What To Expect When You Move With U-Haul’s U-Box

U-Box is U-Haul’s portable storage container service that allows homeowners to load containers themselves and leave the driving and transport to the professionals. Our guide outlines the DIY facets of the service, explains how to rent and load U-Boxes, and offers packing tips for a complete moving guide. 

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Rental Process

Start the rental process by using U-Haul’s online quote tool. U-Haul’s U-Box containers come in only one size, so decide how many you need. The containers are approximately eight feet long, 4.6 feet wide, and seven feet high. Each box offers about 257 cubic feet of space and can hold 2,000 pounds. U-Haul estimates that you can fit the contents of up to 1.5 rooms in each container, and there is no penalty if you reserve too many containers. 

U-Boxes are plywood containers with weather-resistant vinyl covers. U-Haul claims this material offers better breathability than metal containers and prevents mildew. However, this material is not as strong as steel frames and aluminum or plastic siding, the materials typical of other companies’ containers.

Reserve Parking

You can load your container at a physical U-Haul location, but it’s more common to have U-Haul deliver the containers directly to you. Clear a flat, level surface near your property that can function as a drop-off spot for the moving containers. Each U-Box moving container can typically fit in a single parking space. 

You can also rent a trailer with one or two U-Boxes that you can tow behind your vehicle or a rented U-Haul truck. This gives you complete control over transporting the containers, but you’ll still need to find parking while you load and unload.

You may need to check with building management or your homeowner’s association to ensure spots will be available if you don’t have your own driveway. You may also need to purchase a parking permit from the city, depending on your location.

Preparing For Your Container

Start packing your belongings before the containers arrive. U-Boxes are small, so this may be the perfect time to downsize and donate any items you don’t need. 

Each U-Box comes with 24 furniture pads, but you must supply other equipment, such as dollies and hand trucks, yourself. U-Haul sells many packing supplies that you might need, such as boxes, packing paper, bubble wrap, and furniture covers. Consider renting plastic bins for packing delicate items. U-Haul rents 20-inch by 24-inch by 12-inch plastic bins called Ready-To-Go-Boxes, and you can return them when you’re finished moving.

U-Boxes have a door on one end that opens outward. Leave sufficient space around the container through which you can enter and exit. U-Haul will provide you with a lock, and only you will have copies of the key.

Packing Tips

Loading a moving container is different than loading a moving truck. You must consider weight distribution within the container to make sure it stays as balanced as possible. U-Haul recommends loading the heaviest items at the bottom and center of the U-Box.

Below are additional packing techniques to consider:

• All items should be dry when you load them into the container to prevent mold or mildew growth. Wait until it stops raining to load.
• Break down furniture as much as possible. Remove table legs and disassemble bed frames. 
• Fill all gaps between items with furniture pads, linens, or pillows to prevent items from shifting in transit. 
• Pack as many items as possible into boxes or bins instead of stuffing them into the container.
• Stack items vertically to get the most out of the container’s overhead clearance.
• Your heaviest items should make up the base layer, with your lightest items at the top. Each layer should be lighter than the one below it.

U-Haul can recommend local professional movers through its Moving Help program if you need help with packing, loading, or unloading. Professionals have experience loading and moving containers and can help you make the most out of your container’s space. This experience is similar to full-service delivery.

This Old House editors have long recommended using crumpled newspapers and charcoal briquettes inside enclosed spaces to stave off mold, mildew, and odors—a trick that works just as well inside a sealed moving container as it does in an unplugged refrigerator. Toss a large bowl of five or so charcoal briquettes into the U-Box before sealing it, especially for long-distance or stored shipments.

When packing boxes for a U-Box, consider using QR-code labeling systems like Duck Pack & Track. As This Old House Magazine highlighted, you simply scan the label with your smartphone, speak what’s inside, and later search by item name to find exactly which box it’s in—no need to tear open every container at your destination.

Preparing for Delivery

If you’ve opted for self-delivery with a trailer, you can take your U-Boxes back to a U-Haul location for transportation or drive them directly to your new home. Otherwise, you’ll need to schedule a pickup time and date online or by phone. 

U-Haul can take your U-Boxes directly to your new location or put them into a storage facility for a monthly fee. Your quote includes one month of storage, but there may be additional delivery fees if you move your U-Boxes to storage before moving them to your new home.

U-Haul guarantees its shipping and arrival times, so you’ll know when to expect your U-Boxes at your destination. You’ll need to reserve one parking space-sized area for each U-Box at your destination.

You can access any U-Box that you store at a U-Haul facility at any time as long as you alert the facility at least 24 hours in advance. U-Haul’s storage buildings are clean, dry, and secure, but they’re unlikely to be climate-controlled. You can use any U-Box for self-storage at your home for a monthly fee.

Returning Container

You rent U-Boxes for a full month, so you have plenty of time to unpack them once they arrive at your destination. Once you’re finished unpacking, contact U-Haul and arrange for the pickup of your empty containers. Note that the one-month rental period begins at your delivery date, so plan accordingly to avoid being charged for an extra month. 

Our Conclusion

U-Haul is one of the cheapest moving container companies available. U-Boxes are small and lightweight, which may be a good fit for long-distance moves. We recommend getting an online quote if you’re interested in moving with U-Box. Book in advance to ensure you have the containers and equipment you need for your DIY move.

FAQ About Using U-Hauls U Box