How Much Does U-Pack Cost? Here’s a Breakdown
U-Pack can cost anywhere from $700–$6,600 depending on the size, destination, and distance of the move. One of the best moving container companies out there, U-Pack only charges you for the space you use, which can help you save a lot of money on your move.
- Long distance moves only
- Only pay for the space you use
- No deposit or initial fees
- Fast delivery time frames
They also offer storage and moving labor at an additional cost. While the best interstate moving companies may offer more services and an easier move, a moving container rental can ultimately be a much cheaper option — as long as you don’t mind loading and unloading your household goods yourself.
Let’s take a look at U-Pack’s cost structure and how they compare to other storage container companies.
How much does U-Pack cost?
The cost of moving with U-Pack will depend on a variety of factors, such as how large your household is and the distance of your move. The cost of moving with U-Pack primarily depends on the number of ReloCubes you need for your move or the amount of trailer space you use.
In the charts below, we will take a look at some rough estimates of what you can expect to pay when booking your move with U-Pack. Remember, U-Pack doesn’t offer local moving services, so we will only look at long-distance moves. If you’re moving locally, you will need to work with a different option from our best moving container companies list.
Moves less than <250 miles (but greater than 50 miles)
| U-Pack | PODS | U-Haul U-Box | Zippy Shell | 1-800-PACK-RAT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | $900–$1,600 | $550–$800 | $1,300–$2,300 | $1,200–$1,500 | $900–$1,100 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $1,500–$2,600 | $850–$1,900 | $1,300–$3,00 | $1,200–$2,000 | $1,600–$1,900 |
| 4-5 bedrooms | $2,500–$3,140 | $1,900–$2,300 | $2,000–$3,000 | $2,350–$3,000 | $2,100–$3,400 |
Long-distance moves greater than >250 miles
| U-Pack | PODS | U-Haul U-Box | Zippy Shell | 1-800-PACK-RAT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | $1,800–$2,500 | $2,000–$4,000 | $1,800–$3,500 | $1,800–$3,900 | $1,800–$3,800 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,400–$3,900 | $3,000–$4,900 | $2,500–$4,500 | $2,900–$3,900 | $2,400–$4,600 |
| 4-5 bedrooms | $3,500–$6,600 | $5,500–$7,600 | $4,000–$7,000 | $3,000–$6,000 | $5,100–$6,900 |
Moving with U-Pack is a bit different than working with a full-service mover because you can choose either a trailer or a ReloCube and, depending on your move, one option may be cheaper than the other.
The average cost of a single ReloCube is $2,300 for a long-distance door-to-door delivery. If you need more than one ReloCube, these costs can add up quickly, which is why some movers choose to book trailer space instead of multiple ReloCubes.
Of course, there are several other factors that will affect the cost of your move, such as your starting location, the mileage of your move, and the time of year you choose to complete your move.
U-Pack cost factors
No two moves are alike, and the factors of your specific move can have an effect on how much you can expect to pay.
Here are some of the common move factors that can change how much you will pay when working with U-Pack:
- The mileage of your move: U-Pack charges by the mile. The further you move, the more you will pay.
- Beginning and ending locations: Those who begin or end their move near a U-Pack service center will pay less than those who are far from U-Pack service centers at both ends of their move.
- Living in a city: Cities make it difficult to park both a trailer and ReloCube, and if you are moving into or out of a city, you may pay more when working with U-Pack.
- Time of year: Summer is always a busy season for moving. Those who choose to move during the shoulder seasons can often save money.
- Add-on services: If you need additional services — like packing and unpacking or help loading — it will cost more.
- Extra insurance: Many movers with specialty items purchase additional insurance, such as catastrophic liability coverage, for their items in transit, but this will add to the final cost.
- Storage during your move: Moving with U-Pack makes it easy to take items in and out of storage, but if you need long-term storage during your move, this can restrict you to using ReloCubes only, increasing the final cost of your move.
rating
5 / 5
89% of users select this mover
How to get the best U-Pack ReloCube price
While U-Pack is often a cheaper moving option when compared to full-service movers, it can still be expensive to move using U-Pack. There are, however, several ways to lower the cost of moving with U-Pack.
Here are some tips and tricks for saving money when moving with U-Pack:
- Ask about moving container discounts. The worst they can say is no! Most moving container companies offer military discounts, student discounts, and more!
- Book online. When you book your move with U-Pack online at upack.com, you save $25.
- Consider other moving dates. If you have some flexibility in your move, see if moving other dates (such as during the week instead of on weekends) will save you money.
- Get multiple quotes. You never know when another company might be a better deal for your specific move! We recommend getting free quotes from at least three moving providers prior to making your decision.
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U-Pack moving services
Rather than paying for a full-service moving company or loading and using one of the best rental trucks to drive yourself, renting moving containers from U-Pack offers a money-saving mix between DIY and full-service moving.
U-Pack offers two options for your move: trailers and ReloCubes. U-Pack trailers allow you to choose a specific amount of space (in feet) that you’ll need to use inside the trailer. ReloCubes are only available in one size (internal dimensions of 5’ 10” x 6’ 10” x 7’ 9”), but you can choose the number of cubes you need for your move.
rating
5 / 5
89% of users select this mover
U-Pack trailers offer up to 1,944 cubic feet of space — enough for a typical three- to four-bedroom home. ReloCubes are smaller, offering 308 cubic feet of loading space (essentially one room’s worth of belongings). However, you can order up to eight cubes for your move.
You can have as many ReloCubes delivered as you think you will need, but U-Pack doesn’t charge you for extra containers if you don’t end up needing them. For example, if you have three ReloCubes delivered but only use two, you will only be charged for two. Similarly, if you reserve more trailer space than you need, you will only pay for the space you actually use.
U-Pack will drop off the trailer or ReloCubes at your home, either in your driveway or in an available parking space. Containers can’t be placed on soft surfaces like grass. You may need to obtain permission in advance from your HOA, especially if you need to park your container in the street.
You’ll have three business days to load your container. Generally speaking, you’ll be responsible for packing and unpacking your stuff, though U-Pack has the option to add moving labor for an additional fee. Once you’re packed, U-Pack will come and pick up the container and transport it to your new home. After the container is delivered, you’ll once again have three business days to unload it.
U-Pack storage options
In addition to shipping moving containers for long-distance moves, U-Pack also offers both short and long-term storage for its ReloCube containers. If you use the trailer option for your move, you can only keep items in storage for up to 120 days.
Your moving container isn’t accessible while it is in storage — but unlike a regular storage facility, you don’t have to worry about loading and unloading your items multiple times. They stay inside your ReloCube or trailer the entire time. Once you are ready to have your items delivered to your new home, simply call to schedule a delivery.
U-Pack storage facilities are available in the entire United States, including Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico, as well as Canada.
U-Pack vs. the competition
There are so many moving container companies, it can be difficult to know which one is right for your move. In general, we recommend U-Pack for any movers who are moving long distances, consider themselves cost-conscious, and want good communication throughout their move.
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U-Pack is one of the least expensive moving container companies, which makes them perfect for your wallet, while also being highly rated by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for their customer service practices. You can also customize your move with U-Pack when needed, adding help loading and unloading for an additional fee if you aren’t physically able to do so on your own.
However, U-Pack does not perform local moves under 50 miles. This means they are not ideal for those moving within the same city. Additionally, while their trailer option is excellent for large moves, their trailers can’t be placed into storage long-term, so movers with a four- to five-bedroom house who need long-term storage may find that another moving container company is a better fit.
PODS
PODS is one of the most famous moving container companies, and for a good reason. With three moving container sizes to choose from (eight, 12, and 16 feet), they make it easy to move, no matter how much you have.
rating
4.8 / 5
89% of users select this mover
Unlike U-Pack, though, when you work with PODS, you have to pay for the space you order, meaning you’ll need to accurately predict the size of your home. While there are online calculators that can help, you’ll want to be sure you take the time to order the right size so you aren’t wasting money — or scrambling to add a second container at the last minute!
PODS has the best storage options of any of the moving container companies on this list. Whether you need short-term storage, long-term storage, or you aren’t sure just yet, PODS can accommodate. They also allow movers to adjust storage last-minute, as well as mid-move, with only a few days’ notice.
For this reason, we recommend PODS to movers who aren’t exactly sure of their storage needs. That being said, PODS is only available in 44 states — so if you live in Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia, or Wyoming, you’ll need to go with U-Pack or another competitor.
U-Haul U-Box
U-Haul U-Box works very similarly to U-Pack. With a single container size, you can order as many U-Haul U-Boxes as you think you need, and only pay for the space you end up using.
rating
3.95 / 5
89% of users select this mover
U-Haul is unique, however, in that they are one of the few container companies that will ship your items overseas, making them ideal for an international move. While U-Pack serves all 50 U.S. states as and Puerto Rico, those moving internationally will be quite limited in options.
Like U-Pack, U-Box offers movers storage for both the short-term and long-term as needed. But where U-Pack is known for its excellent customer service, many customers complain that they can’t get a hold of anyone when working with U-Box.
If you prefer working with a company that you can contact throughout your move, we recommend choosing U-Pack. But if you are moving internationally, then a company like U-Box may be a better fit.
Zippy Shell
Zippy Shell is a moving container company most well known for their excellently built weather-proof steel containers. Unlike U-Pack, both local and long-distance movers can book with Zippy Shell.
rating
4.2 / 5
89% of users select this mover
Zippy Shell and U-Pack both offer customers storage options during their move. Zippy Shell offers short-term and long-term storage with their 15-foot container only, while U-Pack only offers long-term storage for customers using their ReloCubes.
Both companies restrict the loading of containers to three days, meaning you’ll need to be ready to start right when it arrives.
Overall, we recommend Zippy Shell to local movers, as these moves can’t be booked with U-Pack. But, for those making small long-distance moves, U-Pack is the better choice, since the smallest option when moving long-distance with Zippy Shell is a 15-foot container, which is quite large for those only moving a one- or two-bedroom apartment.
1-800-PACK-RAT
1-800-PACK-RAT offers movers three different container sizes (eight, 12, and 16 feet) that can be booked for both short and long-distance moves. If you need storage during your move, 1-800-PACK-RAT can provide this too, no matter what the container size.
rating
4.45 / 5
89% of users select this mover
When moving long-distance with 1-800-PACK-RAT, however, many customer reviews reported a surprise fuel surcharge on their final bill. When you work with U-Pack, on the other hand, your quote includes all costs and fees, so there won’t be any surprises following your move.
In general, 1-800-PACK-RAT is more expensive than U-Pack, especially when you consider the surprise charges some movers experience, so we recommend those on a budget choose U-Pack. Unfortunately, U-Pack doesn’t offer local move options, so those moving within 50 miles will need to book their move with 1-800-PACK-RAT.
Is U-Pack the right choice for your move?
Every move is unique and whether or not U-Pack is the right choice for your move will depend on a variety of factors. If you’re moving locally, they won’t be an option. However, if you’re moving to a new city or state, U-Pack can be a great choice for your long-distance move.
U-Pack is a great middle ground between DIY and full-service moves. By loading and unloading your moving container yourself instead of using professional movers, you can greatly lower your moving costs while not having to worry about driving your items across the country.
How Much do Movers Cost?
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FAQs about U-Pack cost
How much does a U-Pack container cost?
The average cost of a U-Pack ReloCube for a long-distance move is $2,300, including all costs and fees. The cost of a U-Pack trailer varies, depending on how much space your items take up in the trailer. Either way, when you move with U-Pack you’ll only pay for the space you use.
What is the average cost of a cross-country move with U-Pack?
The average cost for a cross-country move with U-Pack will depend on how large your home is and the mileage of your move. To move a studio apartment from Chicago to Seattle, you can expect to pay about $1,900. To move a three-bedroom home that same distance, you should expect to pay $5,000–$6,000.
How much does a U-Pack trailer cost?
U-Pack trailers are 27 feet long and cost $3,064 if you need to reserve the entire moving trailer (not including the mileage cost to your new home). If you don’t need a full 27-foot trailer, you can book as little as seven feet in the trailer for around $1,600, depending on the mileage of your move.
How does U-Pack compare to other moving container companies in terms of cost?
U-Pack is one of the least expensive moving container companies thanks to their policy that you only pay for the space you use. This means you don’t have to worry about ordering extra ReloCubes or trailer space, because on moving day, you will only be charged for what you’ve filled.
How much fits in a U-Pack ReloCube?
Each ReloCube can hold 308 cubic inches of household goods. It is recommended that homeowners plan for one ReloCube for each fully furnished room in their home.
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