Save Money Shipping Items Back Home

There are many costs that you can’t avoid when living as a student in London. Whether you live in halls or off-campus, you still need to pay accommodation, and even buying second-hand books and other equipment means that you will have to invest a decent amount of money in the essential items that you need to complete your course. Fortunately, there are ways to save money in most instances, including when it is time to send items home either for yourself or to friends and family.

Store Don’t Transport

If it is the end of the year, or you are heading back home to spend Christmas with your family, it shouldn’t be necessary to carry or send everything back home. If you are moving to a new flat or new halls, then ask friends around the city to store some of your stuff for you, or even consider using an inexpensive storage facility to hold some of your items. They don’t just hold furniture, and you can pack up books and even clothing into boxes and bags, and store them until you return.

Clear Out

If you are set to return home on a permanent basis, then it doesn’t mean that you have to take everything with you. Advertise on university boards and online forums to sell items that you don’t need. Even if you don’t receive much for them, it will save you the cost of carrying or shipping them back home. In fact, consider charitable donations to organisations like the Salvation Army for everything you don’t desperately need to take with you.

Compare Excess Baggage Charges

Hopefully, you don’t feel the need to take all of your clothes if you’re only heading home for a few weeks. Baggage allowances can be very restrictive depending on where you are flying, and with which airline, so compare excess baggage costs with courier and storage costs to work out your best option.

Alternatives To Gifts

Most friends and family will be forgiving when it comes to receiving birthday gifts while you’re not at home, but if you are adamant about giving gifts on time every time, consider sending money, vouchers, or inexpensive items that will fit in envelopes or Jiffy bags. Alternatively, buy gifts when you’re back home and leave them with a family member to hand out at Birthday time.

Use A Reliable And Competitive Courier Service

There are occasions when you simply can’t avoid having to send some items home, and rather than assuming that standard mail services are the cheapest option, look at courier services like TNT Direct as a means of saving money on shipping. Pack items carefully, only use the necessary packaging, and try to get the best deal.

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