Compare U-Box® to U-Pack®

Deciding between U-Haul and U-Pack

Are you considering portable storage for a long-distance move? U-Haul® and U-Pack® both offer it, but there are some key differences between the equipment and the services. Let’s look at the U-Box® and the ReloCube® to see which one is best for your move.

How does the U-Box compare to the ReloCube?

Here are the basics for each moving container:

Now, let’s dive a little deeper. 

Equipment construction 

U-Haul’s U-Box is made from treated plywood and has a weatherproof tarp covering attached with Velcro®. There are D-rings inside the box to help tie down things, and you can borrow 24 furniture pads per U-Box. The container offers ground-level loading, and you’ll secure the single swing door with your own padlock. 

Like U-Haul, U-Pack’s ReloCube offers easy ground-level loading, but the Cube is constructed of more durable weather-resistant metal. There are metal rails throughout the ReloCube to secure belongings, and you’ll lock the double swing doors with your own padlock. 

Container size

While both the U-Box and the ReloCube are large enough to hold queen- and king-sized mattresses, there are some differences in the measurements. So, just how big are the containers?

U-Box Dimensions

The outside measures 8’ x 5’ x 7’6” (LWH) or 7' 11" x 4' 8" x 6' 11.5" internally, 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.

ReloCube Dimensions

Cubes 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

U-Haul and U-Pack serve all 50 states and will drop off moving equipment at your door. With U-Haul, you’ll pay a separate delivery fee at origin and destination. If you’d rather not pay for delivery, you can pick up the equipment (if your vehicle can tow a trailer) or load and unload the U-Box at a U-Haul location. 

With U-Pack, delivery to your door is included in the price. You can also load or unload at a service center to save money. 

If you ordered too many containers, U-Haul will pick up unused U-Boxes and refund the rental fee. U-Pack picks up unused ReloCubes at no cost.  

Storage

If you need some time between homes, U-Haul and U-Pack have you covered for storage, but the services work a bit differently. 

U-Haul charges for 30 days of use when you accept container delivery, and transit time to the new home (averaging 7-12 days) will take place during that time. If you don’t need that much time, there are no refunds for unused days. For additional storage, you can pay monthly and store the U-Box at your home or a U-Haul location. 

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, and transit time averages 4-6 business days.  

Quoting process and pricing

Getting an instant online quote with U-Haul and U-Pack is easy, and neither company requires a deposit to book your move.  

Let’s compare prices between U-Haul and U-Pack to move a 3-bedroom home from Salt Lake City, UT, to Memphis, TN, in December 2023. Quotes were accurate at the time of posting, but actual moving costs will vary. 

U-Box price 

U-Haul recommended 4-5 U-Box containers.  

• 4 U-Boxes: $5,874.75 
• 5 U-Boxes: $6,058.70 

Here are the pricing breakdowns for each option: 

ReloCube price

For the same move, U-Pack recommended 3 ReloCube moving containers for $4,138, which included equipment, delivery, transportation and standard liability coverage. Worried about having enough space? The price for 4 ReloCubes was only $5,041, which was still cheaper than both U-Haul options.

Ready to make your move?

When it comes to equipment size and durability, the ReloCube stands out over the U-Box, and it’s often a cheaper option to move long-distance 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 how U-Pack compares to the U-Haul 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 endorsement by such third party.