Frequently Asked Questions
We offer Both Summer storage and UPS for shipping stuff home
Supplies (free delivery) In room pick-up Shipping (via UPS) Storage & Delivery (to your room)
Packing Drop your stuff off at JPS Intra-campus moves
Pricing Guide Insurance JOHN’S MOMS PACKING AND UNPACKING
Pick-ups
What days and hours does JPS pick up?
During peak seasons, pick-ups occur between 8:00am and 5:00pm, Monday through Saturday. When placing an order you’ll be prompted to select a 4 hour pick-up window. Someone must be available during that entire time.
We cannot commit to a specific time within this window. If you have a serious conflict, such as a final or a flight, we will do our best to work with you when we call to confirm the day before, but we can’t guarantee a specific or exact time. You may have to find a friend to be present for you.
What is the process for a pick up?
We text the student the day before the scheduled pick up date requesting a call back to confirm the appointment and go over other details. If the student does not call us back by 5pm, the pick up is canceled (no refund).
The driver will call or text the student from the previous stop, usually about 5 -15 minutes out.
How far in advance should I schedule my pick up? Can I change it?
We recommend you schedule your pick-up as soon as you know the date; the cut-off for booking at the standard $30 fee is two days before service by 5p.
The $30 pick-up fee is not refundable once the order is placed.
You can change your pickup date without penalty up to two days beforehand if the new date is in the same move-out season. If you need to reschedule within 48 hours of the pickup time, the existing service will be canceled and you will have to order a new pickup. You can change your pickup date once within the same move season, gratis. Subsequent changes +$15/change if available.
do you come to my room to get my stuff?
Yes, our team will carry everything down from your room.
Do I have to be present for my pick-up?
Yes. If you have an extenuating circumstance please call or email us with details. The pick-up fee is $50 if neither the student or parent are present. You will have to check with your building manager to see if they will give us access if no one is present to open the door.
Can my roommates and I share one pick-up request since You're already coming to the same place at the same time?
No. Since we create separate paperwork for each student and the orders are likely billed to different credit cards, each person must enter their own order.
I have a pickup but will still need my bedding and some other stuff until my departure date. What are my options for getting these things to JPS?
You have two options:
1) You can drop them off at our store (727 W. Ellsworth #5) on the way out of town. If you have previously registered for a pick-up this season we waive the drop fee.
2) Schedule a second pick-up (additional $50 if the student is absent) for a time/place where someone will take responsibility for meeting us (i.e. roommate, friend, house director, management office).
When am i billed for services?
If you order supplies, payment is made at the time of the order.
If you reserve a John’s Mom, payment for the first two hours and the pickup is made when you place the order.
If you’re registering for storage/shipping, you only pay the pick up fee up front. All the other fees; storage/shipping, materials, professional packing, additional “Mom” time and insurance, are billed to the credit card on file after the pickup is completed.
click here to Book your pickup now!
Drop-off storage/shipping at the JPS office
Yes, you can come to our store (727 W. Ellsworth #5) to drop off belongings for storage, shipping and professional packaging. Register online before you come, unless you’ve already registered for a pick-up this season.
We are located across from Costco in the Oxford Commerce Park near State Street and I-94 past the Briarwood Mall, about 10 minutes from campus.
Our move-out hours are Monday-Saturday, 9am-5pm, but we often work extended hours during the peak of move-out. Call (734)665-2664 before coming to make sure someone will be there to meet you.
Supplies
Supply deliveries to campus
When ordering supplies through our website, you will be prompted to choose a delivery date including free next business day delivery, if the order is placed by 5pm. We deliver to all buildings within the UM campus area. The minimum order for free delivery is $15.
Where and what time are the supplies dropped off?
Expect to find your supplies bundled at the usual package drop area for your residence by the date you select. We don’t give a specific time and it’s not necessary for you to be present to receive them.
Check your drop area on your requested delivery date; don’t just rely on email notifications. With high delivery volumes during transitional seasons, offices often do not keep up with notifications. Go and check.
Dorm: supplies will be delivered to your dorm package room (remember, boxes for students in SQ go to the WQ package room)
Apartment: either in front of your apartment door or in the office; check both
Sorority: ask the house director where she has designated a JPS drop location
Private house: on the front porch by the door or in the vestibule if we can gain access
How many boxes should I order?
The average student in a dorm room uses 6 large boxes, 2 mediums, a roll of bubble wrap, a marker and a roll of tape.
Students in a house and apartment generally use 8 large, 5 medium, 4 bubble, 2 rolls of tape and a marker.
John’s Moms customers do not have to order their own supplies; the Mom will take care of that after speaking to you.
If you have unused boxes left over we will buy them back at full price. We do not buy back tape, bubble wrap or markers.
Can I use my own boxes if I am shipping or storing with JPS?
Yes, the storage fees are still charged according to the size and weight of each container. A standard large box is 18x18x24” and weighs less than 50 lbs. We strongly discourage using boxes purchased from U Haul, Home Depot or Lowe’s unless they are rated “Heavy Duty.” Their regular boxes are made of very poor quality corrugated and will become mushy, split and tear in a very short period of time. Since boxes are stacked in the warehouse 4 and 5 high, poor quality boxes easily crush. The edges also split during shipping. We do not forbid using them, but strongly warn against it.
Can I just buy packing materials and not use your shipping or storage services?
Yes.
CAN I Store my stuff in A DUFFEL BAG?
Yes, but note that duffel bags, once packed, are often much bulkier than a standard large box (18x18x24”) and will therefore incur oversize and/or overweight surcharges. It is usually cheaper and safer to store belongings in boxes rather than in duffels.
CAN I Store my stuff in A blue IKEA BAG?
No. They are too awkward to move and store. Also, significant damage will occur if they open, tear or contain fragile items. If items are packed in IKEA type bags, our team will put them in boxes and charge accordingly.
Shipping
HOW should I label my shipping?
We will create personal labels with bar codes for tracking using UPS Worldship, but write your name and home address prominently on each item with the word SHIP to avoid confusion with boxes you’re storing.
when does my order get shipped? how long before it’s delivered home?
During the busy seasons, such as spring move-out, shipments leave Ann Arbor the next business day after we receive them. You can track them online using the number provided on your receipt. See a list of transit times here.
If an item to be shipped requires additional professional packing, like a TV, allow an extra week for delivery.
During the busy move-out and holiday seasons UPS suspends its day-definite delivery guarantee.
Which carrier do you use for shipping?
Our primary carrier is UPS.
Can you hold my shipping if I’m going on vacation first, starting a new job, etc.?
Yes, we can hold your shipping. However, storage costs may apply. See 0-4 month storage prices.
Can I use my own UPS account to pay for shipping?
We no not bill to third-party UPS accounts. If you wish to pay using your shipping account, contact UPS directly for service and initiate a pick-up through them.
Can I ship a duffel bag or suitcase?
Yes, but JPS will usually transfer the duffel bag or suitcase into a box or boxes. We often do this because it significantly reduces the possibility of damage to your belongings. If you ship such items without a box, they are not insured against damage. Straps and odd shaped bags do not mix well with the UPS conveyor belts. They can catch and rip the bag open.
Additionally, suitcases and bags are not standard sizes and therefore incur UPS oversize and/or overweight charges. Finally, UPS has a surcharge for anything that is not shipped in a box.
How much does it cost to ship something?
Visit the price guide for more details and note that these are general estimates. The prices listed do not include UPS fuel surcharges which fluctuate from week to week.
Packing
Can JPS pack my belongings for me?
Yes, you can hire a John’s Mom to help you organize and pack your belongings. Our Moms are not qualified to pack fragile belongings like TV’s, dishes, or electronics. Those items will be transported safely back to our facility for professional packing and additional charges will apply. You can see the price chart for those special items here.
What about plastic drawers, under-bed BOXES, and other CONTAINERS? Do they have to be boxed for storage/shipping?
It is not necessary to put plastic drawers or totes in a box for storage. For storage, fill your belongings in these containers and we will take them as is. We often tape like sized containers together in groups that approximate the size and weight of a large box (18x18x24”) to economize so that you pay the standard $50 storage fee.
A popular plastic container size is 30x18x10”. These are about the same volume as our medium box. If we tape two of them together and the combined weight is less than 50 lbs it will be charged as an oversized item ($75). This is a $25 savings over storing them as two separate containers (2 x $50).
We can store plastic containers as is, you’re not required to put them in a box. But if you decide to store them as is, the container itself is not insured against damage - the container becomes the box. Any non-fragile items in the container are insured.
Plastic drawers are not safe for shipping as is and typically cannot be shipped economically. It’s best to pack the contents in a box and leave the drawers behind.
Does everything need to be boxed or covered when I give it to JPS for storage?
You should box everything you can, but large, non-fragile items such as furniture, bikes, mattresses, futons, shelves and refrigerators do not need to be boxed. In the moving process these often get dinged or dirty. Insurance only covers the functionality of the item. If the appearance is important to you, tell the pickup team that you want the item boxed.
Plastic drawers, carts and containers can get dirty, scratched, scuffed and even broken. We use tape or shrink wrap to keep plastic drawers from opening. Insurance covers the contents of the container, not its appearance or integrity. If you want to prevent that, the whole container needs to be put in a box. The plastic container itself is not insured, only what’s in it.
Futons and couches can get dirty, especially if they are white. To prevent this, either cover them yourself or for a fee we will cover them for you. If you don’t specifically ask, we will assume they are fine as is. We put mattresses in a plastic bag.
Note that we require fragile items like TV's, printers and microwaves to be professionally packed in order to insure them against damage (see below).
How do I pack awkward items that are too big to fit in one of your boxes like a small carpet, tall fan, vacuum, mattress topper or a folding chair?
The most economical way to pack these items is to use one of our large boxes and leave the top open. Often, several tall items can go in the same box if they are lightweight and narrow.
Obviously the items will stick out from the top of the box. When we receive it, we cap it with a second large box. They are billed as an “oversized” box ($75 for regular or $100 for double as long as the box weighs less than 50 lbs).
Although storing this way is more expensive than storing a standard box ($50), it’s still much more economical than paying for each item individually.
Leave your mattress topper out and our team will pack it when they arrive. Since they are mostly air, we can roll it up and stuff it into one of our large boxes. You just pay for the box and storage for a standard box.
How should Fragile things be packed?
We strongly suggest you allow us to professionally pack fragile items. We transport them to our store and make sure they are packed properly. Please do not attempt to pack these items yourself. We especially advise against packing them with towels or pillows for cushioning. They will get damaged. Glass items must be individually bubble wrapped, void area filled with loose fill and double boxed. If we pack these items, you are covered up to the value you insure them for.
At the time of pickup let the JPS agent know you want the items packed by us. He will enter “TBP” (to be packed) on the pick up summary sheet, transport it carefully to our facility and we will pack it once it arrives at JPS.
If you decide to pack a fragile item and it’s damaged, it is not covered by the insurance. So please let us pack them for you. There are additional fees for this service. Click to our price guide for a list of sizes and prices to pack the most common fragile items.
Do not store damp items, dirty clothing or linens. they must be clean and dry.
A common mistake students make is storing worn clothing or dirty bedding. They will often wake up on move-out day, strip the bed and toss it in a box without marking it “To Be Cleaned” so that we can wash and dry it before it’s stored for the summer. These item will retain moisture and mold.
Is there anything I shouldn’t store or ship?
There are many items you might be inclined to store or ship that just aren’t worth it. Consider the price to replace verses the cost to store . The minimum to store any item is $50. The minimum to pack and store a full length mirror, for example, is $125 and can go up to $200. A nightstand or roll cart is $65. Tall narrow shelves are $75. A rug is a minimum of $85 and go up to $200. Most of these can be purchased for less than the cost to store. Shipping costs even more.
Never store food or liquids. Food attracts insects and rodents. Boxes get turned every which way and any liquid container will eventually leak causing damage to your and other people’s belongings. This includes gels and disposable wet wipes. If we notice your box leaking, we will have to open it, dispose of the culprit and clean the mess. You will be charged a minimum of $100.
Delivery of stored items
How are my belongings labeled?
We create a personal label for every item we receive, but suggest you also write your name and the word STORE prominently on each box.
If your storage is for RAPID DELIVERY, less than 1 month, let our staff know so we can keep it separate in our warehouse.
For furniture and other unboxed items, use masking or shipping tape as a label and make sure it is well attached.
I want to store my winter clothes and dirty bedding. Can you take care of cleaning them?
Yes. Our sister company, Busybody's Laundry can clean your belongings during the time they are stored with us. JPS will handle the exchange, just put these items in a separate box marked “TO BE CLEANED” or “TBC” on the top and two sides with a fat black marker.
The laundry charge will be added to your invoice after the items are cleaned. Click here for general prices.
If you are storing laundry with other belongings to economize, make sure it is very obvious which items in the box are for cleaning.
If you have both dry cleaning and machine-washing, separate the dry cleaning in a bag and label each group clearly.
Is the storage facility air conditioned?
Our warehouse is not air conditioned, but it’s not necessary here in Michigan provided the facility is properly vented. Our building is clean and dry.
Warning: Do not store unwashed clothing or linens. They retain moisture and will mold if stored in a container for the summer. Students will often put their recently used sheets, linens and bedding in a box on move-out day without cleaning them. This will be a problem in August. If you’re planning to leave those items in storage, either wash and dry them first or mark them “To Be Cleaned” and we will clean them for you.
What if I only need storage for a short time (Less than a month)?
Let our staff know if you’re only taking a short break and returning next semester. For example, if you’re leaving in April and returning for spring term make sure everything is labeled properly if you’re storing some things for spring term and others for delivery at the end of the summer. Book two separate pickup orders even if they’re being picked up at the same time.
Since the majority of our costs are associated with the labor involved in pick-up and delivery, there is no discount. The storage price is the same to store something for a week or 4 months.
What if I don't know my move-in date yet?
We will ask for a delivery date and address when you register. If you don’t know at the time of registration, contact us well before the delivery date with that information. For fall delivery, you must let us know before August 1 to avoid late fees.
What if my building allows early move-in?
End of summer delivery to most major campus buildings* is determined by the building’s management office. JPS is typically notified of that date in late July. The date they determine is always prior to their bulk move-in day, when most leases commence. If you’re granted “early move-in,” and it’s before the date established for JPS by your building’s manager, an additional fee will be assessed to make a special delivery.
For example ArborBlu tells JPS to deliver all their residents stored belongings on August 20th because their official lease commencement date is August 22nd, but you receive permission to move in on August 15th, you will be charged an early move-in fee. The deadline to schedule an early move-in to any of these buildings is Aug 8th.
Early move-in fee: $250
Rush fee (notify us less than 21 days from the desired date): add $100 ($350 total)
Rush fee (notify us less than 14 days from the desired date): add $150 ($400 total)
Rush fee (notify us less than 7 days from the desired date, subject to availability): add $250 ($500 total)
*This includes RA’s moving into dorm, ArborBlu, Campus Edge, Courtyards, Foundry, Landmark, Legacy, Saga, Six11, Standard, Verve, Vic Village, Yard, Z Place and Z West.
The fee is paid for each order
Note: East Quad will be housing summer-term students. Therefore the EQ deliver date is Monday, August 18th. If you’re moving into East Quad early, be aware that your belongings cannot be delivered until 8/24.
Will my belongings be waiting for me when I return? Where do I find them?
Students moving into a UM residence hall will find their belongings in their dorm room.
Students moving into ArborBlu, Campus Edge, Courtyards, Foundry, Landmark, Legacy, Saga, Six11, Standard, Verve, Vic Village, Yard, Z Place and Z West will find their belongings in their rooms.
Students moving into these sororities will also find their belongings in their rooms: ADPi, AEPhi, AXO, AlphaPhi, DPhiE, KKG, PiBetaPhi, SDT, Sigma Kappa, TriDelt and XO.
Students moving into University Towers are required to meet us in front of the building to take possession of their belongs. Email us the details of your move-in date and time slot and we will call you when we’re on the way.
Students moving into another building or house can arrange for in-room delivery before their return with the consent of the landlord and making arrangements with them.
We deliver orders going to the same address/unit on the same day. For UM residence halls, sororities, and bigger apartment buildings it’s typically a few days before the general move in date, but can be earlier. In other residences as well, we often deliver all the orders on the same day when the first person arrives or the landlord grants access. Your belongings will be delivered to your room. We have relationships with management companies and many landlords on campus who also allow us access. JPS is still responsible for your belongings as if they were in our possession, so they are insured with us until you arrive. Since the billing is a flat rate for up to 4 months, no refunds are give for deliveries made earlier than that term.
Delays in delivery
Each move out season JPS stores thousands of items. We make a concerted effort to deliver everything back to you on the date you request, but mistakes do occur. If the delivery is delayed longer than 7 days for an item, we will refund the entire storage fee for that item. If the item is not found within 14 days, the storage fee is retained, but we pay the full insured value.
What if I store my belongings with JPS and later decide to not return after all?
If you change your return plans or not returning to UM , JPS can either continue storing them or ship to a forwarding address; additional fees will apply.
Intra-Campus Moves
I’m moving from one place to another on the same day. Can you help me get my things to my new location?
Yes, you can book two strong guys and a truck for up to two hours. The service is for one student from one Ann Arbor residence to another on the same day. If there are two students or more being moved, each student needs to place a separate order.
The cost for this service if the student is present is $350 for 2 hr. After the first two hours, the price is $175/hr. We have very limited availability for this service during our peak seasons. If available, moves during these dates are subject to a $150 peak surcharge. (call or see pricing page for dates)
If the student is not present the fee is $400 for 2 hr and $200/hr thereafter.
The service does not include packing help nor does it include packing materials. Supplies should be ordered for delivery in advance so the packing is done before the movers arrive. You will be charged for any packing help if you’re not ready when they arrive. The rate is $200/hr. All your belongings must be in moving boxes or hard containers with a minimum size 18x12x12”. If not, we will put them in boxes for you and charge for the boxes. You do not have to box furniture, plastic containers or cloth drawers with belongings in them. Those items will either be shrink wrapped or taped close to prevent contents from falling out during the move. Garbage bags of clothing and blue IKEA bags will be packed into boxes.
Let us know if you have a TV. There may be an additional charge depending on its size. We do not dismount them from walls.
You can order a John’s Mom if you want packing help; call the office to discuss this.
Furniture assembly or disassembly is not included in this service. This handyman service costs and additional $150/hr, subject to availability.
You have 24 hours after booking to cancel a move, but there’s a 50% cancelation fee.
No refunds are issued for moves scheduled to occur less than 48 hours out.
Call to confirm availability before booking: 734.665.2664.
JPS schedules intra-campus moves on Monday through Saturday between 9a and 3p. Other times may be possible given enough advance notice. Call us at 734.665.2664 to confirm availability.
Note that for small moves, it is often more economical to call an Uber even if you have to make a few trips.
Laundry service
John's Pack & Ship is the only storage service that will take dirty stuff and return it clean. That's because we also own and share facilities with Busybody's Laundry. You can find pricing for commonly cleaned items on our price guide.
Do not store unwashed clothing or linens. They retain moisture and will mold if stored in a container for the summer.
Just write TBC on the top and 2 sides of the box(es) with the stuff you want cleaned using a black marker and point it out to the pickup team. We will bill you for those services during the summer once it’s cleaned.
Click here for the Busybody's website.
Prices
Click here for a complete price guide for our services and supplies.
Click here for information on insurance.