How Much Does U-Pack Cost? Here’s a Breakdown
rating
- Long distance moves only
- Only pay for the space you use
- No deposit or initial fees
- Fast delivery time frames
93% of users select this mover
How do U-Pack moving services work?
Rather than paying for a full-service moving company, or loading and driving a moving truck yourself, renting containers from U-Pack offers a mix between DIY and full-service moving processes.
U-Pack offers two options for your move: trailers and ReloCubes (portable storage containers). 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 container size, but you can choose the number of cubes you need for your move.
U-Pack trailers offer up to 1,944 cubic feet of space — enough for a typical 3-4 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 need 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 an available parking space. Containers can’t be placed on soft surfaces like grass. You may need to obtain permission if your trailer or container will be parked 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’s Storage Options
In addition to shipping moving containers for long-distance moves, U-Pack also offers short and long-term storage for its ReloCube containers and trailers. Secure, on-site storage facilities are located across the country. If storing a ReloCube, you can keep your items in storage for as long as you need. However, 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 moving and storage services are available in the entire United States, including Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico, as well as Canada.
What’s the cost of moving with U-Pack?
Moving from Orlando, FL to Fort Wayne, IN
- 3 ReloCubes – $3,977
- 17 Feet of Trailer Space – $2,129
Moving from Orlando, FL to Seattle, WA
- 3 ReloCubes – $5,239
- 17 Feet of Trailer Space – $6,957
Moving from Orlando, FL to Atlanta, GA
- 3 ReloCubes – $1,490
- 17 Feet of Trailer Space – $854
U-Pack Cost vs. The Competition
Comparing U-Pack pricing to PODS, U-Haul U-Box, Zippy Shell, and 1-800-PACK-RAT will help you to see where they line up. 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 another moving container company.
Finally, remember that moving quotes with each provider can vary based on your moving date, location, and other factors. Get a free quote to determine the exact costs for your move.
Cost for a Move < 250 Miles
| U-Pack | PODS | U-Box | Zippy Shell | Pack Rat | |
| 1 bedroom | $900 – $1,300 | $450 – $800 | $450 – $1,000 | $500 – $920 | $465 – $910 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $1,100 – $1,700 | $750 – $1,900 | $700 – $2,000 | $730 – $1,600 | $660 – $1,900 |
| 4-5 bedrooms | $1,200 – $1,900 | $900 – $2,100 | $800 – $3,000 | $1,100 – $3,100 | $1,000 – $3,400 |
Cost for a Cross-Country Move
| U-Pack | PODS | U-Box | Zippy Shell | Pack Rat | |
| 1 bedroom | $1,500 – $2,500 | $2,000 – $4,000 | $1,200 – $3,500 | $1,800 – $3,900 | $1,200 – $3,800 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,400 – $3,900 | $3,000 – $4,900 | $2,500 – $4,500 | $2,800 – $4,500 | $2,400 – $4,600 |
| 4-5 bedrooms | $3,500 – $6,600 | $5,500 – $7,600 | $4,000 – $7,000 | $5,200 – $7,000 | $5,100 – $6,900 |
While U-Pack isn’t always the cheapest option, they do offer competitive pricing and are usually a good option for long-distance moving.
Factors that determine how much U-Pack charges
There are several factors that can affect your quote from U-Pack, and even cause quotes for similar moves to vary quite a bit. Here are some of the most important factors to be aware of.
Your beginning and ending locations
The location you’re moving from and where you’re moving to can play a big role in your quote. Generally speaking, the closer you are to a U-Pack service center, the cheaper your move will be due to easier logistics. However, it can also sometimes be cheaper to move in rural areas than in larger cities, due to traffic and parking being easier to manage.
When you decide to move
If you move in the spring or the summer, you will likely pay more because these are peak times for moving. It’s less expensive to move in the fall and winter. Moving during the fall and winter can save you several hundred dollars.
The distance of your move
One of the most important factors to consider in the cost of U-Pack is the distance of your move. The longer the distance, the higher the cost because of additional fuel expenses and more time a U-Pack driver will spend on the road.
The amount of stuff you need to move
The more stuff you will be moving, the more trailer space or ReloCubes you will need. Of course, moving fewer things means you’ll need fewer ReloCubes or feet of trailer space. Homeowners who declutter by selling or throwing away unwanted items can save time and lower their U-Pack cost by having fewer items to pack!
How to lower the cost of your move
There are several ways to lower the cost of your move with U-Pack. Here are just a few of the ways you can get a better price on your move.
Ask for a discount
U-Pack offers discounts for military service members, students, and corporate relocation. You can also save money by loading and/or unloading at a service center. It never hurts to ask about additional promotions or discounts when you request a quote, either!
Compare prices with other moving container companies
It’s always a good idea to compare prices with multiple providers before you choose which storage container company to work with.
While it’s important to compare prices, you should also look at the size, structure, and service of different portable storage container companies. For example, U-Haul offers U-Box containers made of wood, capable of holding 2,000 pounds. They usually come in at a cheaper price than the U-Pack ReloCubes, but ReloCubes are made of weatherproof metal and hold up to 2,500 pounds.
Avoid the add-ons
If you don’t need add-ons such as storage or moving helpers you can save quite a bit. Doing the heavy lifting yourself will help you save a lot of money, as hiring helpers from U-Pack can get expensive. Two helpers for 3 hours will cost nearly $400!
Other add-ons, such as door-to-door delivery, guaranteed transit, and storage can also be skipped to save even more on the cost of moving with U-Pack.
Is U-Pack the right choice for your move?
The decision to move with U-Pack is up to you. If you’re moving locally, they won’t be an option, as they don’t offer a local moving 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.
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