Frequently Asked Questions
Summer storage/ship to home
In room pick-up Intra-campus moves
Pricing Guide Insurance JOHN’S MOMS PACKING AND UNPACKING
Summer storage: Pick-ups
When 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 pick-up window and 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 cannot guarantee a specific or exact time.
What is the process for a pickup?
We text the student the day before the scheduled pickup 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 will be canceled (no refund).
The driver will call or text the student from the previous stop, usually about 10-15 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 fee is two days before service by 5p.
The pick-up fee is not refundable.
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.
Will you come to my room to get my stuff?
Yes.
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 register for us to come and get your belongings from the room, you only pay $30 (or $50) for the pickup. The storage/shipping, any additional materials and/or services; professional packing, additional “Mom” time and additional insurance, are billed to the credit card on file after the pickup is completed.
Summer Storage: Drop-off at JPS
Can I drop my stuff off at the jps office?
Yes, you can come to our store( at 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
What are DORM Supply Stations?
During move-out (April 24-27, April 29-May 2) from noon until 4pm, John's Pack & Ship will be selling and distributing supplies adjacent to the community centers in West Quad, South Quad, East Quad, Bursley, Markley and MoJo. Anyone ordering boxes, tape, bubble or markers who live in these buildings can pick up your order there. If you are not registered with us, you may purchase supplies at that station through Venmo. If you need supplies before the station opens or you live in a dorm not listed above, your order will be delivered to your package room on the requested date. We don’t give a specific delivery time so if you need them in the morning, schedule the drop off for the day before.
How about everywhere else?
Supply delivery is free to all locations within the UM campus area.
Is there a minimum order for a supply delivery?
Yes, the minimum supply order is $15.
When can I expect my supplies once I place an order?
You will choose a delivery date when you place an order. We can deliver the next day if the order is placed by 5p.
Where are the supplies dropped off?
Expect to find your supplies bundled at the usual package drop area for your residence, similar to UPS or the post office.
Check your drop area on your requested delivery date; don’t just rely on notifications. With high delivery volumes during transitional seasons, offices may not keep up with emails when a package has been dropped off.
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
Do I have to be there when you drop off my supply order?
You do not need to meet us to receive deliveries.
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 1 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.
If you have unused boxes after packing 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. You will save on supply costs, but storage fees are still charged according to the size and weight. A standard large box is 18x18x24” and weighs less than 50 lbs.
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, tare or contain fragile items.
Shipping
HOW should I label my shipping?
We create personal labels with bar codes for tracking using UPS Worldship.
We suggest you also write your name and address prominently on each item with the word SHIP to avoid confusion with storage boxes.
when does my order get shipped? how long before it’s delivered home?
During 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.
If an item to be shipped requires additional professional packing, like a TV, allow an extra week for delivery.
During the busy move-out season UPS suspends its day-definite delivery guarantee.
Which carrier do you use for shipping?
We ship through 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 cannot bill to a third-party UPS account. Contact UPS directly for service and initiate a pick-up through them.
Can I ship a duffel bag or suitcase?
Yes, but JPS may 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. UPS also has a surcharge for anything that is not shipped in a box.
How much does it cost to ship something?
A typical large box weighs 55 pounds. Visit the price guide for more details and note that these are general estimates. The prices 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 usual $50 storage.
Many of the plastic containers we are now seeing are 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 having to store them as two separate containers (2x$50).
We can store plastic containers as is, you don’t have 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. The non-fragile items in the container are insured.
Plastic drawers are not safe for shipping as is and typically cannot be shipped economically. 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, rolling drawers, plastic totes/drawers, shelves and refrigerators do not need to be boxed.
Please note that plastic drawers and containers can get dirty, scratched or scuffed. We use tape or shrink wrap to keep plastic drawers from opening. Insurance covers the contents of the container, not its appearance.
Futons and couches can get dirty. If you’re concerned about dings, scuffs, and dust, cover items yourself or ask for us to cover them for you. If you don’t specifically ask, we will assume they are fine as is. We do cover mattresses.
Note that we require fragile items like TV's, printers and microwaves to be professionally packed in order to insure them (see below).
How do I pack something that’s too big to fit in one of your boxes like a small carpet, a tall fan, a vacuum, 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. 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. Provided the box weighs less than 50 pounds, we will store it as an “oversized” box ($75 for regular or $100 for double, again, as long as the box is less than 50 lbs). This also requires 2 boxes, end to end.
Although this is more expensive than storing a standard box ($50), it’s still much more economical than paying for each of the tall items individually.
How Do you pack Fragile things like a TV/monitor or CPU?
We transport them to our store for professional packaging. Please do not attempt to pack these items yourself unless you have all the original packaging materials. We advise against packing them with towels or pillows for cushioning. They are often damaged when packed this way.
If you have the original box and inserts, it is your responsibility to repack it properly. For a TV/monitor, this will require removing it from the stand/base which often don’t come off once snapped in place. Therefore the TV doesn’t fit properly back into the original box. Also, the original box often deteriorates over time and no longer provides protection for safe shipping or storage.
If at the time of pickup the JPS agent determines that an fragile or valuable item is not properly packed in the box and is therefore not safe to store in its present state, they will enter “TBP” (to be packed) on the pick up summary sheet, transport it carefully to our facility, and we will repack it once it arrives at JPS and bill accordingly.
If you feel comfortable with how the items are packed, the integrity of the box hasn’t been compromised, and the item is securely packed inside the box (i.e. no rattles when you shake the box), ask the agent prepping your order at the time of pickup what they think. If you have any question about the decision, ask them to call the office and speak to John.
Click to our price guide for a list of sizes and prices to pack fragile items.
Storage & Delivery
How do I label my stuff? How do you keep track of everything?
We create a personal label for every item we receive.
We suggest you also write prominently on each item your name and the word STORE. If your storage is for EARLY DELIVERY, less than 1 month, write this on the item as well.
You can also add TBC (to be cleaned) if you want Busybody’s Laundry to clean it before it’s returned.
For furniture and other unboxed items, you can use masking or shipping tape as a label, but 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 things in the box are for cleaning.
If you have both dry cleaning and machine-washing, separate the dry cleaning in a bag and label it clearly.
What if I only need storage for a short time?
Students returning to Ann Arbor in less than a month should label each item as EARLY DELIVERY with the delivery date. For students leaving for a short break in April and returning for Spring Term, make sure everything is labeled properly. If you are storing some things for spring term and others for delivery at the end of the summer, you must create 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 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, just 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 I’m moving into my building earlier than everyone else?
If you are moving in before the general lease commencement date for that building we need to know your early move-in date at the time of pick up. For example, if the move-in date for everyone moving into ArborBlu is August 20th but you have permission to move in on August 15th, we need to know that when we pick your belongings up in the spring.
In many buildings, including university residence halls, sororities and most major apartments, JPS is allowed access to rooms before the students arrive. Provided we have the item by August 12th, you will find everything in your room when you check in. If early access is not allowed we’ll deliver them after you arrive.
Note: East Quad will be housing summer-term students. Therefore we will not be able to deliver there until Monday, August 21st. If you’re moving into East Quad early, be aware that your belongings cannot be delivered until 8/21.
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 either in the dorm package room or their dorm room.
Students moving into Landmark, Z Place, Six11, The Hub, The Yard, Foundry, Vic Village North and South, The Standard and ArborBlu will find their belongings in their rooms.
Students moving into these sororities will also find their belongings in their rooms: ADPi, AEPhi, AXO, DPhiE, KKG, PiBetaPhi, SDT, Sigma Kappa, TriDelt, XO, and Zeta.
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 often 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 week before the general move in date. If you’re living in a smaller building, we often deliver all the residents orders on the same day when the first person arrives and put your belongings in your room. If you are moving in early to a residence hall for band or you’re an RA let us know at the time of pickup.
Likewise, if you have a roommate or housemate moving in before you and don’t want your belongs delivered when we deliver theirs, we need to know that at least 30 days prior to your move-in.
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 $300 for 2 hr. After the first two hours, the price is $150/hr.
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 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 (min), subject to availability.
No refund is issued if a move is canceled that’s scheduled to occur less than 48 hours from the time it’s placed.
Otherwise, you have 24 hours after placing the order to cancel for a full refund.
If you cancel more than 24 hours after booking there is a 50% cancelation fee.
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.
We have very limited availability for this service during our peak seasons: for Winter Move Out In 2024, this means 12/14-12/19. Moves during these dates are subject to a $150 peak surcharge.
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 Busybody's Laundry, which operates out of the same facility. Find pricing for commonly cleaned items on our price guide.
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.