Pack&Store Takes Protecting Your Order Seriously

Consider the following as you pack and prepare for Order Pickup:

• Wlhat to Expect During Order PickUp: Familiarize yourself with the process. This will be a busy day - be prepared!
• Set Aside Items You Will Need After Order Pickup: Before you begin to pack, set aside a small bag or box of essential items you will need until you leave for Summer break like toiletries, important documents, or a few outfits.
• Take Photos of Each Box & Additional Item: Remember to take photos of the contents of your box before closing and taping. 
• Ensure Your Order is Packed the Night Before Your PickUp: To ensure you are prepared and to allow for last minute adjustments, plan to pack your order the night before your pickup and complete the Last Look Checklist (#12) to avoid a Late/Rescheduling Fee, per Pack&Store Terms & Conditions. If you book your package after the final Packing Supply Pick-Up has occurred, you will receive your supplies the morning of your Order Pick-Up. 

• Declutter: Before packing, go through your belongings and decide what you truly need for storage. Donate or throw away any items you no longer want or need. 
• Categorize: Group items by category (e.g., clothes, books, electronics, kitchen supplies, etc.) to make packing easier and to help you when you unpack.

The Packing Supply Kit provided by Pack&Store will include the following:

• Boxes: Keep boxes clean and dry 
• Bubble Wrap (if necessary): Only used for fragile or valuable items like electronics and small appliances that you would like to pack in your box. DO NOT PACK HEAVY ITEMS WITH ELECTRONICS. Pack&Store will secure all if counted as one of the Additional Items included in your package (recommended).
• Packing Paper: To cover/protect fragile objects, prevent scratches and breakage, and fill empty spaces to keep things from shifting.  
• Tape: Use heavy-duty packing tape to seal boxes securely
• Name Labels & Black Marker: For Name Labels for each box/item
• Pack&Store QR Codes: Inventory control for each box/item

Remember: Pack&Store is only liable for orders packed with the provided boxes and supplies. DO NOT USE YOUR OWN PACKING SUPPLIES. If you purchased Package #3, ensure your unboxed items are sturdy and reflect the correct QR code and Name Label.

• Small boxes (17" x 11" x 11"): For fragile items, books, shoes, and heavy items. 
• Medium boxes (21" x 15" x 16"): For kitchenware, electronics, and small appliances. 
• Large boxes (27" x 15" x 16"): For clothes, bedding, and bulkier items.

Utilize the tips in the following video to ensure your boxes are properly secured:

This video provides a clear, step-by-step guide on how to properly seal a packing box using the “H-taping” technique, ensuring your boxes are securely closed for moving or shipping.

• For added security, apply tape around the entire box (from top to bottom) to hold everything in place. This step is especially useful if you're storing heavier items or fragile goods.
• Close the Top of the Box Securely
  • Tape the top flaps with two strips of tape: one down the center and one along the edges to ensure the box stays closed.
• Double-tape all seams for added security, especially if the box is holding heavier or fragile items. Repeat, if necessary.
• Take photos of and note the contents of each box before closing and taping.

Utilize the following tips to effectively pack your boxes:

• Clothes
  • Seasonal Items: Store only clothes that you will not need until you return. Pack Fall/Winter clothes in boxes or suitcases/duffle bags. 
  • Roll Clothes: To save space, roll your clothes instead of folding them.
  • Use Vacuum-Seal Bags: For bulky items like sweaters and jackets.
• Bedding
  • Fold Bedding Neatly: To maximize space, fold sheets, blankets, and comforters into as compact a size as possible. 
  • Roll Items: For larger items like comforters, try rolling them tightly instead of folding them to reduce bulk. Use a consistent folding method for all bedding to make sure everything fits together neatly and easily.
  • Use Vacuum-Seal Bags: For bulky items like comforters and blankets.
• Heavier Items
  • Pack Heavier Bulkier Items First: Load heavier items at the bottom to help stabilize the box and prevent it from tipping over. If packing a thick comforter, ensure it is placed flat to distribute the weight evenly.
  • Do Not Overpack the Box:  Ensure the box is packed snugly but not so full that it becomes difficult to close or too heavy to carry. Aim for a balance between filling the box fully and leaving enough room to secure everything with tape. 

Take pictures of and note the contents of each box before taping them closed.

Utilize the following tips to effectively pack your boxes:

• Kitchenware
  • Wrap Fragile Items: Use packing paper for plates, glasses, and other breakables.
  • Tupperware: Store kitchen tools or food storage containers inside each other to save space. 
• Small Appliances
  • Wrap Appliances: Use bubble wrap to protect your appliances.
  • Clean Items: Be sure to clean small appliances like blenders, microwaves, or coffee makers thoroughly before packing.
  • Labeling: Use a blank Name Label to indicate contents are “FRAGILE” to avoid accidental damage.
• Electronics & Fragile Items 
  • Wrap Electronics: Use bubble wrap to secure fragile items like electronics, glassware, or small appliances that you would like to pack in your box. DO NOT PACK HEAVY ITEMS WITH ELECTRONICS. Pack&Store will secure all fragile Additional Items (i.e., TVs/Large monitors, electronics). 
  • Avoid Storing Batteries: Remove the batteries from electronics before storing them to prevent leaks or damage.

Take pictures of and note the contents of each box before taping them closed. 

• Utilize the following tips to effectively pack your boxes:

• Fragile Items
  • Cushion your items. Utilize bubble wrap or packing paper to protect delicate items and peanuts to fill empty space
  • Label your box "FRAGILE". Use the marker in your kit and the blank Name Labels, and affix one to all four sides of your boxes to alert our moving partner
  • Wrap each item individually. Wrap in packing paper first to prevent scratches, then add a layer of bubble wrap to electronics for impact protection, and finally secure with tape, especially for glass or ceramics.
  • Cushion the bottom of the box. Line the bottom with packing paper, or foam to create a buffer zone against bumps and drops.
  • Pack items snugly. Fill in gaps with packing paper or towels to eliminate empty space. Items should not shift when you shake the box gently.
  • Do not overpack. Keep boxes under 30–40 lbs so they're easier to handle. Remember, heavy boxes are more likely to be dropped or crushed.
     
• Books
  • Pack spine down or flat: Place books flat (spine down) or standing upright like they are on a shelf. This helps avoid bending the pages or damaging the spines.
  • Fill gaps: Pack books tightly together to prevent shifting. If there is any space left, fill it with soft items like clothing, towels, or packing paper to avoid damage.
  • Do not overload the box: Keep each box under 15 pounds. 

• Shoes 
  • Stuff the shoes: To prevent them from losing their shape, stuff the inside of the shoes with socks, tissue paper, or newspaper.
  • Maximize space: For extra space in your box, you can place smaller items like socks, belts, or other accessories inside the shoes to make use of the empty space.

• Heavier Items
  • Pack heavier items at the bottom: When packing a small box, always place the heaviest items at the bottom to maintain balance. This keeps the box sturdy and makes it easier to carry.
  • Distribute weight evenly: Do not overstuff one side of the box with heavy items. Try to balance the weight on all sides.
  • Use padding: Use padding (e.g., towels, blankets, packing paper or bubble wrap) around heavy items to prevent damage. 
  • Do not overpack: Even in small boxes, it is important not to pack too much weight. This could cause the box to break or be too difficult to lift.

Take pictures of and note the contents of each box before taping them closed.

This is one of the most important parts of the process. Utilize the following tips to prepare your boxes for inventory control:

• Itemized List: Create an itemized list of your items and keep a copy for yourself. This will help in case you need to verify what was stored later.
• Name Labels: Affix a label on the top, and all four sides of each side of each box and Additional Item. Using the black marker in your Packing Supply Kit, write your First and Last Name, Last Name first (e.g., Smith, Jane)
• Pack&Store QR Codes: Affix a QR sticker to each Additional Item for inventory and tracking purposes.

The following are considered "Additional Items" that will NOT be in a box: 

• X-Small Items: cleaning items, lamps/lighting
• Small Items: microwave, folding chair, fan, ironing board
• Medium Items: TV/monitor, mini-fridge, plastic storage, bookshelf, carts, suitcase, duffel bag
• Large Items: small furniture item, bicycle, scooter

Prepare each item for pickup as follows:

• Wrap Items: Use the provided bubble wrap to secure electronics, glassware, or small appliances that you would like to pack in your box. DO NOT PACK HEAVY ITEMS WITH ELECTRONICS. Pack&Store will secure all fragile (i.e., TVs/Large monitors) Additional Items (i.e., TVs/Large monitors, electronics). 
• Bundle Items X-Small Items: Tape together floor lamps, brooms, mops
• Name Labels: Affix a label on each Additional Item/Bundle AFTER they are wrapped (if applicable). Using the black marker in your Packing Supply Kit, write your First and Last Name, Last Name first (e.g., Smith, Jane)
• Pack&Store QR Codes: Affix a QR sticker to each Additional Item/Bundle for inventory and tracking purposes.

 Take photos of your Additional Items.  

The Client Inventory Form is a Google doc that will be used for your records and Pack&Store inventory management and is very important. 

Remember:

• This form must be completed a minimum of three hours prior to your Order PickUp window to ensure a smooth Order PickUp Day
• Pack&Store will not contact you unless this form is complete. Remember, you will be charged a Late/Rescheduling Fee if your order is not ready for pickup, and it causes a scheduling delay and impacts Pack&Store operations. 

As mentioned above, Pack&Store recommends you take pictures of and note the contents of each box before taping them closed. After you have completed packing, complete the Client Inventory Form:

• Email
• First Name
• Last Name
• Spring Dorm
• Order #
• Package (#1, #2, or #3)
• Item #1 Picture
• Item #2 Picture
• Item #3 Picture
• Item #4 Picture
• Item #5 Picture
• Item #6 Picture
• Item #7 Picture
• Item #8 Picture
• Total Number of Items
• Terms & Conditions Acceptance 

• Complete the "Last Look" Checklist the night before your Order Pickup:

• Review What to Expect on Order Pickup Day 

• Verify date and time of pickup
  • You will be charged a Late/Rescheduling Fee if my order is not ready for pickup

• Ensure each box:
  • Has four visible and secured Name Labels
  • Has one visible and secured QR Code
  • Is taped securely
     
• Ensure Additional Item:
  • Has at least one visible and secured Name Label
  • Has one visible and secured QR Code

• Save box contents photos 

• Take photos all your order items

• Ensure Client Inventory Form is complete three hours before Order PickUp

• Ensure phone number is listed correctly in Pack&Store Confirmation Email

• Ensure cell phone is:
  • Charged
  • Able to receive calls
  • With you at all times during your time/pickup window 

• Have a positive attitude - be patient, kind, and flexible during the process!