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 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday. When placing an order, you’ll be prompted to select a 4-hour pick-up window. Someone must be available during this 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 time. You may need 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 details. If we do not call back by 5 p.m., the pick-up is canceled (no refund).
The driver will call or text the student from the previous stop, usually about 5–15 minutes before arrival.
How far in advance should I schedule my pick up? Can I change it?
We recommend scheduling your pick-up as soon as you know the date. The cutoff for booking at the standard $30 fee is two days before service by 5 p.m.
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 pick-up time, the existing service will be canceled and you will have to order a new pick-up. You may change your pick-up date once within the same move season at no cost; subsequent changes are $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 nor a parent is present. You will have to check with your building manager to see if they will give us access if no one is available 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:
You can drop them off at our store (727 W. Ellsworth #5) on your way out of town. If you have previously registered for a pick-up this season, we waive the drop fee.
Schedule a second pick-up (additional $50 if the student is absent) for a time/place where someone will meet us (e.g., roommate, friend, house director, or 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 pick-up is made when you place the order.
If you’re registering for storage/shipping, you only pay the pick-up fee up front. All other fees — storage/shipping, materials, professional packing, additional “Mom” time, and insurance — are billed to the credit card on file after the pick-up 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, or professional packaging. Please register online before you come, unless you have 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 Briarwood Mall — about 10 minutes from campus.
Our move-out hours are Monday–Saturday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., though we often work extended hours during the peak of move-out. Please call (734) 665-2664 before coming to ensure someone will be available 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 5:00 p.m. 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 on the date you selected. We do not give a specific delivery time, and you do not need to be present to receive the supplies.
Please check your drop area on your requested delivery date; do not rely solely on email notifications. During busy move-in/out seasons, offices often fall behind on notifications — so checking in person is essential.
Here’s where to look:
Dorm: The dorm package room (note: boxes for students in South Quad go to the West Quad package room).
Apartment: Either in front of your apartment door or in the office — please check both.
Sorority: Ask the house director where she has designated the JPS drop-off location.
Private house: On the front porch by the door, or inside the vestibule if we can access it.
How many boxes should I order?
Dorm room students:
About 6 large boxes, 2 medium boxes, 1 roll of bubble wrap, 1 marker, and 1 roll of tape.House or apartment students:
About 8 large boxes, 5 medium boxes, 4 rolls of bubble wrap, 2 rolls of tape, and 1 marker.John’s Moms customers:
You do not need to order supplies yourself. Your Mom will handle supplies after speaking with 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. Storage fees are based on the size and weight of each container. A standard large box is 18×18×24 inches and weighs less than 50 lbs.
However, we strongly discourage using boxes from U-Haul, Home Depot, or Lowe’s unless they are marked “Heavy Duty.” The regular versions are low-quality corrugated cardboard that becomes mushy, splits, and tears quickly. Since boxes in our warehouse are stacked 4–5 high, weak boxes crush easily. Their edges also split during shipping.
We do not forbid using them, but we 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 please note that duffel bags often become bulkier than a standard large box (18×18×24 inches) once packed. This usually results in oversize and/or overweight surcharges.
It is typically cheaper and safer to store belongings in boxes rather than duffels.
CAN I Store my stuff in A blue IKEA BAG?
No. These bags are too awkward to move and store, and significant damage can occur if they tear, open, or contain fragile items. If items arrive packed in IKEA-style bags, our team will re-pack them into boxes and charge accordingly.
Shipping
HOW should I label my shipping?
We will create personal labels with barcodes for tracking using UPS Worldship. However, please also write your name, your home address, and the word “SHIP” prominently on each item to avoid confusion with items you are storing.
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 your shipment online using the tracking number provided on your receipt. (See a list of transit times here.)
If an item needs additional professional packing, such as a TV, please allow an extra week for delivery.
During peak move-out and holiday seasons, UPS suspends its day-definite delivery guarantee, which may affect transit times
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 shipment. However, storage costs may apply. See the 0–4 month storage prices for details.
Can I use my own UPS account to pay for shipping?
No. We do not bill to third-party UPS accounts.
If you wish to use your personal shipping account, please contact UPS directly and arrange a pick-up through them.
Can I ship a duffel bag or suitcase?
Yes, you can ship a duffel bag or suitcase, but JPS will usually place the item into a box (or multiple boxes). We do this because boxing significantly reduces the likelihood of damage during shipping. If you ship a duffel bag or suitcase without a box, it is not insured against damage.
Straps, handles, and irregular shapes do not move well on UPS conveyor belts — they can snag, tear, or cause the bag to open.
Additionally:
Duffels and suitcases are not standard sizes, so they often incur UPS oversize and/or overweight charges.
UPS also applies a surcharge for any item that is not shipped in a box.
How much does it cost to ship something?
Visit the price guide for more details for more details. Note that these are general estimates. Listed 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. However, our Moms are not qualified to pack fragile items such as TVs, dishes, or electronics. These items will be transported safely back to our facility for professional packing, and additional charges will apply. You can see the price chart for these special items here.
What about plastic drawers, under-bed BOXES, and other CONTAINERS? Do they have to be boxed for storage/shipping?
Storage:
You do not need to put plastic drawers or totes into boxes for storage. Simply fill them with your belongings and we will take them as they are. We often tape similar-sized containers together in groups that approximate the size and weight of a large box (18×18×24") so that you pay the standard $50 storage fee.
A common plastic container size is 30×18×10", which is close in volume to our medium box. If we tape two of these together and the combined weight is under 50 lbs, they will be charged as one oversized item ($75) — a $25 savings compared to storing them as two separate containers ($50 each).
You may store plastic containers as they are; you are not required to place them inside a box. However, please note that:
The container itself is not insured against damage when stored without boxing — the container functions as the box.
Any non-fragile items inside the container are insured.
Shipping:
Plastic drawers are not safe for shipping in their original form and typically cannot be shipped economically. It is best to pack the contents into 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 reasonably can, but large, non-fragile items — such as furniture, bikes, mattresses, futons, shelves, and refrigerators — do not need to be boxed. These items often get dinged or dirty during the moving process. Insurance covers functionality only, not cosmetic appearance.
If the appearance of an item is important to you, please tell the pick-up team that you want the item boxed.
Plastic drawers, carts, and containers can get dirty, scratched, scuffed, or broken. We use tape or shrink wrap to keep plastic drawers from opening. Insurance covers the contents inside, not the appearance or integrity of the plastic container itself.
If you want to protect the container from damage, the entire container must be placed inside a box.
Futons and couches can get dirty, especially light-colored or white ones. To prevent this, you may cover them yourself, or we can cover them for a fee. If you do not specifically request covering, we will assume the item is fine as is.
We place mattresses in plastic bags automatically.
Please note that fragile items (e.g., TVs, printers, microwaves) must be professionally packed in order to be insured 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 place them in one of our large boxes and leave the top open. Often, several lightweight, narrow items can be combined in the same box.
These items will naturally stick out the top. When the box arrives at our facility, we cap it with a second large box. This creates an “oversized” box, which is billed at $75 for regular or $100 for double, as long as the total weight is under 50 lbs.
Although storing this way costs more than storing a standard box ($50), it is far more economical than paying for each item individually.
For mattress toppers:
Leave your topper out, and our team will pack it when they arrive. Since toppers are mostly air, and a twin can be rolled up to fit into a large box. You only pay for the box and the storage rate for a standard box.
How should Fragile things be packed?
We strongly recommend allowing us to professionally pack all fragile items. We will transport them to our store and ensure they are packed properly. Please do not attempt to pack fragile items yourself. We especially advise against using towels or pillows for cushioning — these do not provide adequate protection and items will get damaged.
Glass and breakable items must be:
Individually bubble-wrapped
All empty space filled with loose fill
Double boxed
If we pack your fragile items, they are covered up to the value you insure them for.
At pick-up, please tell the JPS agent which items need packing. He will mark them “TBP” (to be packed) on the pick-up summary sheet, transport them carefully to our facility, and our team will pack them upon arrival.
If you choose to pack a fragile item yourself and it is damaged, insurance will not cover it. Please let us handle these items. Additional fees apply — see our price guide for sizes and packing prices for 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. Many students strip their beds on move-out morning, toss the bedding into a box, and forget to mark it “To Be Cleaned.” If we don’t know it needs washing, it will be stored as-is — and moisture will lead to mold.
Please ensure:
Clothing is clean
Bedding is clean and dry
Anything needing laundry is clearly labeled
Is there anything I shouldn’t store or ship?
There are many items you can store or ship, but that aren’t worth the cost. Compare the price of replacing the item with the cost to pack and store it:
Minimum to store any item: $50
To pack and store a full-length mirror: $125–$200
Nightstand or roll cart: $65
Tall, narrow shelves: $75
Rug: $85–$200
Most of these items can be purchased for less than the cost to store them.
Shipping them typically costs even more.
Never store food or liquids. Food attracts insects and rodents. Boxes are moved and turned in many directions during handling, and any liquid container will eventually leak, causing damage to your belongings and to other students’ items. This includes gels, lotions, and disposable wet wipes.
If we notice your box leaking, we will need to:
Open it
Remove and dispose of the item causing the leak
Clean and dry any affected areas
A minimum fee of $100 will be charged for this service.
Delivery of stored items
How are my belongings labeled?
We create a personal label for every item we receive, but we also suggest writing your name and the word STORE prominently on each box.
If your storage is for RAPID DELIVERY (less than 1 month), please let our staff know so we can keep your items separate in our warehouse.
For furniture and other unboxed items, use masking tape or shipping tape as a label and make sure it is securely 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 while they are stored with us. JPS will handle the handoff — just put these items in a separate box marked “TO BE CLEANED” or “TBC” on the top and on two sides in bold black marker.
Laundry charges will be added to your invoice after cleaning. Click here for general prices.
If you are storing laundry in the same box as other belongings to economize, make sure it is very obvious which items are for cleaning.
If you have both dry cleaning and machine-washing, separate the dry cleaning into a bag and label each group clearly.
Is the storage facility air conditioned?
Our warehouse is not air-conditioned, but this is not necessary in Michigan as long as 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 when stored over the summer. A common mistake is placing recently used sheets, linens, or bedding into a box on move-out day without cleaning them. This becomes a problem in August.
If you plan to store these items, 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 are 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 some items are for spring-term delivery and others are for end-of-summer delivery.
Please book two separate pickup orders, even if the pickups occur at the same time.
Since most of our costs are associated with the labor involved in pick-up and delivery, there is no discount for short-term storage. The price is the same whether you store something for one week or four 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 yet, please contact us well before the delivery date with that information.
For fall delivery, you must provide this information before August 1 to avoid late fees.
What if my building allows early move-in?
End-of-summer delivery dates for most major campus buildings* are determined by the building’s management office. JPS is generally notified of these dates in late July. The delivery date they choose is always prior to their bulk move-in day, when most leases begin.
If you are granted early move-in before the building’s designated JPS delivery date, you will be charged an early move-in fee.
Example:
ArborBlu instructs JPS to deliver all stored belongings on August 20 because their official lease date is August 22. If you receive permission to move in on August 15, you will be charged an early move-in fee.
The deadline to schedule early move-in for these buildings is August 8.
Early Move-In Fees
Early move-in fee: $250
Rush fee (less than 21 days’ notice): + $100 (total $350)
Rush fee (less than 14 days’ notice): + $150 (total $400)
Rush fee (less than 7 days’ notice; subject to availability): + $250 (total $500)
Buildings Included*
This applies to students moving into:
ArborBlu, Campus Edge, Courtyards, Foundry, Landmark, Legacy, Saga, Six11, Standard, Verve, Vic Village, Yard, Z Place, Z West, and RA early move-ins for dorms.
Special Note:
East Quad will house summer-term students. The EQ delivery date is Monday, August 18.
If you are moving into East Quad early, your belongings cannot be delivered until August 24.
Will my belongings be waiting for me when I return? Where do I find them?
UM Residence Halls
Students moving into a UM residence hall will find their belongings inside their dorm room.
Major Apartment Buildings
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.
Sororities
Students moving into the following sororities will also find their belongings in their rooms:
ADPi, AEPhi, AXO, Alpha Phi, DPhiE, KKG, Pi Beta Phi, SDT, Sigma Kappa, Tri Delt, and XO.
University Towers
Students moving into University Towers are required to meet us in front of the building to take possession of their belongings.
Please email us your move-in date and time slot, and we will call you when we are on the way.
Other Buildings or Houses
Students moving into other apartment buildings or private houses may arrange in-room delivery prior to their return, with their landlord’s consent and by coordinating with us.
When Will My Items Be Delivered?
We deliver all orders going to the same address/unit on the same day.
For UM residence halls, sororities, and larger apartment buildings, delivery typically occurs a few days before the general move-in date, though it may be earlier.
For other residences, we often deliver on the same day that:
the first resident arrives, or
the landlord grants us access.
Your belongings will be delivered directly to your room.
We maintain relationships with management companies and many landlords across campus who grant us access. Your items remain insured with JPS until you arrive, as if they were still in our possession.
Because billing is a flat rate for up to 4 months, no refunds are given for items delivered earlier than that term.
Delays in delivery
Each move-out season, JPS stores thousands of items, and we make a concerted effort to deliver everything on the date you requested. However, mistakes can occur.
If delivery of an item is delayed more than 7 days, we will refund the entire storage fee for that item.
If an item is not found within 14 days, the storage fee is retained, but we will pay the full insured value of the item.
What if I store my belongings with JPS and later decide to not return after all?
If your plans change and you are not returning to UM, JPS can either:
continue storing your belongings, or
ship them to a forwarding address
Additional fees will apply for continued storage or shipping.
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 movers and a truck for up to two hours. This service is for one student moving from one Ann Arbor residence to another on the same day. If more than one student is being moved, each student must place a separate order.
Pricing (Student Present)
$350 for the first 2 hours
$175 per hour after that
Very limited availability during peak seasons
Moves during peak dates are subject to a $150 peak surcharge (call or see pricing page for dates)
Pricing (Student Not Present)
$400 for the first 2 hours
$200 per hour after that
What’s included not included?
Packing help
Packing materials
Furniture assembly or disassembly
Wall dismounting of TVs
If you want packing help, you may hire a John’s Mom. Call our office to discuss availability.
Furniture assembly/disassembly may be available as a handyman service for $150/hr, subject to availability.
Preparing for Your Move
All belongings must be packed in moving boxes or hard containers with a minimum size of 18×12×12 inches.
If items are not packed properly, we will place them in boxes and charge for the boxes.
You do not need to box:
Furniture
Plastic containers
Cloth drawers filled with belongings
These will be shrink-wrapped or taped closed to prevent contents from falling out.
Items such as:
Garbage bags of clothing
Blue IKEA bags
will be placed into boxes and billed accordingly.
If you have a TV, please let us know in advance. There may be an additional charge depending on its size. We do not dismount TVs from walls.
Booking and Cancellation Policies
You may cancel within 24 hours of booking, but there is a 50% cancellation fee.
No refunds are issued for moves scheduled to occur less than 48 hours out.
Call 734-665-2664 to confirm availability before booking.
Scheduling
JPS schedules intra-campus moves Monday through Saturday between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Other times may be possible with enough advance notice.
Call 734-665-2664 to confirm availability.
Tip for Small Moves
For small moves, it is often more economical to use Uber, even if it requires several trips.
Laundry service
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.
Unwashed items retain moisture and will mold if stored in a sealed container over the summer.
How to send items for cleaning
Write TBC (“To Be Cleaned”) on the top and two sides of any box containing items you want cleaned, using a black marker. Point these boxes out to the pick-up team when they arrive.
We will bill you for laundry services during the summer, once the items have been 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.