My move with U-Haul U-Box®
Author:Francesca better
Updated:Tuesday, November 8, 2022
Index
- How does the U-Haul U-Box work?
- How does the U-Haul U-Box work with local moves?
- How does the U-Haul U-Box work with long distance moves?
- How much does the U-Haul U-Box cost?
- Disadvantages of Using U-Haul U-Box
- What I learned using U-Haul U-Box
- Should I choose U-Haul U-Box over other container companies?
How does the U-Haul U-Box work?
You book online, choose your specific delivery method along with any add-ons, and then pay in installments. This is how it breaks down.
To rent a U-Box storage container from U-Haul, simply go to their website. There, you can enter where and when you plan to move. You will be asked to describe whether you have an average amount of stuff or a lot. He then describes his home as a studio, one bedroom, two bedroom, three bedroom, etc. The tool conveniently spits out the suggested number of containers to rent.
The good news is that you can rent more containers than you need because you will only be charged for the number of containers you have inside. But the bad news is that if you move to a bigger house, you only have one container size to choose from:and it is small. It fits the contents of about a quarter and a half. This means that the price is likely to rise quickly.
Choose your delivery
Once you have decided on the number of containers you need, you will be asked to decide which of the specific U-Box delivery methods you want for your containers:
- U-Box delivers containers to your door
- Complete cargo and delivery service
- Self-delivery (you pick up the container at a U-Haul location)
- Take your stuff to the bin at a U-Haul location
For my specific location change, this is how those options were quoted to me:
- We deliver:as low as $978.95
- Complete delivery and cargo service:as low as $582.85
- Self Delivery:as low as $5.00
- Access at a U-Haul location:Book
how delivery works
As is the case with most portable storage containers, you'll pay rent for the container for one month. This gives you some flexibility with pickup and delivery times. This option is always useful if you are not 100% sure when you can move to your new location. (Many people use the service simply for storage during a renovation, or simply because they need the space.)
You choose whether you want to keep the containers on your property or at a U-Haul storage facility.The price is exactly the same for either option.. But still, you will be charged a monthly rental fee. Also, as long as you notify the warehouse staff at least 24 hours in advance, you will be able to access your container for free.
Your mileage will vary based on what's available in your area (literally).
Each container has a lock that can fit a padlock. If you don't have a lock, you can buy one for a few dollars, depending on your store. Only you have the key or the combination so that your things are safe.
On the day of delivery (or collection) of your containers, you can start loading the contents into the U-Box, with or without conveyors. Again, you can keep everything in your house for a month at no extra charge. However, when you enter a long-haul change on the website form, U-Haul will provide a date for pickup of the loaded containers for transportation to your final destination. You can choose a later date, but you won't be able to choose anything earlier.
How billing works
You pay in installments, depending on the delivery service you choose. For full service delivery, you may have to pay a large amount up front, whereas with other delivery options you may end up paying a certain amount when you receive the U-Box and then the rest. Ask for the terms for your specific location.
How does the U-Haul U-Box work with local moves?
There is no big difference between planning a local or long distance move with U-Box.
You still go to the website and fill out the same forms. In my case, I moved from Fort Lee, NJ to nearby Ridgefield Park, NJ and was unable to schedule a drop-off. In order for a U-Haul driver to get the container to my current home and final destination, the site recommends that I hire professional movers through the company. That was nothing short of irritating. You can choose to have it delivered to your home andhire shifts elsewhere, if you want to try to hack a better price.
Plus, choosing U-Haul's pre-packaged help delivery option means you'll have to pay a large portion of your bill up front the first day you book your rental. With all other U-Box options, you pay nothing upfront and simply provide your credit card as a substitute until your storage bin is delivered or picked up.
Of course, the real difference between a local move and a long distance move with these storage containers is the price. A large part of your budget will go to paying for the delivery of loaded containers, and the longer the distance, the more expensive the cost.
My estimate of local change
I planned to move from Fort Lee, NJ, to nearby Ridgefield Park, NJ, both near New York City. You travel about eight kilometers to go from one city to another.
My move was to a 3 bedroom house with an attic and a basement.I followed the advice in the estimating tool on the U-Box website and rented four (4) portable storage containers. Loading, delivery and unloading would be done in one day. I opted for "Help for removals"™Delivery Option” because it was the only way for a professional driver to transport everything and mimic the moves you would do with other storage container companies.
It is prohibitively expensive to have a single container whose size fits a quart and a half each.
My local move, U-Box estimate came to$ 1.718,75. Because I ended up choosing the delivery option that came with professional carriers, I had to pay $973.95 upfront when I signed up for the service. I would pay the additional $744.80 for rent and delivery of containers and trailers on the day of my scheduled move.
When will you have to pay your U-Box bill?Customers should carefully read the payment information on the screen. It clearly outlines how much you are paying for various parts of the service provided and the dates by which payments will be due. Also, be careful what you see. The original payment document I saw on the screen said the first month's rent was free, an offer only available to local movers, and showed a much smaller subtotal. However, this was not the case when I got to the checkout. Also, the first month was included in the price and you were expected to pay the higher total. (This may have to do with the fact that I opted for "Moving Help™ Delivery" which seems to change the checkout process.)
How does the U-Haul U-Box work with long-distance movements?
Again, there are no fundamental differences between planning a local or long distance move with U-Box.
Your experience with U-Box, no matter what kind of move you're making, starts on the website. You'll enter your information and share details about your current address, the size of your home, and the final destination to receive a personalized quote.
One important note is that for the long distance move, I was able to choose a date for the delivery of the storage bins, also known as the start of my move, but the delivery date of the loaded bins was chosen automatically for me. I could get it for a later date, but I couldn't get it sooner. Of course, this is a result of the need for time to get my content from northern New Jersey to central Florida. You will need to factor this time into your planning.
Another difference is the fact that you will be dealing with two different U-Haul U-Box locations. The company has locations pretty much everywhere, including overseas, so it won't present the same kinds of challenges as smaller competitors. But this may influence your decision on the delivery method. For example, if the Orlando location is close to my new home, I can sign up to unload the bins at the warehouse and bring my stuff home. This option is free and can significantly reduce the total cost of my move. After all, flexibility in delivery is a big advantage of U-Box.
My long distance estimate
My move from Fort Lee, NJ to Kissimmee, Florida from a 3-bedroom house with an attic and a basement cost a total of$ 5.405,75. Again, I selected "Moving Help."™Delivery”, which meant that at the time of payment I owed a large part of the invoice, $949.95 to be exact. Just like with the local moving estimate, you'll see a clear breakdown of costs and due dates for multiple payments.
How much does the U-Haul U-Box cost?
Prices vary based on the number of storage containers, distance, and other factors such as the delivery option chosen and insurance coverage.
Pay close attention to the website to see if there are any promotions or offers to get a discount. Unlike other companies, I am not constantly bombarded with opportunities to call or speak with a customer service representative. I'm sure there is a way to ask about discounts, but it wasn't as obvious as at Penske or Budget, for example.
$1718.75 for a local move: 3 bedrooms, 5 miles
My local move was expensive. But I didn't get a discount and opted for the more expensive delivery option, which included professional help with moving. Also, I'm moving a large house, which requires four U-Boxes to be rented. The fact that U-Box containers only come in one size can be prohibitively expensive for those with a larger home.
Here's the breakdown:
- Rental of 4 U-Boxes with 2 dozen furniture cushions each: $739.80
- Moving Help™ Delivery Option: $973.95
- My Own Homeowner's/Renter's Insurance: $0
- Trailer Rental Fee: $5 per day
- Total: $ 1.718,75
$5,405.75 for a long distance move: 3 bedrooms, 1200 miles
Like the local move, my long-distance move from a 3-bedroom house with a basement and attic from Fort Lee, NJ to Kissimmee, Florida, near Orlando, was expensive. Again, having to rent four storage bins and professionals to help you move and drive your stuff a long distance adds up. Here's the breakdown:
- Rental of 4 U-Box Containers with 2 Dozen Furniture Cushions and Trailer Rental Delivered to Fort Lee: $744.80
- Moving Help™ Delivery Option: $949.95
- My Own Homeowner's/Renter's Insurance: $0
- Soft Suspension Shipping (aka Long Haul Drive): $3,592
- Delivery in Kissimmee: $119
- Total: $ 5.405,75
The loaded containers were guaranteed to be delivered to the Orlando U-Haul location no later than 11 days after my move. U-Haul U-Box promised to provide a $50 refund for each possible day of shipping delay. Although I have to pay $949.95 at the time of booking, I would not need to make the final payment until the shipment arrives at my new home.
How does insurance work with the U-Haul U-Box?
The U-Box offers several coverage options. Refreshingly, they point out that you can use your own homeowners or renters insurance at no additional cost. (That's what I chose). If you go this route, you'll want to call the insurance company to explain the situation and see if you need to include a passenger. After all, you'll be responsible for all coverage if you choose this option.
...(F)flexibility with delivery is a big advantage of U-Box.
Insurance costs the same for a local or long distance move. U-Box insurance covers damage to your goods inside the U-Box container during transport and at U-Box warehouses, according to the website. Here are the options:
- $1,000 in U-Box insurance coverage for $48 a month
- $5,000 in U-Box insurance coverage for $72 a month
- $10,000 in U-Box insurance coverage for $100 a month
- $15,000 in U-Box insurance coverage for $128 a month
- $20,000 in U-Box insurance coverage for $160 a month
- Use homeowners/renters insurance for $0
Disadvantages of Using U-Haul U-Box
The price is too high for someone moving from a bigger house, especially if the movement is long distance. It is prohibitively expensive to have a single container whose size fits a quart and a half each.
Regional availability turned out to be a blow to my move. The inability to hire a professional U-Haul driver to get the loaded containers to my favorite Ridgfield Park or Kissimmee locations was a bummer. To get someone else to drive, which I wanted, I had no choice but to sign up for Moving Help™ because there was no driver available in my area. This raised the price even though I opted for the cheapest moving service offered in my home area. Your mileage will vary based on what's available in your area (literally).
The plywood material of each box is not as strong as some of its competitors.. This may or may not be a disadvantage for you, but keep this in mind.
What I learned using U-Haul U-Box
You can ask for extra containers without fear of being charged. The largest U-Haul trucks can accommodate five moving containers at a time. So if you need them, you can take them to your final destination without any problem. But the best news is that if you don't need all the containers delivered, you will be reimbursed for each unused one. Cool.
Furniture pads are included with your storage bin rental. Most furniture rental companies require customers to pay an additional fee to rent furniture pads, so this was a pleasant surprise.
Lots of delivery options is a plus. Other portable container companies have professional drivers to transport the containers and there is no other option. U-Haul, however, offers professional delivery and self-delivery of containers, and even the opportunity to pick up your stuff at a U-Haul warehouse. These options can significantly reduce the cost of your move!
Should I choose U-Haul U-Box over other container companies?
Those who are moving from a small place to a nearby place will get the best return possible.. This may include those in studios or one-bedroom apartments or bedrooms. It is also a viable and practical option for those who are renovating or need to temporarily store items. And if the other guys just don't have the locations you need, the U-Box is the most likely option.
If you prefer to drive but want the convenience of portable storage bins, this is the perfect option. U-Box offers the opportunity to reduce cost and speed up the process by allowing customers to transport the containers themselves. This is unlike most, if not all, of the competition. While I wish I weren't forced to hire professional movers to get a driver for my containers, I recognize that this option will be to the advantage of many.
You might also consider it a bonus to have 12 furniture pads included with each storage bin rental. Most companies require customers to pay more for it. It's probably not a deal breaker, but it's a nice touch.
Some people may also prefer U-Box containers to be made of plywood, while competitors often offer metal containers. There are advantages and disadvantages to each, but some people find that wood allows more breathing room and therefore fewer odors, especially for fabric items. On the other hand, some wonder if it is as durable as metal containers. It is a matter of preference.
Ultimately, the decision will depend on your budget and preference. For some, especially those with a large home who are moving long distances, it will be very expensive. For others, knowing that U-Haul is behind the U-Box will bring comfort and flexibility, and that will be enough.
Contributing Author:Francesca better
Francesca Di Meglio is a writer, editor, and professional on the go, featured in Businessweek and About.com. As a wife and mother of two young children, she is always on the go.
FAQs
What are the measurements of a UBOX? ›
Each U-Box container is 95” in length x 56” in width x 83.5” in height for a total of 257 cubic feet of space. Put more simply, each U-Box container can fit approximately a room to a room and a half of household goods.
What size is au Haul U-Box? ›U-Box Size & Quality Disadvantages
The only U-Haul container size comes in at 8' X 5' X 7.5', while PODS gives you small (8-foot), medium (12-foot), and large (16-foot) size options. You'd have to rent 2 U-Haul's U-Box containers to get the capacity of a single PODS' 16-foot container.
Services. U-Box containers are large, plywood crates with large doors covered in weather-resistant material. The interior of a box measures about 56 inches wide, 95 inches long and 83.5 inches high — large enough to fit a King mattress standing up, according to U-Haul.
How many boxes fit in a UBOX? ›If you properly pack it, you can fit about 1 ½ rooms worth of boxes and furniture in each U-Box container. When planning your move, there a few items to keep in mind that may not fit.
Which is better PODS or UBOX? ›PODS is better than U-Box in nearly every way. If you're looking at containers, PODS has three steel construction sizes, while U-Box has a single plywood option. If you care about insurance, PODS is the only company with at-home storage coverage.
What should you not put in UBOX? ›...
This includes:
- Explosives or fireworks.
- Tanks or bottles designed to contain butane or propane, containers for gas barbeque grills, torches, heaters, tools and appliances, as well as tanks and bottles certified as empty but still under pressure.
- Animals, food, liquids or plants.
Medium boxes (18 x 18 x 15 inches, 22 x 16 x 15 inches or 3 cubic feet): The most common moving box, this size is good for office supplies, records, toys, small appliances, decor, photo albums and most household items.
Can a UBOX fit a mattress? ›The U-box is seven feet long, five feet wide, and seven feet tall. That's large enough to fit a queen mattress or king mattress.
Can a uhaul UBOX fit a queen mattress? ›Packing the box tightly took a little figuring out, but was really not that difficult - Here are some things we fit in one U-Box: 2 Queen Size Mattresses and 1 Bed Frame. 1 Full Size Couch. 1 Large Dresser with Full Drawers.
How many furniture pads come with a UBOX? ›It also includes 24 furniture pads per container and the one-way transit fuel cost, but those are free of charge.
Do I need a lock for UBOX? ›
Are U-Box® containers secure while on my property? Yes. Each U-Box container has a latch that can fit a padlock. If you don't have your own lock, you can buy one here.
How long does it take for a U-Box to ship? ›Delivery, shipping and storage
U-Pack ReloCubes are delivered directly to your home or to a local service center. Thanks to an efficient network, U-Pack transit times average 2-5 business days — some of the fastest in the industry. You'll get 3 business days to load and then 3 days to unload.
Learn how to properly and safely connect and disconnect your trailer by watching this short video. Dimensions and weights are of the U-Box trailer without a container. The container will add 90” in height and 500 lbs.
How do I tow a UBOX? ›- Towing hitch and hitch-ball are tight.
- Coupler handwheel is tight.
- Safety chains are properly attached and secure.
- All lights are connected and working.
- Tongue jack stowed and rear stabilizers raised.
- Check all tires for correct pressure.
- Load U-Box Trailer evenly.
- Secure the load.
Is a pod cheaper than storage? There is a a common misconception that pod storage is actually less expensive than traditional, public storage. The truth of the matter is that, when compared with PODS, public storage is generally less expensive.
How much does it cost to move a 1000 mile PODS? ›| Distance | 100 miles | 1,000 miles |
|---|---|---|
| 1 room | $850 | $3280 |
| 2 rooms | $1340 | $3840 |
| 3 rooms | $1340 | $3840 |
| 5 rooms | $1940 | $7260 |
Historically, PODS cost less than hiring a professional moving company because you aren't paying for the quality labor required to pack and load the contents of a home. However, we recommend getting a free in-home or virtual estimate from a professional moving company for comparison.
What happens if pod is too heavy? ›Therefore, if your PODS storage container exceeds the limits for the POD's size, you'll be asked to rent an additional container and you'll need to unpack some of the items in the too-heavy container and move them into the new container.
Can you put cleaning products in a pod? ›Although this might seem obvious, there may be some items that you don't even realise are hazardous. Basically, anything that contains petrol or gas (including empty gas bottles) is not to be placed in storage. Also, any cleaning materials containing alcohol, cleaning solvent, corrosives and paint are prohibited.
How heavy can boxes be for movers? ›The rule of thumb is that each box should not weigh more than 50 pounds. Even if you've hired movers, remember that you may have to move the boxes yourself, from one room to another, so make sure you're able to lift them. Some boxes, such as a wardrobe moving boxes or electronic boxes, may naturally be heavier.
Do movers prefer boxes or bags? ›
Using bags, not boxes.
People will often fill up trash bags with miscellaneous stuff during last-minute packing. When big furniture pieces are packed next to a bunch of trash bags, the furniture has more room to shift. A shifting load can cause major damage. Always use heavy-duty boxes to keep the load tight!
“Plastic totes keep out water, smoke, critters of any kind – it's an issue that a lot of people deal with – and it's a lot harder for those thing to get into a box with a lid,” said Shaner. But if you're moving during dry days or in a temperate climate, then cardboard boxes are the best option.
What to use instead of boxes when moving? ›- Suitcases with Wheels. ...
- Backpacks. ...
- Handbags. ...
- Briefcases. ...
- Dresser Drawers. ...
- Tote Bags. ...
- Pots and Pans. ...
- Trash Bags.
If you absolutely need to move a TV without a box, we recommend you wrap the TV in at least three inches of Large Enviro-Bubble, then wrap it in a furniture pad and gently wedge it between two large pieces of furniture.
What fits in a Upack cube? ›Each Cube can hold a maximum of 2,500 pounds of household goods, and most types of furniture will fit inside without a problem. This includes mattresses —even king size — and sofas less than 92” in length.
Are U-Haul boxes good for shipping? ›Yes, moving boxes/single walled boxes can be used for shipping in most cases. In fact, all standard U-Haul moving boxes meet UPS, USPS, FedEx shipping requirements. However, we recommend using double walled boxes rather than single ones if you have the choice.
How many boxes fit in a 20 foot container? ›A standard pallet can fit 60 boxes, so if a container fits 10 pallets of 60 boxes on average, the number of boxes in a 20ft container is 600.
Can a king size mattress fit in a U-Haul container? ›U-Box containers are a convenient and secure moving and storage solution designed to fit any furniture that fits in your house. Each container can fit about a room and a half of household items. Easily fit a king size mattress inside your U-Box. If you have it in your house, you can get it into a U-Box container.
How much furniture fits in a pod? ›The inside of the container offers 385 cubic feet of packing space, and can hold one full room of furniture. PODS claims the 7-ft. moving container is comparable to a 10-ft long rental truck.
Can you use moving blankets for dogs? ›Pets are attracted to moving blankets as they provide much more heat from the layers of fabric than traditional household blankets.
Can you cancel UBOX? ›
To cancel your U-Box® reservation, call 1-877-GO-UHAUL to reach a representative that will assist you with your order. U-Haul does not charge any cancellation fees for U-Box® reservations. U-Box® reservations can also be modified through your uhaul.com account as well.
Does ups give ua Box? ›Related Information. UPS packaging is provided free of charge to UPS account holders for selected air and UPS Worldwide Express® services. Other packaging supplies are sold at The UPS Store® and UPS Customer Centre locations.
Why do all shipping containers end in U? ›This code is unique and is registered with the International Container Bureau. The next letter is used to identify the type of container. The letter U represents freight containers. The letter J identifies detachable freight container equipment, and the letter Z denotes trailers and/or chassis.
How long does Upack give you to pack? ›You get up to three business days to load and three business days to unload. You'll need to secure parking before moving day.
How strict is PODS weight limit? ›Does PODS have a weight limit? PODZILLA can lift an impressive amount, but PODS does have a weight limit on containers, depending on their size. The limit for 8-foot containers is 5,200 pounds; 12-foot containers, 4,700; and 16-foot containers, 4,200.
How much can you fit in one UBOX? ›Each U-Box container is 95” in length x 56” in width x 83.5” in height for a total of 257 cubic feet of space. Put more simply, each U-Box container can fit approximately a room to a room and a half of household goods.
Can you put a motorcycle in a U-Haul UBOX? ›When loading your items, extremely heavy items will need to be placed in the center of the U-Box. Side note: A few items that should not be placed in U-Box containers are motorized items such as motorcycle, ATV, riding lawn mowers, etc, unless all oils, fuels, and liquids have been drained from the engine.
Does a queen bed fit in a UBOX? ›Packing the box tightly took a little figuring out, but was really not that difficult - Here are some things we fit in one U-Box: 2 Queen Size Mattresses and 1 Bed Frame. 1 Full Size Couch. 1 Large Dresser with Full Drawers.
Can you fit a mattress in UBOX? ›U-Box containers are a convenient and secure moving and storage solution designed to fit any furniture that fits in your house. Each container can fit about a room and a half of household items. Easily fit a king size mattress inside your U-Box.
How tall is a UBOX on a trailer? ›The U-box is seven feet long, five feet wide, and seven feet tall. That's large enough to fit a queen mattress or king mattress.
Do I need my own lock for UBOX? ›
Each U-Box container has a latch that can fit a padlock. If you don't have your own lock, you can buy one here. U-Haul employees do not keep the keys or combination to your lock, only you do!
How do you pack a TV without a U-Haul box? ›If you absolutely need to move a TV without a box, we recommend you wrap the TV in at least three inches of Large Enviro-Bubble, then wrap it in a furniture pad and gently wedge it between two large pieces of furniture.
How much fits in a Upack trailer? ›The trailer's full capacity is approximately 1,944 cubic feet, which is enough room to hold a 3- to 4-bedroom home. It can legally haul 22,500 lbs., but it's very unusual for a household goods move to weigh that much (we estimate a trailer full of household goods to weigh approximately 12,600 lbs.).