you do not need. College dorms and apartments are small, so weed out unnecessary items and use a PODS container to store unessential items at a PODS Secure Storage Center.

Tip #2 – Contact friends and roommates to coordinate a back-to-school move list. Use a PODS container to load up three or four friends' belongings for a convenient and more cost-effective move into the dorms or apartment.

Tip #3 – Don’t go overboard with college supplies and decor. Bring your favorite items you own and reach out to roommates to coordinate essential items so there are no duplicates purchased.

Tip #4 – Don’t pack or overpay for new clothes before you head to college. Purchase only the most needed items and consider thrifting for vintage finds. Or consider setting up a clothing exchange on campus to save money while staying stylish.

Tip #5 – Invest wisely in technology. In 2023, students are placing less importance on decor and furniture and more spending power into computers and tech to power their year. Some schools and programs provide free laptops, tablets and software, and for those who need to buy a device, some manufacturers offer student discounts.

Tip #6 – Save money on books. Consider renting textbooks, buy digital copies or work with friends to borrow expensive textbooks who just finished the class you will be taking.

Tip #7 – Relax. After all the packing and planning is done, let PODS make the moving process easier by doing the driving for you. Avoid the cost and hassle of driving and enjoy the beginning of a successful and adventurous new school year, stress-free.

“Although the stress and cost of moving back to school is inevitable, choosing PODS® of Northeast Wisconsin can provide moving and storage relief with their affordable and convenient short-term options, long term options and moving supplies,” said Andrew Mielke, Franchise Owner serving PODS® Northeast Wisconsin. “Students and their families can also have peace of mind that PODS can securely store additional belongings in a PODS Secure Storage Center throughout the school year.”

For more information about renting a PODS container or ordering moving supplies, visit PODS Northeast Wisconsin Moving & Storage

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About PODS Northeast Wisconsin
A moving and storage leader for nearly 25 years, PODS offers flexible, personalized solutions tailored to our customers’ unique needs. When PODS pioneered portable storage in 1998, we introduced the world to a new way of thinking about moving and storage, with unlimited time, control, and flexibility. Today, PODS provides residential and commercial moving and storage services in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and the UK. The PODS network has completed more than 1.3 million long-distance moves and nearly 6 million initial deliveries. Whether it is a long-distance or international relocation, across-town move, or renovation project, PODS provides customers with a personal moving and storage team ready for any situation.