Three years of university education and what do you have to show for it? A good degree (hopefully), a king-sized hangover and debts that warrant their own emergency budget.

But look around you. Why is there so much stuff ? And where did it all come from? From textbooks to traffic signs, university life is one long story of accumulation as you subconsciously set about building yourself affordable housing out of an endless stream of unopened Diagnosis Murder boxsets.

Problems come at the end of term or when you finally have to pack up and leave. What to do with it all? It’s a problem multiplied if you’re an international student needing to move back home with your whole life in tow. Here are some tips:

Sell it

Ask yourself, do I need all this stuff? Realistically, is it likely I’ll be inspired to pick up that copy of Social Constructionist Psychology: A Critical Analysis of Theory and Practice ever again?

If the answer is no, it’s time to get rid. But that doesn’t mean throwing things like textbooks away – they’re expensive to buy new which means a persisting demand from new students on the lookout for cheap secondhand copies. You can recuperate as much as 70% of the original RRP using sites like ebay to advertise your items to the widest possible audience.

Store it

Companies like Safestore offer secure storage facilities during holiday periods, when students in halls of residents are traditionally turfed out for up to a month at a time.

Prices are based on the amount of space you require. There are branches in over 90 locations nationwide, but Safestore guarantee they’ll beat the prices of any like-for-like competitor by 10%. What’s more, you’ll find a DHL servicepoint in every Safestore nationwide so you can even send stuff home while you’re there –  with free secure packaging thrown in!

Send it

With airlines limiting the weight of luggage you can take on board, the only realistic option is to use a reliable shipping company. But before you do, here are some of the most important things to consider:

Reputation

Does the company have a good reputation for shipping internationally and on time? Ask around. Have your friends had any experience of using the company in question?

Quote

Estimate the total weight and size of your stuff so you can get quotes and compare costs.

Service

What does the service involve? For example, is free secure packaging included Are you able to arrange insurance and if so, what is covered?

Tracking

Is it possible to track the whereabouts of your parcel in transit? Can this be done online?

For more information, pop into your local DHL Servicecentre for a no-obligation chat about your shipping options

Have you ever fancied closing your eyes, sticking a pin in a map and taking yourself there on an adventure?  Of course, haven’t we all…

However, in the real world unless you are enjoying the proverbial ‘gap year’ (as no doubt many of this summer’s recently qualified students will do) it’s back to the workplace.  And with the growing trend for online businesses, many of you will be budding entrepreneurs running a start-up company using eBay or perhaps a larger SME exporting around the world.

For those businesses still using traditional postal services which often prove frustrating and painfully slow, why not give DHL Servicepoint a try.

DHL Servicepoint is designed to be simple, effective and most importantly quick.  Just pick your nearest DHL Servicepoint, pack the parcel when you get there and pay.

Our destinations include 220 countries worldwide with UK deliveries starting at £5.95 and the USA and Canada at £25.95.  All parcels are guaranteed, tracked at every stage and signed for on receipt.

But don’t take our word for it.  Here’s what a recent DHL Servicepoint customer had to say:

“Accurate tracking system.  My parcel was received the next working day.  All items we’re intact.  Very reliable.  I will use the service again, absolutely brilliant!”

Last week The Guardian reported that the number of eBay traders who are turning over £1m per annum has almost doubled in the past year.

According to eBay data, 127 of these companies are expected to achieve a turnover of at least £1m during 2010 compared with only 66 in 2009.

Proof that despite the challenging business environment of the past 12 months, the online start-up and SME (small and medium size enterprises) community are successfully running and growing profit making companies.

Jody Ford, an eBay director, was quoted as saying: “The success of these million pound businesses should encourage all entrepreneurs, from those with a long-standing business plan to graduates or school leavers with a great idea, as it shows that if you have a good business model and understand the demands of your customers you can be an overnight success.”

The key point here being understanding customer demands as this, along with providing outstanding customer service, contributes to a company’s all important unique selling point (USP).  For example, online-only retailers without the traditional shop front their customers can visit and make purchases from must ensure their website shop front is just as accessible and user-friendly and that items purchased are sent promptly and safely.

Which is where DHL Servicepoint can, and does, help.  We provide our hassle-free, cost-effective, secure delivery service to thousands of small businesses like those trading on eBay.  They simply follow our three step – pick, pack and pay – process and then leave the rest to us, www.DHLservicepoint.co.uk

We are currently in the midst of the August summer holiday period more commonly known as the ‘silly season’ largely due to the absence of a large number of people from the workplace.  From teachers and parents to MPs all enjoying their lengthy six weeks plus summer recess!

For those holidaying at home the need for a passport doesn’t apply.  However, for those considering a late summer break abroad or perhaps a few days overseas in the autumn or at Christmas, now is the time to check your current passport is still valid as the renewal process can take several weeks particularly during peak times.

And remember to make sure you send any important documentation via safe and secure means for a prompt and guaranteed delivery.

At DHL Servicepoint we handle each and every item from when it leaves you to when it arrives safely at its destination; wherever in the world that might be.  And once the parcel’s journey begins you can access a free online tracking service with regular updates alongside the assurance that it will be signed for on delivery.

Our simple three step process couldn’t be easier: pick your nearest DHL Servicepoint, pack your parcel for free when you get there, pay and then leave the rest to us: https://dhlservicepoint.co.uk/howto.htm

So why not sort that passport renewal now and then sit back and look forward to your well earned break abroad.