Logistics of freshman drop-off with long drive

[Anonymous]

Please help me figure out the best way to get my incoming freshman to his school. It's a 10hr drive (at least), so we plan to break up the drive with a stopover en route. That would also give us some time in the afternoon before move-in day to pick up supplies. I'd been assuming that our Honda Pilot would give us plenty of space, but suddenly realizing that's probably not the case. My kid is pretty minimalist, and we can ship stuff to the school or to a local store. Still, with 4 tall people in the car and a bit of luggage for the rest of us, it's looking pretty tight. So would you:

1) Take 2 cars?
2) Rent a monster SUV or minivan (does a minivan really offer much more space than a large SUV?)
3) Get a rooftop carrier installed (dealership is quoting $1100 for roof rails & cross bars, plus $500+ for a carrier)?
4) Other ideas?

[Anonymous]

Only have one parent drive the kid. Why do 4 people have to go?

[Anonymous]

Boy or girl going? If a boy that is easy. Clothes go in IKEA square bags and the rest can be picked up at destination. Girl you will need to do two cars. They bring a lot more than boys.

Rentals are pretty pricey right now so gas for two cars may be cheaper.

[Anonymous]

I would get a rooftop carrier because renting a car is expensive and you will have the carrier for future trips

[Anonymous]

They do make rooftop carriers that fit all cars- no need for racks. Check Amazon. Also, maybe a little pull along Uhaul?

RoofBag Rooftop Cargo Carrier, Original Roof Bag Made in USA for Any Car Size with or Without Roof Rack. Waterproof Roof Cargo Bag 15 cu ft Includes Straps, Protective Mat, Storage Bag

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Boy or girl going? If a boy that is easy. Clothes go in IKEA square bags and the rest can be picked up at destination. Girl you will need to do two cars. They bring a lot more than boys.

Rentals are pretty pricey right now so gas for two cars may be cheaper.

Depends on the girl. Don't be sexist pp

[Anonymous]

vacuum bags for bedding and clothes will save you space.
also there are little rooftop soft bags that are cheap and will prob be enough, no need for a roofrack. rent the fridge if roommate isn't bringing it.
if buying those three drawer things, pack the drawers.

[Anonymous]

Our whole family went to drop off our freshman a few years ago. My husband drove with my son and my younger daughter and I flew out there to meet them. We all drove back together minus son.

[Anonymous]

I went to school far from.home and stored most of my stuff in a shared storage unit during summers. So this could just be a one time issue.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Boy or girl going? If a boy that is easy. Clothes go in IKEA square bags and the rest can be picked up at destination. Girl you will need to do two cars. They bring a lot more than boys.

Rentals are pretty pricey right now so gas for two cars may be cheaper.

Depends on the girl. Don't be sexist pp

It’s not sexist, it is pretty much factual!

[Anonymous]

Tell your kid to scale back their junk.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I went to school far from.home and stored most of my stuff in a shared storage unit during summers. So this could just be a one time issue.

I flew and was limited to two checked bags and it all worked out. Meanwhile, there are parents who rent UHauls. For 1 overnight stop, you should be able to get everyones stuff into 1 carry on bag. That leaves almost the whole trunk which should be enough.

[Anonymous]

Take two cars.

[Anonymous]

If you haven't already purchased new items, you could order things and pick them up at the destination. I know Bed, Bath and Beyond offers this service. I think Target may as well. So for the XL Twin sheets, underbed storage, etc don't haul them the 10 plus hours in the car.

[Anonymous]

For what its worth, a minivan will have a lot more room for stuff than an SUV.