Packing Guidelines

Pack Your Boxes Carefully
Protect The Contents

It is your responsibility to make sure that your boxes are packed properly and that fragile items are protected. Items such as electronics, glassware, ceramics, picture frames, etc. should be wrapped in a way that they are properly protected and stable in your boxes. We suggest using bubble wrap, crumbled newspaper, or clothing to pad and protect your items. This is especially important if you are having items shipped. The College Butler cannot be held liable for any damages resulting from handling by third-party shippers.

Do not overload your boxes. Boxes that are bulging or have items protruding from them may have to be repacked by our personnel and will incur a $25 fee.

Items to Avoid Packing

Please note that if any of the below items are included in a customer’s storage order, the customer forfeits participation in our automatic and additional declared value insurance program(s). Items include cash, jewelry, those with significant sentimental value and unopened liquids or gels that are not placed in a sealed ziplock plastic bag.

Prohibited Items

Please note that if any of the below items are included in a customer’s storage order, the customer will be held liable for any related event (i.e. liquid leak, unwanted pests, explosion) that results in damage to College Butler property or other customer’s items. Items include: liquids or gels not sealed by the manufacturer, food or other perishables, firearms & ammunition, fireworks & explosives, illegal drugs & paraphernalia and hazardous materials (excluding batteries).

Beware Of Weight Limits
Distribute Weight Evenly

The weight limit for boxes, suitcases, totes and bins is 50 lbs (22.7 kg). Items that exceed the weight limit are subject to a 50% surcharge in addition to storage fees.

Distribute heavy items (eg. books) among multiple boxes.

Pack heavier items toward the middle of boxes.

Lb. Weight Limit for Boxes, Suitcases Totes & Bins

Label Your Items & Record
them on Your Packing Slip

For College Butler boxes, please write your information in the spaces provided. For all other items, please use the College Butler labels provided with your boxes and tape. If you do not have labels, please print labels from our website and use tape to attach them to your items.

Number Your Items

When numbering, please include the item number along with the total number of items you are storing. For example, if you are storing 3 boxes, a suitcase and a TV, number the items “1 of 5”, “2 of 5”, etc.

Complete Your Packing Slip

A completed packing slip is mandatory. If you do not have one or need an additional copy, please download and print them from here. Please follow all instructions on the packing slip.

Items That Don’t Fit 
Into Boxes

Generally, items that do not fit into boxes and taken as-is and if necessary, additional wrapping and protection is provided by our personnel. Please note that all items must be labeled. If you need labels, print them from here, fill them out and securely tape them to your items.

TVs

When numbering, please include the item number along with the total number of items you are storing. For example, if you are storing 3 boxes, a suitcase and a TV, number the items “1 of 5”, “2 of 5”, etc.

Refrigerators

Please make sure your fridge is labeled. If needed, the crew will add shrink wrap for protection. Important: Refrigerators must be unplugged at least 48 hours prior to your pickup. Any refrigerator that is not entirely defrosted and is leaking water at the time of pickup will incur a $40 fee.

Mattress Toppers

Please roll and secure your mattress topper. We will provide a protective bag at pickup.

Bins & Drawers

Please make sure that all drawers and lids are securely closed utilizing tape, if necessary. Do not overfill bins/drawers. Overweight and/or bulging items could be assessed additional fees.

Mirrors

Mirrors are required to be wrapped and boxed by our crew. The cost for mirror protection is $10 for a small dorm-room mirror and $20 for a large mirror. The cost includes wrapping service and the price of the box.

Still Have Questions?

Checkout our FAQ if you have any questions that have not been addressed here.

What Our Amazing Customers are Saying

Roger S.

Residential Move

Vince and Tim did a great job today moving all my belongings into storage. While mainly a service for college students, they also do residential moves. They were very respectful of my house, taking to care to keep the carpets clean on the rainy day, drove slowly and carefully to the storage place and did an excellent job fitting it into a 5x10 unit. I wish both Tim and Vince continued success.

Roger S.
West Hartford, CT | May 5, 2019

Residential Move

Vince and Tim did a great job today moving all my belongings into storage. While mainly a service for college students, they also do residential moves. They were very respectful of my house, taking to care to keep the carpets clean on the rainy day, drove slowly and carefully to the storage place and did an excellent job fitting it into a 5x10 unit. I wish both Tim and Vince continued success.
Roger S.
Roger S.
West Hartford, CT | May 5, 2019
Alex M.

Residential Move

I wish I could give more stars. CB did our residential move and were phenomenal. They were on time, came fully prepared and were extremely efficient. They never compromised on their excellence. These guys were not amateurs! And unlike all the other companies, they had zero hidden fees. Tim quoted me an hourly rate and that was exactly what I paid. Not an item was damaged and they actually made moving fun!

Alex M.
Santa Monica, CA | December 1, 2018

Residential Move

I wish I could give more stars. CB did our residential move and were phenomenal. They were on time, came fully prepared and were extremely efficient. They never compromised on their excellence. These guys were not amateurs! And unlike all the other companies, they had zero hidden fees. Tim quoted me an hourly rate and that was exactly what I paid. Not an item was damaged and they actually made moving fun!
Alex M.
Alex M.
Santa Monica, CA | December 1, 2018
Esther L.

University of Pennsylvania

My daughter had to leave in the middle of the school year and needed someone to pack, move, store and clean her apartment. As we live in CA, Tim's crew took care of everything and kept us in the loop from start to finish. When my daughter moved back a few months later, they moved everything back and all furniture was assembled. They truly live up to their name. I highly recommend Tim and his crew.

Esther L. | Parent
Los Angeles, CA | August 16, 2020

University of Pennsylvania

My daughter had to leave in the middle of the school year and needed someone to pack, move, store and clean her apartment. As we live in CA, Tim's crew took care of everything and kept us in the loop from start to finish. When my daughter moved back a few months later, they moved everything back and all furniture was assembled. They truly live up to their name. I highly recommend Tim and his crew.
Esther L.
Esther L. | Parent
Los Angeles, CA | August 16, 2020
Allison D.

Residential Move

Highly recommend this moving service. Two of the owners, Tim and Vince, did our move and they were exceptional. They have a great positive attitude and are a pleasure to be around. Scheduling and communication were very easy and convenient. They are very affordable and brought supplies to help wrap and secure all of our belongings. Vince stayed an extra hour to help us get the last of the stuff to the new apartment, which we really appreciated.

Allison D.
Gainesville, FL | July 14, 2018

Residential Move

Highly recommend this moving service. Two of the owners, Tim and Vince, did our move and they were exceptional. They have a great positive attitude and are a pleasure to be around. Scheduling and communication were very easy and convenient. They are very affordable and brought supplies to help wrap and secure all of our belongings. Vince stayed an extra hour to help us get the last of the stuff to the new apartment, which we really appreciated.
Allison D.
Allison D.
Gainesville, FL | July 14, 2018
Anna C.

University of Pennsylvania

I'm a female college student who needed help moving a number of pieces of large furniture and dozens of heavy boxes from my 4th floor walkup to my new house. College Butler made what seemed like a daunting task totally seamless and manageable. Their rate was reasonable for someone on a college student's budget. I can’t imagine a better moving experience and will never stop recommending College Butler to all of my friends! Thanks again, Tim!

Anna C. | Student
Dobbs Ferry, NY | May 24, 2019

University of Pennsylvania

I'm a female college student who needed help moving a number of pieces of large furniture and dozens of heavy boxes from my 4th floor walkup to my new house. College Butler made what seemed like a daunting task totally seamless and manageable. Their rate was reasonable for someone on a college student's budget. I can’t imagine a better moving experience and will never stop recommending College Butler to all of my friends! Thanks again, Tim!
Anna C.
Anna C. | Student
Dobbs Ferry, NY | May 24, 2019
Susan W.

University of Pennsylvania

We needed to find a dorm moving & storage company for my son attending college across the country. I was very impressed with College Butler’s Google reviews. We started the process and it’s now one less thing to worry about, and we still have plenty of time before the move date. Excellent customer service and we are supporting a family-owned business. Highly recommend.

Susan W. | Parent
San Ramon, CA | January 25, 2020

University of Pennsylvania

We needed to find a dorm moving & storage company for my son attending college across the country. I was very impressed with College Butler’s Google reviews. We started the process and it’s now one less thing to worry about, and we still have plenty of time before the move date. Excellent customer service and we are supporting a family-owned business. Highly recommend.
Susan W.
Susan W. | Parent
San Ramon, CA | January 25, 2020
Hannah

University of Pennsylvania

Tim coordinated the move and was easy and helpful in communications. I moved just a few days before Thanksgiving so it was time-sensitive. Vince led the move day and made it as pain-free and careful as possible. When moving is already stressful enough, I would trust these guys for a professional, straightforward process and worthwhile/reasonable cost.

Hannah | Parent
New York, NY | November 23, 2022

University of Pennsylvania

Tim coordinated the move and was easy and helpful in communications. I moved just a few days before Thanksgiving so it was time-sensitive. Vince led the move day and made it as pain-free and careful as possible. When moving is already stressful enough, I would trust these guys for a professional, straightforward process and worthwhile/reasonable cost.
Hannah
Hannah | Parent
New York, NY | November 23, 2022
S W.

University of Pennsylvania

College Butler saved the day! Tim answered my frantic call and quickly arranged for his movers to meet us at PENN’s freshman dorm when the other company (Storage Scholars) couldn’t make it during the booked time frame. The College Butler crew who came to the dorm were friendly and super hard workers. They got everything moved out quickly and easily. We are so grateful and now customers for life. Thank you College Butler!

S W. | Student
Beverly Hills, CA | May 8, 2023

University of Pennsylvania

College Butler saved the day! Tim answered my frantic call and quickly arranged for his movers to meet us at PENN’s freshman dorm when the other company (Storage Scholars) couldn’t make it during the booked time frame. The College Butler crew who came to the dorm were friendly and super hard workers. They got everything moved out quickly and easily. We are so grateful and now customers for life. Thank you College Butler!
S W.
S W. | Student
Beverly Hills, CA | May 8, 2023
Shari W.

University of Pennsylvania

These guys are seriously the best. After my daughter arrived back home in CA from school, she informed me that she had packed up a plastic storage bin to be shipped home instead of for summer storage. I sent a panicked email to the CB team to see if they could send it to us. They confirmed when it was shipped and sent the tracking number and a week later, we received the box, just as promised. Every single interaction I've had with Tim and...

Shari W. | Parent
Berkeley, CA | October 19, 2023

University of Pennsylvania

These guys are seriously the best. After my daughter arrived back home in CA from school, she informed me that she had packed up a plastic storage bin to be shipped home instead of for summer storage. I sent a panicked email to the CB team to see if they could send it to us. They confirmed when it was shipped and sent the tracking number and a week later, we received the box, just as promised. Every single interaction I've had with Tim and his crew has been great.
Shari W.
Shari W. | Parent
Berkeley, CA | October 19, 2023
Stacy S.

University of Pennsylvania

College Butler was super responsive every time we called with a question or wanted an update on pickup or delivery. The guys who came to my daughter's dorm were friendly and efficient. Just a couple days before Christmas they packed up everything and had it all shipped home from Philly to CA. We highly recommend College Butler for storage AND any packing or shipping needs. They're reliable and as helpful as can be.

Stacy S. | Parent
Los Angeles, CA | January 5, 2023

University of Pennsylvania

College Butler was super responsive every time we called with a question or wanted an update on pickup or delivery. The guys who came to my daughter's dorm were friendly and efficient. Just a couple days before Christmas they packed up everything and had it all shipped home from Philly to CA. We highly recommend College Butler for storage AND any packing or shipping needs. They're reliable and as helpful as can be.
Stacy S.
Stacy S. | Parent
Los Angeles, CA | January 5, 2023