Whether your little one is starting kindergarten or you’re starting a new adventure in graduate school, moving for education, at any level, is a transformative experience. Education opens doors to new opportunities, enhances personal growth, and establishes a solid foundation for success throughout life.
There are many different reasons people make the decision to move for education. It could be to relocate to a better school district for their kids, to move to a new town to start college, or moving their whole family for a PhD program. Whatever the reason, as with any relocation, moving for education requires careful planning and consideration.
This guide walks you through the key steps.
When Moving for Education Makes Sense
Any type of move can be a big life decision, and moving for education is no exception. Moving for education not only affects academic outcomes, but it can also influence personal growth and shape family dynamics.
If you’ve decided to move, whether it’s to enroll your kids in a new school district or to pursue higher education, seeing the endeavor all the way through is like a balancing act between practical and emotional factors. From managing applications to looking for the neighborhood that feels the most like home, there’s a lot to consider.
We’ve outlined some scenarios where moving for education makes sense, along with key reasons why families and individuals choose this path.
Moving to access better school districts
For many families, school quality plays a pivotal role in deciding where to live. Research shows that neighborhoods with high-performing schools often see increased home prices due to heightened demand from parents seeking strong educational opportunities for their children. For families with young children, moving for education could mean a chance to give their kids a leg up in life.
Moving to college
For many young adults, moving to college is the first big step of adult life. Moving for a college education is about gaining independence as much as it is about academics, and it can be well worth the extra expense incurred from no longer living with your parents.
Living on campus has benefits, as it’s been linked to higher graduation rates, particularly among first-generation college students. It's also a great way for students to immerse themselves in the college experience, whether that’s late-night study sessions or parties with new friends.
Is it a good idea to move away for college? There may be some cost savings to staying home, but you should know that major benefits are available to those who step outside their comfort zones.
Moving to pursue specialized programs
Pursuing higher education offers opportunities to specialize in a unique field of interest. That could mean going to college, or it could be seeking out a trade school to learn something like welding or HVAC installation. Sometimes what you’re looking for might only be offered in certain locations, which means you’ll have to move for education.
Moving for graduate school
Graduate school is often a launchpad for career growth, a major reason why many people move to pursue this level of education. If you’re pursuing a master’s degree or a PhD, relocating to attend a top, name-recognized program can open doors to funded research, opportunities for teaching, and connections within your field.
Steps To Take Before Moving for Education
Relocating for educational purposes doesn't begin or end with packing boxes. It's a decision that often starts with looking for a school and ends with enrollment or orientation. Most importantly, to go smoothly it needs to be supported by thoughtful preparation. Below are the things to consider before moving for education, tailored for those thinking about moving for K-12 schooling, undergraduate studies, or graduate programs.
Before moving to a better school district
Giving your kids every opportunity to succeed in life might mean making the decision to move to a home in a better school district. The benefits can certainly be worth the hassle, but taking certain actions beforehand can minimize stress and friction.
1. Notify the current school
Before moving to a new school district, first inform your child’s school about the move. Ask for any necessary transfer forms, and other relevant documents such as transcripts. This ensures records are sent promptly to the new district and avoids delays in enrollment.
2. Contact the new district
Before you move, or while you’re in the process of moving, take a moment to reach out to the new school district. Getting this done early in the game will help ensure you’re prepared to get your kids in school as soon as you move to your new home. It also gives you more time to navigate the registration process, which could involve submitting proof of residency, immunization records, and other documentation that takes time to track down.
3. Be aware of legal requirements
Moving for education involves understanding state- or district-specific rules and regulations. For example, check vaccination and compulsory attendance laws, as school attendance can be impacted by a move. Most schools have a grace period for enrollment after a move, but familiarizing yourself with these regulations can help smooth an otherwise stressful process.
4. Prepare for the emotional impact on your child
Children are sensitive to life’s disruptions, and moving causes many. They will be moving away from friends and leaving behind familiar daily routines. To ease the burden, many parents will try to move their kids at an age where it’s least likely to have a detrimental effect.
Many ages are challenging, but 12–14 tends to be especially difficult as kids that age are navigating major social shifts at the same time they’re forming their identities, making change more destabilizing. Help your children better navigate the move by having open conversations about what's going on, and involving them in the decision-making.
Before moving for college
Unlike moving for a new school district, moving to pursue higher education is typically driven by career or educational goals in mind. There are a number things to consider, including applying and getting accepted into a program and the well-being of loved ones impacted by the move. Below are some of the specific factors to keep in mind.
1. Consider the benefits
Moving away for college, especially if it involves moving out of state, provides independence, exposure to new ideas, and cultural experiences that enrich personal growth. It’s an opportunity to step outside familiar surroundings and embrace adulthood, a milestone that should be approached with intention.
2. Pursue specific programs
Many people move for education in order to attend a college or university with renowned programs or areas of study that accord with their long-term career goals. For instance, if you’re passionate about marine biology, universities along the coast will likely provide resources and opportunities for fieldwork that can't be found in a school in the Midwest.
3. Plan for the logistics of moving
Whether you’re going to college an hour away from home or moving out of state, it’s important to plan ahead. Be prepared for logistical hurdles such as filling out forms or making payments to secure housing, arranging for transportation, and coordinating mover schedules with move-in dates for your college. Be aware it can be more difficult to arrange everything you need in a timely manner during the peak college moving season of mid-July to early September.
4. Assess personal circumstances
Choosing to attend college doesn’t always mean relocating, but for many students, moving away from home is part of the experience. Deciding whether to move at 18 or 19 is a personal choice and should be based on your individual readiness.
It helps to weigh the pros and cons before moving for education. Think about your own needs and whether your family can help pay for room and board, but also keep in mind that living on campus puts you in closer proximity to classes, peers, and professors.
Before moving for graduate school
If you’re applying to graduate school, these tips can help ensure your transition is a smooth one.
1. Plan to arrive to campus early
When moving for grad school, plan to get into your new home or apartment at least a week before classes start. Settling into a new town before classes begin gives you time to unpack, explore, and adjust. Use this period to familiarize yourself with campus facilities, nearby amenities, and public transportation routes, especially if you end up moving to California or another place with long commutes, it helps to test-drive your daily drive ahead of time.
2. Attend orientation events
After moving for higher education, new students will generally be offered orientations to introduce them to peers, faculty, and campus resources. These events help lay the groundwork for building a network of relationships to support you through a challenging new chapter — they're worth attending.
3. Engage with the broader community
Before you move for grad school, investigate the clubs and nonprofit organizations in the area. Joining these groups are a great way to expand your social circle. Plus, participating in community activities — such as volunteering or joining athletic teams — helps create a sense of belonging beyond academia.
4. Don't neglect rest and be patient
Moving to grad school can feel very different than your first move to college. You’ll find yourself a lot more independent. t It might take as long as a school year to settle in, make friends, and establish routines that balance work and leisure. Building a support system takes time, so don’t rush the process.
When Moving for Education, Consider Your Moving Options
Choosing the right moving method depends on your preferences, timeline, and willingness to invest effort. Picking the option that works best with all these factors is one of the most important steps on a moving checklist. Following is a breakdown of two common approaches to moving.
DIY Move with a rental truck
Choosing a DIY move means you’ll be handling everything yourself. Not only will you be renting a truck, you’ll also be packing, loading, driving, and unloading. While cost-effective, this option demands significant time and physical labor, and can be especially burdensome in the case of long-distance moving. You’ll need to plan meticulously, gather supplies, recruit helpers, and navigate unfamiliar roads, which can become overwhelming quickly.
Hiring full-service movers
A second option to consider when moving for education is hiring full-service movers. In this case, the entire process of moving is handled end to end for you, from loading to transportation and unloading.
Hiring full-service movers could be the best option if you’re relocating for education and want to keep your stress to a minimum. Colonial Van Lines specialized in long-distance moves, giving you the peace of mind that your belongings will be loaded securely and delivered to your new location on time. Additionally, services like unpacking and short- or long-term storage are available, making it easier to settle into your new home or dorm quickly.
Why Colonial Van Lines Is Great When Moving for Education
Colonial Van Lines has been helping individuals and families manage plans for moving for education for over 50 years. With over 12,000 moves completed every year, we have the experience and know-how to ensure your belongings arrive safe and secure at your new home.
Regardless of the adventure you're embarking on, whether that's relocating to a new K-12 school district or moving for a PhD program, we can tailor its services to meet your specific needs.
Ready to Make Your Move? Let Colonial Help!
When you’re ready to take the next step in moving for education, Colonial Van Lines stands ready to help. With over half a century of experience in long-distance moving, our team of experts knows exactly how to handle your belongings with care, ensuring they arrive safely at your destination.
Don’t let the stress of relocation hold you back — visit us online today for a free moving quote and start your next level of education with confidence.