U-Haul U-Box vs. U-Pack ReloCube: Which service is best for your move?
U-Haul® and U-Pack® offer portable storage options for long-distance moves, but the containers and services differ significantly. Let’s compare the U-Box® and the ReloCube® to help determine which one will work best for your move.
What to expect with a U-Box container
Here’s the breakdown for U-Haul’s portable storage option:
U-Box size
The U-Box dimensions are 8’ x 5’ x 7’6” (LWH) outside and 7' 11" x 4' 8" x 6' 11.5" inside, which makes it one of the smallest containers available. It has 257 cubic feet of loading space and can hold up to 2,000 lbs.
Equipment construction
U-Box containers are made from treated plywood with a weatherproof tarp covering that attaches with Velcro®.
Features:
- D-rings inside the box to tie down belongings
- Borrow 24 furniture pads per U-Box
- Ground-level loading
- Single swing door to secure with your own padlock
U-Haul service area and delivery
U-Haul serves all 50 states and will drop off moving equipment at your door. There is a separate delivery fee at origin and destination. Transit times vary and can take up to two weeks.
You can also pick up the equipment (if your vehicle can tow a trailer) or load and unload the Box at a U-Haul location.
Storage
When you accept the Box, U-Haul charges for 30 days of use, and transit time to the new home will occur during that time.
If you don’t need all 30 days, there are no refunds for unused time. You pay monthly for additional storage and store the U-Box at home or at a U-Haul location.
U-Box cost
According to U-Haul’s website, a single U-Box costs between $70 and $110 per month. However, the price does not include delivery, transportation or damage coverage. If you order too many containers, U-Haul will pick up unused Boxes and refund the rental fee.
Delivery fees typically start at $100, and transportation fees — which make up the bulk of the moving expense — vary depending on the distance of the move. Damage coverage fees are based on the amount of protection selected.
How U-Pack compares to U-Box moving
U-Pack offers ReloCube containers for convenient moving with services similar to the U-Box.
Container specifications
The ReloCube offers easy ground-level loading, like the U-Box, but it is constructed of more durable weather-resistant metal instead of plywood.
There are metal rails throughout the ReloCube to secure belongings, and you’ll lock the double swing doors with your own padlock.
Dimensions
ReloCubes are larger than the U-Box at 6’3” x 7’ x 8’4” (LWH) externally or 5’10” x 6’10” x 7’9” internally. They have 308 cubic feet of loading space for belongings up to 2,500 lbs.
Service area and delivery
Like U-Haul, U-Pack serves all 50 states and will drop off moving equipment at your door. Equipment, delivery, transportation and standard liability coverage are included in the rate. Transit times average only 4-6 business days, and U-Pack picks up unused ReloCubes at no cost.
You can also load the equipment at a U-Pack service center to save money. Read more about what you can expect to pay for a ReloCube.
Storage
Unlike U-Haul, U-Pack only charges for storage if needed, and prices start at $150 per month per Cube. Everything else is handled separately: you’ll get three business days to load and three more to unload at your destination.
Is U-Pack a cheaper U-Box alternative?
Getting an instant online quote with U-Haul or U-Pack is easy. Plus, neither company requires a deposit to book a move.
Let’s compare prices to move a 3-bedroom home from Salem, OR, to Charleston, SC, in August 2024. Quotes were accurate at the time of posting, but actual moving costs will vary.
U-Box quote
U-Haul recommended 4-5 containers.
- 4 U-Boxes:$6,953.60
- 5 U-Boxes: $7,342.50
Here are the pricing breakdowns for each option:
| Number of U-Boxes | 4 | 5 |
| Monthly rental fee | $339.80 | $425.75 |
| $5,000 in U-Box Insurance coverage (monthly) | $47.80 | $59.75 |
| Truck delivery in Salt Lake City | $119.00 | $119.00 |
| Shipping | $6,348.00 | $6,640.00 |
| Truck delivery in Memphis | $99.00 | $99.00 |
| Total cost | $6,953.60 | $7,342.50 |
ReloCube quote
For the same move, U-Pack recommended 3 ReloCube moving containers for $6,273, which included equipment, delivery, transportation and standard liability coverage.
Concerned about having enough space? The price for 4 ReloCubes was only $7,049, which was still cheaper than both U-Haul options. And don’t forget that U-Pack picks up unused ReloCubes at no cost!
Ready to move?
When it comes to equipment size and durability, the ReloCube stands out over the U-Box. Moving out of state or across the country with U-Pack is often cheaper than using U-Haul without sacrificing quality or service.
Get a free, no-obligation U-Pack quote online or call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 to speak to a moving consultant. If you have questions about U-Pack services or how we compare to the U-Box, let us know in the comments. We’re here to help!
U-Box® and U-Haul® are registered trademarks of U-Haul International, Inc. Use of third-party, or registered trademarks does not imply any affiliation with or endorsem*nt by such third party.
