Car Relocation Checklist for College Students

Brantley Kendall

17 Feb 2025 1 month ago

If you’re moving your car to college, a solid car relocation checklist ensures you don’t overlook anything important. Start by gathering your necessary car transport documents and doing your due diligence in terms of your car’s condition, like checking tire pressure and fluids. Then, decide how you’re going to go about the relocation, i.e., what transportation method you’re going to go with. By following our college student car shipping checklist, you’ll save yourself plenty of headaches and get your car down to your college campus safely and efficiently.

Why You Need a Car Relocation Checklist

Moving to college is as exciting as it is stressful. There’s suddenly a ton to figure out, but if you have to move there and want your car to come with you, that places an enormous burden on you as well. But that’s not even the worst possible scenario; things only get more complicated if you need to move the car cross-country—imagine the pain of having to drive it across 1,500 miles or more. It’s possible, of course, but nothing short of annoying and time-consuming.

Additionally, college students often underestimate the complexity of relocating a vehicle across states. Common challenges include:

• Paperwork requirements
• Unexpected mechanical issues
• The cost of driving the car yourself; or
• Finding affordable car relocation services

A car relocation checklist can help lay out the most crucial issues that need addressing to ensure safety and full legal compliance.

Car Relocation Checklist for College Students: Step-by-Step

So, without further ado, let’s analyze the crucial steps to prepare for your relocation:

Step 1: Gather Important Documents

Before relocating, collect and organize all necessary documentation. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Insurance Information: It’s recommended to verify your insurance covers auto transport, though most carriers will be insured on their end.
• Driver’s License: You may need to provide a copy of your driver’s license for identity verification purposes.

Step 2: Prepare the Vehicle for Transport

How do you prepare a car for shipping? If you’re booking a car shipping broker, it comes down to a few simple steps.

First, clean the car thoroughly. Wash the exterior to make it easier to check for damage. Next, check your fluid levels, topping up if necessary, and leave a quarter tank of gas. The auto transport company won’t be driving the car, but some fuel is still required to load and unload it. While you’re at it, check the tire pressure, too!

Then, you’ll also want to remove any personal items from the car, as they could get damaged or lost during transit. If you’re not sure what qualifies as a “personal item” or what your specific carrier allows or prohibits, check with us to understand the specific rules!

Step 3: Document the Car’s Condition

Create a detailed report of your vehicle’s current condition before transport. Take photos of it from multiple angles (including any existing scratches or dents). This will prove invaluable if disputes arise about damage that might occur during transport.

Step 4: Book Transport

With everything prepared, it’s time to book your car transport. Research reliable companies with good reviews and compare prices and services to find the best option for your budget. 

Companies like Sakaem Logistics, for example, offer expert-level transport on account of our vast network of professional, experienced drivers. They know the roads like the back of their hand, and when it comes to the safety of shipping your car, there is no better option. Contact us today, and let’s figure out the specifics of your move together!

Step 5: Car Pickup

Once you’ve booked transport, the next step is vehicle pickup. Here’s what to expect:

• Confirm the time and location, and double-check the details with the transport company.
• Be available on said date to hand over the car.
• Sign the Bill of Lading, which outlines the terms of transport and confirms the car’s conditions at pickup.

While you make your way over to the campus, the driver will get your car there safely. After that, upon delivery, you’ll inspect the car with the driver once again (take all the necessary documents with you!) and sign off on it if all is in order.

The Takeaway

Following this college student car shipping checklist will help you navigate the process and ensure everything goes smoothly. Remember, staying organized and planning ahead is the key to minimizing stress, and it’ll also let you focus on all the other aspects related to your move.

You may also read: Best Transport Options for Out-of-State Students

Brantley Kendall