How to Handle the Stuff That Comes Home with Your College Student

Whether your college kid has just completed their first year or last, there’s a good chance they may be coming home to roost for a while. And guess what else is coming home with them? That’s right. Stuff. And a lot of it.

But what to do with all of it? Chances are, if your family is like most of us, all the extra linens, bedding, books, and storage containers are not things your house has been missing for the last nine months. Most of these things were either purchased for college life or were accumulated throughout the year. And how about all the big stuff? The fridge (that still has half a carton of milk in it), the microwave (that hasn’t seen a sponge in months), and the fraying couch (let’s not even talk about the couch) – these items may or may not be worth storing until next semester.

But how to decide? Following is a quick list of things to consider when you can’t decide if the item should be saved for later or disposed of.

Safety

A good place to start is to ask yourself – is this item still in good working order? It’s one thing if the strange stain on the couch cushion is unidentifiable…it’s another if springs are coming through the fabric that could cause someone harm. A microwave that trips the breaker every time it’s plugged in isn’t going to do anyone any good. Our company is skilled at assessing and disposing of those things that truly have seen their best days and would be a potential danger if they continue to be used.

Use

We live in a time where recycling and reusing is not just a fad, it’s a way of life for most of us. That said, there are certain items that – even if they are still in good working order, just don’t make sense to keep. A computer that no longer runs at the speed your student needs, a fridge that won’t be large enough for their apartment in the fall – there’s no point in hanging on to something that just doesn’t fit the bill anymore. We can help figure out where to donate these items so others can benefit from them.

Storability

Depending on your space, the majority of your student’s stuff can probably find a temporary home, whether in your garage, attic, or their old room. Bedding, shelves, carpets, appliances – many of these items just need a place to live until they are ready to be used again. At ABH Services, we can help with the placement and organization of these things, and make sure they are stored safely and securely.

For all the empty nesters out there, having college kids back home is often one of the most exciting things about spring. And you know they won’t be home for long. Here at ABH Services, we can offer you a variety of services that will help sort their stuff so you can enjoy their time. Please give us a call at (781) 941-2422 or reach out to us through Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/abhservices/. Thanks for considering us for all your home needs!