Students don't need to be present. Just prep your items before you leave for summer — we'll take it from there.
Here's how we get in: Stow Simple is authorized by UM Housing & Residential Life to access your room - it's handled.
3 steps. Zero stress.
- 1. Prep your items before you leave — Group everything together neatly with labels facing forward. Your Stow Simple bins/boxes are pre-labeled, but don't forget to put your name on any other items.
- 2. We collect items — Between May 9–16, our team accesses your room through UM Housing & Residential Life. No coordination needed.
- 3. Receive your confirmation email — Once your items are safely stowed, you'll receive an itemized email.
Before you leave your room (Checklist)
- * Items packed & closed — bins close flat, boxes sealed, nothing overflowing
- * Labels attached & visible — barcode facing outward
- * Storage items grouped together — and in the open, separate from any bagged trash
- * Write your name on larger items — Make sure every item has your name on it. Tip: Use tape + marker.
- * Mini fridge empty & defrosted
- * TVs & mirrors boxed — must be in a proper TV/picture box for insurance coverage
- * Drawers & lids secured — tape shut anything that could open during transport
- * Under 45 lbs per bin/box — if you can't lift it above your waist, it's likely too heavy ($55 fee)
Tips on how to properly pack common items
- + Stow Simple bins (make sure lid closes flat!)
- + Sealed cardboard boxes
- + Mini-fridges (empty & defrosted)
- + Microwaves (remove glass trays from inside)
- + TVs & monitors (in TV box)
- + Mirrors & artwork (boxed)
- + Lamps (boxed if fragile)
- + Empty plastic bins (if filled, do not qualify for insurance, and we can refuse to take if deem unsafe to transport)
- + Rugs & mattress toppers (rolled up!)
We cannot take
- - Flimsy or broken furniture
- - Items stored in trash bags (unless protecting a mattress topper)
- - Overflowing hampers
- - Plastic drawers with loose items - If you have items inside drawers you release Stow Simple from any liability for drawers or items inside.
- - Wet or leaking mini-fridges - Defrost them several days ahead, then dry them out with paper towels and leave the door cracked open to avoid mold and mildew.
- - Bins or boxes not closing flat ($45 fee) as won't fit in our shelving system and take up twice the space.
- - Boxes/bins over 45 lbs ($55 fee)
- - Liquids
Need to store something unusual? Email us before move-out.
Questions students always ask
Do I have to be in my room during pickup?
Nope. Our team has authorized access through UM Housing & Residential Life.
How do you get into my room?
Stow Simple works with UM Housing & Residential Life during May 11–15 to complete pickups. It's coordinated using your C# number. You don't leave a key or arrange anything.
How will I know my stuff was picked up?
You'll receive a confirmation email with an itemized list of items and measurements once everything is safely stored.
What if you can't take one of my items?
We'll do our best to collect unless it impedes team safety.
What if I have more items than my plan includes?
Extra items will be measured on-site and priced by size. We'll add them to your order and send an updated invoice.
When can I get my stuff back?
Free on-campus pre-arrival delivery begins on July 31 (early arrival) all other deliveries are completed by August 9th. Housing grants us entry and students don't need to be present. You can provide your new Housing assignment by logging into your account after items are stowed or following the link in your pickup confirmation email. Off-campus delivery available for a fee.
Are my items insured?
Yes — covered at $0.60/lb in our climate-controlled, 24/7 monitored facility.
Is it safe to leave my items unattended?
Yes! In 10+ years serving UM students, we've had zero incidents with unattended pickups. We work directly with UM Housing to keep it that way. That said, items left in rooms are at the student's own risk prior to our team's arrival.
Make Move-out Easy! — Full Packing Guide