Shipping Moving Boxes: 10 Cheapest Ways to Ship Moving Boxes
Here’s the bottom line: The cheapest way to ship moving boxes depends on how many boxes you need to ship and where you’re sending them. Box contents can also affect the cost. For instance, heavier items like books or exercise equipment can be much more expensive to ship than lightweight clothing.
The best moving companies can help with heavier items, but this comes at a higher price-point. Plus, some of these services do not handle smaller, local moves. Moving container companies can fill in some of these gaps, but still might be more expensive than it’s worth.
To be sure you’re not getting screwed over, consult our moving cost calculator, which can help you compare estimates from multiple companies. We’ll also show you the cheapest ways to ship moving boxes and highlight the pros, cons, and affordability of each option. That way you can focus on more exciting parts of your upcoming move, like new friends and restaurants.
5 ways to ship moving boxes
The key to finding the cheapest way to ship moving boxes is by comparing your options. Let’s look at five ways to ship moving boxes to family, friends, or your new home.
1. Ship by plane
If you’re flying to your destination, it’s possible to take household goods with you at a cost of between $35 and $75 a bag, depending on the airline.
Southwest Airlines offers decent bag rates, with nine bags costing just about $525 — roughly $60 per bag. Alaska Air offers checked bags at $75 per bag. Delta allows passengers to take checked bags for $35 for the first bag, but all subsequent bags will be $45 per bag. United works similarly, so you’ll need to factor additional baggage fees into your budget. You may be able to get around some of these extra bag costs if you are flying with a group.
Because many airlines have dimension and weight restrictions for checked luggage, it’s not the best option if you have bulk or heavy items. We also wouldn’t recommend this option for anything fragile.
Flying with your items isn’t the only option for shipping by plane. Some companies offer efficient shipping by air freight, which can be quick, but costly.
Pros and cons
- Can be much quicker than hiring a moving or shipping company
- More control over the location of your items
- Can be cheaper than other shipping options if you’re only taking a few items
- Items could be damaged or lost in transit
- Airline restrictions could prevent shipping some items
- Not a good fit for extra large or heavy items
2. Ship by freight
Freight companies employ independent truck drivers with extra space on their trucks. If you’re moving internationally, you may encounter ocean and air freight options, as well.
Shipping costs can vary tremendously depending on the distance and complexity of your move. That said, this option can be particularly cost-effective if you need to ship a large volume of items but not enough to justify renting an entire moving truck. Freight shippers can also be a good option for pallets of boxes and large furniture items.
However, availability is often limited to the truck driver’s existing route, and you may not be able to secure a guaranteed delivery date.
Another downside of freight shipping is that you often have to purchase it through a marketplace, like uShip, which can take time and result in varying service quality depending on the bid you accept.
Pros and cons
- Can usually haggle on prices
- Can ship heavy and large items
- Often the cheapest of the shipping options, especially for big moves
- You’re at the mercy of the truck driver’s schedule
- Requires more time and effort to coordinate
- Handling can vary significantly, so it may not be good for fragile item
3. Ship by car
If you’re shipping your car already, don’t rule out stowing some personal items in your vehicle. With this option, you’ll want to double-check the company’s policies on personal items and elect all required insurance.
Some companies are particularly conservative in this area, as putting something like skis in your car can present additional risks for damage. There may also be restrictions on the number of boxes or suitcases you can put inside the vehicle.
Some auto shippers allow up to 100 pounds of cargo to be shipped inside the car without adding to the cost of your services. Depending on the auto shipper, additional weight may cost extra.
If you’re shipping a car as part of your next move, be sure to have a look at our list of best car shipping companies.
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Pros and cons
- Can be included in your existing vehicle shipment
- Can be a secure way to ship file boxes and other small/medium moving boxes
- Keeps personal items together to minimize the logistics you have to coordinate
- Not all car shipping companies allow personal items
- May need to pay extra for additional insurance
4. Use a trailer
U-Haul offers trailer rentals starting at $14.95, but be careful of hidden fees.
If you’re planning to drive your vehicle to your new home, towing a trailer can be a great option that doesn’t add a lot to your existing costs. U-Haul has trailer options available to rent –– and plenty of locations –– to make one-way and local relocations seamless.
If you suspect you could get more mileage from owning a trailer, consider hunting down a deal on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace prior to your move. With that in mind, we’d only recommend using a trailer for your move if you have experience hitching trailers to your vehicle. You’ll need to be knowledgeable about your vehicle’s tow limits, hitching mechanisms, and vital safety precautions to minimize damage to your vehicle, the trailer, and the risk of bodily injury.
Pros and cons
- Gives you complete autonomy over the shipping process
- Allows you to keep items with you
- U-Haul allows one-way rentals, which makes it easier to return after a long-distance move
- Requires a lot of experience to operate carefully
- Few rental options available
5. Ship by moving company
Hiring professional movers isn’t going to be the cheapest way to ship a few moving boxes or a piece of furniture, so we’re not going to spend a ton of time on this option.
Many of the best long-distance moving companies have minimum labor or moving size requirements to even consider taking your reservation. However, self-service moving companies and the top moving container companies can be an option if you don’t mind doing some of the work on your own.
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Pros and cons
- Movers are likely more experienced in handling fragile items
- Can often provide guaranteed pickup and delivery dates
- Can help coordinate other parts of your move
- Likely the most expensive option
- May have minimum moving size restrictions
Movers that will ship boxes
Within the moving industry, there are a few DIY and hybrid moving solutions that can help you relocate more than a few boxes but less than a full-size move.
U-Haul U-Box
U-Haul U-Box is a great option if you’re not moving into your new home right away and need storage. The U-Box container is large enough to fit a couch, a king-size mattress, or the contents of roughly a studio apartment. The company can ship your boxes to another local address or across the country (and internationally!).
rating
3.95 / 5
89% of users select this mover
You can further reduce the cost of this shipping option if you’re willing to pack and unpack the U-Box at a U-Haul facility instead of opting for door-to-door delivery.
Costs vary a lot based on the distance and length of the rental. For a two-bedroom apartment shipped less than 50 miles, we estimate you’ll pay about $1,368. These costs climb to $4,230 if you’re moving long-distance.
Here’s what to expect when using U-Box:
- Gentle ride suspension protects fragile items from bumps during the move
- Ship it immediately or store it until you’re ready to make a move
- No fees for changing your date or canceling gate reservation
- The contents of about 1.5 rooms fits in a U-Box
- You only pay for the containers you use (even if you order too many containers)
- Choose from delivery service or transport it yourself on a specialty built trailer or by visiting a U-Haul location for packing
Want to see how a real-life U-Box mover fared? Check out Nancy’s moving experience with U-Box.
We’d recommend U-Box to customers who want to work with a reliable name in the moving industry and are moving near a U-Haul facility. U-Haul will allow you to rent as many U-Boxes as you need to complete your move –– and take any back that you don’t use –– but we generally wouldn’t recommend it if you’re shipping large items that exceed the 2,000-pound weight limit.
U-Pack ReloCube
U-Pack ReloCube is a great value and our top pick for cheapest moving containers. Like U-Box, it’s designed to fit everything from one room into a single cube and it’s ideal for small studio apartments or one-bedroom moves.
rating
5 / 5
89% of users select this mover
U-Pack is a particularly good option if you’re moving to a rural area other moving companies have a hard time accommodating.
While the company isn’t always the cheapest option in the moving container space, its value is often the best. They have a solid reputation, especially when it comes to customer service. And while they may cost more than some competitors, U-Pack guarantees its prices so they won’t change once you accept the estimate.
Here’s how it works:
- You load and they drive
- Rates include the cost of the driver, as well as fuel, so you don’t have to worry about hidden fees
- The cubes are lockable and you keep the key so you don’t have to worry about theft during the move
- You can order more than one cube if your move is bigger than just one room. You’ll only pay for what you actually use.
We wouldn’t recommend ReloCube to customers looking for the bottom-dollar bid for moving services, but we would recommend it to customers who are moving to an area of the country other companies can’t reach.
MiniMoves
MiniMoves’ business model is centered around filling the gaps between full-service moving companies and small moves that may not meet the minimum hour or labor requirements. They specialize in moving small amounts of boxes from one state to another. It’s a good choice if you only have a few small furniture items and are moving a standard one-bedroom or studio apartment.
rating
4.8 / 5
89% of users select this mover
Costs vary dramatically from project to project, but you can conveniently request an instant online quote –– an increasingly rare feature in the moving industry.
There are several great reasons to ship your boxes with MiniMoves:
- Fair prices and large service area make them an option for most movers
- Pricing includes door-to-door service (pickup, transport, and delivery)
- Loading and unloading labor are included in the cost
- You can add packing and unpacking services for an additional charge
- You only pay for the number of boxes you ship and there is no minimum requirement
MiniMoves is a broker, which means it subcontracts to companies in all states except Alaska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Vermont. The company vets its partners, so customers can feel confident they’re not going into the moving process blind. However, MiniMoves might not be the best fit for customers who want a guaranteed trained team of experienced movers.
Ship Smart
Ship Smart is another company that will ship boxes by facilitating small cross-country moves nationwide. In fact, they’re one of our picks for best small-load companies, thanks in part to their white-glove services.
rating
4.2 / 5
89% of users select this mover
They are a good option if your items are too large or too heavy for shipping with traditional companies like FedEx and UPS.
Benefits of using Ship Smart include:
- Door-to-door service for convenience and flexibility
- They focus on shipments under 2,000 pounds — perfect for small moves
- In-home drop-off makes it easy to get heavy items into your new place, or you can opt for curbside drop-off
- You can add professional packing and unpacking services
- They offer multiple insurance options so you have peace of mind during the shipping process
The company provides 24/7 real-time quotes designed to help you cross items off your moving checklist quickly and efficiently. We’d recommend Ship Smart to customers who may want more than the typical self-service moving solutions, but don’t want to shell out for a full-service moving provider. To move boxes with ShipSmart, call (866) 333-8018 and mention moveBuddha to get a 10% discount from ShipSmart.
uShip
uShip is an online marketplace for customers looking to navigate the freight shipping industry and take advantage of its cost-effective solutions for household moves. Its user interface is streamlined, so a lot of the hard work is taken out of vetting truck drivers.
rating
3.9 / 5
89% of users select this mover
You can start the process by inputting all the relevant details of your move. From there, available truck drivers and carriers will bid on your move. A bid includes more than just the price. It will also come with an anticipated timeline and a list of desired services they are able to provide.
We’d recommend this option to customers who don’t mind holding out on booking a company while all bids come in, but we wouldn’t recommend it to customers who want to work with a moving company that can guarantee service quality.
How to ship moving boxes
When it comes to moving, the best thing you can do is set a plan. Here are the things you need to consider when you develop your moving plan.
Shop around
Before making any decisions, do your research. Review the pros and cons of each option and conduct cost-benefit analysis to zero in on the best value for your needs.
The cheapest option may not be the best option for all situations, but the same is true for the most expensive option. As such, it’s important to have a range of shipping options, so you can identify the best fit for your unique needs.
Gather moving supplies
Ahead of your move, you’ll want to make sure you have all packing supplies to make sure your items arrive safely.
Choose heavy duty corrugated boxes and be mindful of each box size’s weight limits. You’ll want a variety of box sizes because tightly packed boxes reduce the risk of items moving around during shipment and getting damaged.
You can buy boxes from a moving company or any major online retailer or hunt for free options on local groups and nearby businesses. Check out our guide to cheap and free moving boxes for more ideas.
Hire a packing service or DIY
Once you have your materials, you can hire a professional packing service like HireAHelper or begin packing your items yourself. You’ll want to give yourself at least a three-day cushion before your expected moving date to ensure your packing isn’t rushed. Give yourself more time if you’re DIYing or get creative and host a packing party with your friends and family.
It’s a good idea to keep an inventory of your belongings so you can check items off as they’re packed and again when they arrive at their intended destination.
Confirm details and schedule
This step should happen in tandem with your packing so you know what to expect.
Always confirm your booking and get details in writing, such as tracking number, intended delivery dates, and fees. You’ll want to get exact pickup (or drop-off) dates for your items to avoid delays and confusion.
Tips for shipping moving boxes
We’re seasoned in the moving industry. Here are a few of our top tips to ensure your items arrive safely in their new home:
- Request quotes and compare options. Don’t settle for the first company you contact. Always shop around to compare your shipping options, including timeline, cost, customer reviews, and available services.
- Research shipper’s requirements. You’ll need to confirm that all your boxes meet the maximum size and weight requirements set by your chosen shipper. You can use a postage or luggage scale so you can check your boxes’ weight as you go.
- Pack carefully. Make sure you take full advantage of bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and double-wall boxes when preparing your items for shipment. Don’t be stingy, especially with fragile and heavy items.
- Focus on shipping labels. Legibly write or print shipping labels to minimize confusion, especially if you’re using UPS, USPS, or FedEx. Illegible or inaccurate shipping labels can result in delays, deliveries to the wrong location, and returned packages. Write fragile or “this side up” for boxes that need it.
- Double-check insurance. Many shipping companies include basic insurance in the shipping costs, but more is needed for high-value, sentimental, or irreplaceable items. If you need to upgrade your insurance, inquire about additional coverage options and check your home/renters’ insurance policy to see if you have any coverage there.
The best way to ship moving boxes
The best way to ship moving boxes depends on the size and scope of your move.
If you’re moving with a small quantity or a few possessions that don’t weigh much, flying with checked luggage and parcel shipping services like USPS or FedEx are likely your best options. If you’re already shipping a vehicle, ask if you can throw a few boxes in there, but just a heads up –– not all car shippers allow personal possessions, so don’t bank on this option.
For larger moves or heavy items, we recommend first looking at gig marketplaces like uShip and comparing your quotes to full-service moving companies. These options are likely to be the most expensive but can take a lot of the stress and hassle out of the moving process.
MiniMoves, U-Pack ReloCube, and trailer rentals can help you further cut costs, but you’ll have to be willing to do some or all of the heavy lifting yourself. Ultimately, we recommend you investigate all your options, request quotes, and ask questions until you find the best fit for your time and budget constraints.
FAQs
How do I ship moving boxes across the country?
You can ship moving boxes across the country in several ways. The best methods will depend on the size of your belongings, the number of boxes, whether or not you’re shipping fragile items, and your overall budget.
Here are a few shipping options:
- Full-service moving company
- Gig marketplaces like uShip
- Parcel shipping companies like FedEx, UPS, and the U.S. Postal Service
- Train
- Bus
- Car shipping company (if you are also shipping your vehicle)
What’s the most cost-efficient way to ship moving boxes?
Parcel services are usually the most cost-efficient way to ship moving boxes. The U.S. Postal Service is a cost-effective option for items under seven pounds, while FedEx and UPS are competitive for heavier items. If you’re shipping a larger volume of items, don’t hesitate to look at uShip and MiniMoves to find extra space on existing truck routes.
We recommend investigating multiple shipping services to find the best option for your needs.
Where do I find moving boxes?
You can purchase moving boxes and packing materials from your chosen shipper or you can provide them yourself. You can buy cardboard boxes in various sizes online, but you can cut costs by asking local groups for moving supplies or visiting local retailers and requesting their leftover shipping supplies.
Heavy-duty and specialty boxes like wardrobe boxes can be harder to find, but a quick Google search can help you compare your options. We’d also suggest saving boxes from recent purchases and holding onto them until you’re ready to pack. Our guide to cheap and free moving boxes is also a helpful resource.
How much does shipping moving boxes cost?
The cost to ship moving boxes depends on:
- Your box sizes
- The weight of your items
- Whether or not you provide your own packing supplies
- Your selected shipping method
The U.S. Postal Service is the most affordable option per box, but full-service moving solutions may make sense if you need to transport a lot of items to your new home.
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