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, 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 (#11) to avoid a Late/Rescheduling Fee, per Pack&Store Terms & Conditions. 

• 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: For fragile or valuable items like electronics, glassware, or small appliances
• Packing Peanuts: To cushion and prevent damage by absorbing shock and vibrations and fill the empty spaces in a box, preventing the contents from shifting around 
• 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.

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

•  Reinforce the Bottom of the Box
  • Start with two strips of tape along the bottom seam. Apply the first strip across the middle, and the second one along the edges for added strength. 
  • 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 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/duffel 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 photos of the contents of your box before closing and taping.  

Utilize the following tips to effectively pack your boxes:

• Kitchenware
  • Wrap Fragile Items: Use bubble wrap 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 the provided bubble wrap to secure electronics like laptops, tablets, TVs, and small appliances. Use packing peanuts to provide additional protection. 
  • Avoid Storing Batteries: Remove the batteries from electronics before storing them to prevent leaks or damage.

 Take photos of the contents of your box before closing and taping.  

Utilize the following tips to effectively pack your boxes:

• 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 bubble wrap 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, 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 photos of the contents of your box before closing and taping.  

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, Mini-Fridge, Plastic Storage, Bookshelf, Carts, Suitcase, Duffel bag
• Large Items: Furniture, Bicycle

Prepare each item for pickup as follows:

• Wrap Items: Use the provided bubble wrap to secure TVs and microwaves. 
• 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.  

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
  • I 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 Labels
  • Has one visible and secured QR Code
  • Is taped securely

• Save box contents photos 

• Take photos packed boxes 

• Take photos of Additional Items
   
• Ensure my phone number is listed correctly in my Pack&Store Confirmation Email

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

• Have a positive attitude and be patient, kind, and flexible during my order pickup