How Much Does U-Pack Cost? Here’s a Breakdown
Quick answer: U-Pack costs about $700 to $6,600 for a long-distance move, depending on your home size, distance, route, and whether you use ReloCubes or trailer space. For many interstate moves, U-Pack is one of the cheapest moving container companies because you only pay for the space you use.
Here’s a quick look at what to expect by home size:
- 1-bedroom move: about $900 to $2,500
- 2–3-bedroom move: about $1,500 to $3,900
- 4–5-bedroom move: about $2,500 to $6,600
Get an idea of what U-Pack might cost you by using our moving cost calculator.
- Long distance moves only
- Only pay for the space you use
- No deposit or initial fees
- Fast delivery time frames
U-Pack also offers 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.
Jump to the U-Pack cost info you’re looking for:
U-Pack cost at a glance
Here’s a summary of the most important U-Pack cost details before you dive in:
- Average U-Pack ReloCube cost: about $2,300 for a long-distance move
- Best money-saving feature: you only pay for the space you actually use
- Cheapest use case: small long-distance moves where you only need one container or partial trailer space
- Most expensive use case: large cross-country moves needing multiple ReloCubes or a lot of trailer space
- Not available for: local moves under 50 miles
- Typical U-Pack price range: $700 to $6,600
How much does U-Pack cost?
U-Pack costs vary based on your household size and move distance. Your final price primarily comes down to how many ReloCubes you need or how much trailer space you use.
The tables below show estimated U-Pack costs by home size compared to four competitors. U-Pack doesn’t offer local moving services, so all estimates cover moves over 50 miles. If you’re moving locally, see our best moving container companies list for options.
Moves between 50 and 250 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 – $3,000 | $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 |
For moves over 250 miles, the pricing gap between U-Pack and competitors tends to widen, especially for smaller households.
Long-distance moves over 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.
Several other factors affect your final cost, including your starting location, total mileage, and the time of year you move.
U-Pack cost factors
Your specific move details will have a direct impact on what U-Pack charges. Here are the main cost factors to keep in mind:
- Add-on services: If you need packing help or loading assistance, those services cost extra on top of your base container rate.
- 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.
- Extra insurance: Many movers with specialty items purchase additional coverage, such as catastrophic liability protection, for their belongings in transit. This will add to the final cost of your move. You can research your coverage options and shipper rights through FMCSA’s Protect Your 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.
- Storage during your move: Moving with U-Pack makes it easy to add storage to your plan, but if you need long-term storage, you’re restricted to ReloCubes only. That restriction can raise the final cost of your move.
- The mileage of your move: U-Pack charges by the mile. The further you move, the more you will pay.
- Time of year: Summer is always a busy season for moving. Those who choose to move during the shoulder seasons can often save money.
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5 / 5
When U-Pack is usually the cheapest option
U-Pack tends to offer the best value in these situations:
- Flexible move dates: If you can shift your move to weekdays or outside of peak summer season, U-Pack rates are noticeably lower.
- Long-distance moves: U-Pack is designed for interstate moves and becomes more cost-competitive the further you go.
- No need for full-service labor: If you’re willing to handle loading and unloading yourself, U-Pack removes the biggest cost driver from your bill.
- Paying only for the space you use: Because U-Pack charges by the linear foot in a trailer or by the number of ReloCubes filled, you won’t pay for unused space.
- Small to midsize homes: One or two ReloCubes covers most one- to three-bedroom households, keeping total costs well below full-service rates.
When U-Pack may not be the best value
There are some scenarios where U-Pack may not be the right fit:
- Difficult container access: Urban addresses without a driveway, with restricted street parking, or under HOA restrictions may face complications or additional fees for container placement.
- Full-service moves: If you want movers to handle packing, loading, transport, and unloading, U-Pack’s self-loading model isn’t the right fit.
- Large households needing long-term storage: If you need to store a full household for more than 120 days, U-Pack’s trailer storage cap means you’ll be limited to ReloCubes only, which can significantly raise the total cost.
- Local moves under 50 miles: U-Pack doesn’t serve local moves, so you’ll need a different option for any move within the same city or metro area.
How to get the best U-Pack ReloCube price
While U-Pack is often cheaper than full-service movers, costs can still add up. Here are some ways to lower your final cost:
- 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 full-service rates or driving a rental truck yourself, U-Pack gives you a cost-effective middle ground: you pack and load your own belongings while U-Pack handles the transport.
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.
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5 / 5
U-Pack trailers offer up to 1,944 cubic feet of space, which is enough for a typical three- or four-bedroom home. ReloCubes are smaller at 308 cubic feet of loading space (essentially one room’s worth of belongings). 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.
Is U-Pack cheaper than other moving container companies?
In many long-distance moves, U-Pack is cheaper than PODS and 1-800-PACK-RAT, especially for smaller shipments, because you only pay for the space you use. However, PODS may be a better fit for storage-heavy moves, and U-Haul U-Box can be competitive for some small moves.
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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.
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4.8 / 5
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. 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
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 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.
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4.2 / 5
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 limit loading time to three business days, so be ready to start the moment your container 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
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?
U-Pack works best for long-distance moves where you’re comfortable loading and unloading your own belongings. If you’re moving locally, they won’t be an option. For moves to a new city or state, U-Pack can significantly cut costs compared to full-service movers.
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.
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Pros and cons of U-Pack
Here’s what U-Pack does well and the trade-offs to consider:
- Both trailer and ReloCube options
- No charge for unused ReloCubes
- No surprise fuel surcharges
- Service to all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Canada
- Three business days to load and unload
- No access to belongings during storage
- No local moves under 50 miles
- Trailer storage capped at 120 days
- You handle all loading and unloading
Why use moveBuddha?
- On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before booking.
- When you choose a moveBuddha Certified mover, you get $1,000 in added move coverage, plus dedicated support throughout your move.
- If something goes wrong, moveBuddha provides dispute mediation with Certified movers to help resolve the issue and protect your move.
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 feet of household goods. It is recommended that homeowners plan for one ReloCube for each fully furnished room in their home.
Our research & review process
- We compare quotes and track market trends to provide accurate pricing guidance.
- We interview moving customers through the Better Moves Project.
- We mystery shop movers to get firsthand data.
- We’re not a broker. We never sell or share your information.
- We review movers’ licensing, insurance, and service history through moveBuddha Verified.
How we chose the best moving companies
The moveBuddha team has spent nearly 10 years evaluating moving companies using a rigorous review system to identify the best moving companies. Our thorough methodology evaluates each moving company's services, cost, customer service, and reputation:
Moving services (35%):
We verify operating authority, insurance, and service scope against FMCSA/SAFER and state databases. We confirm availability via standardized mystery-shopping calls (packing tiers, storage type, specialty handling, delivery windows, valuation), and then review contracts alongside complaint and claims patterns over time.
Customer feedback (28%):
We run structured post-move surveys through our Better Moves Project with verifiable documentation. We emphasize on-time performance, care of goods, and estimates’ accuracy, and we investigate outliers before they influence scores.
Online reviews (7%):
We aggregate ratings across multiple third-party sites to reduce platform bias, analyze overall trends and company response behavior, and discount obvious spam/fake signals such as sudden bursts, duplicate language, and low-history profiles.
State availability (12%):
We confirm USDOT numbers, broker vs. carrier status, and any required state permits, then score a state-by-state service matrix that accounts for coverage gaps, seasonal limits, and lane strength. We award additional credit for documented cross-border or specialty lanes.
Additional services (12%):
We verify whether add-ons are performed in-house or subcontracted, look for crew training/certifications for high-value or oversized items, count only documented offerings (tariffs, photos, written service descriptions) confirmed via mystery shopping, and reward robust pre-move planning (virtual surveys, itemized crating).
Quotes/Payment options (6%):
We test standardized move profiles to assess estimate type (binding, not-to-exceed, non-binding), line-item transparency, and disclosed surcharges, require clear written policies for deposits, refunds, and cancellations, and award points for secure, flexible payment methods and customer portals.
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