What Fits in a U-Pack Container: Finding the Right Relocube Size
Quick answer: U-Pack offers flexible moving solutions with its ReloCube containers and 28-foot freight trailers, making it suitable for various moving needs. The ReloCube is ideal for small to medium moves and storage, while the trailer is better for larger homes.
U-Pack’s competitive pricing model allows you to pay only for the space you use, which can be more cost-effective than other container options.
rating
5 / 5
89% of users select this mover
U-Pack is on our list of best moving container companies, and for a good reason. They are easy to use, competitively priced, and offer some of the best flexible moves, especially for those who need storage during their move. Read on to learn more about U-Pack’s moving options, how many ReloCubes you’ll need to complete your move, and how the company stacks up against its top competitor.
Comparing ReloCube sizes
Although U-Pack only carries one container size (and one trailer), you will have no problem moving all of your belongings to your new home by creating a personalized combination of the containers they offer. In the chart below, we’ve outlined what you can fit in each U-Pack container so you know how many of each to order.
| 7-foot ReloCube | 28-foot trailer | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 6’3” x 7’ x 8’4” | 28’ x 8’ x 9’ |
| Cubic volume | 308 cubic feet | 1,944 cubic feet |
| # of bedrooms | One large furnished room, up to 25,000 pounds | Three-bedroom apartment up to 22,500 pounds |
| Types of items |
|
|
| Cost | Around $2,300, depending on the mileage of your move | $2,500–$6,000, depending on the mileage of your move |
U-Pack vs. PODS
Both PODS and U-Pack are well-known portable storage container companies that offer a variety of moving services, which we have outlined in the chart below.
| U-Pack | PODS | |
|---|---|---|
| Container sizes |
|
|
| Services offered |
|
|
| Storage options | Short-term and long-term storage solutions are available (not climate-controlled) | Short-term and long-term storage options are available (not climate-controlled) |
| State availability | All 50 states, plus Canada and Puerto Rico | 46 states (not available in AK, MT, ND, and VT), Canada, UK, and Australia |
| Better Business Bureau rating | A+ | A+ |
| Cost | Average cost is $2,300 for door-to-door ReloCube delivery | Average cost $2,600 for door to door POD delivery for a long-distance move |
As you can see, the moving products offered by U-Pack and PODS are very similar, however, there are a few notable differences.
Both companies offer moving container services, with the option to add professional movers for packing/unpacking and loading/unloading labor at an extra cost for an experience similar to a full-service move. They also both offer storage solutions at their service centers, making your moving container double as a storage unit. Both companies are highly rated by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and offer competitive prices to movers.
rating
4.8 / 5
89% of users select this mover
The most notable difference is that U-Pack only facilitates long-distance and cross-country moves. This means that local movers have to work with PODS, as U-Pack is not an option. Additionally, movers who live in Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, or Vermont will have to use U-Pack, as PODS containers are not available in their state.
U-Pack only has one container size and a trailer that allows you to only pay for the space you use. Those who move with PODS have three container options, but if you order a container that is too large, you have to pay for the entire container whether or not you fill it or not.
Overall, no matter the parameters of your move, with the all-inclusive, transparent pricing model offered by U-Pack, which allows movers to only pay for the services and space they use, U-Pack is the best option for those looking to use a moving container for their next move.
Read our full U-Pack review
Read our full PODS review
What fits in a U-Pack ReloCube?
For nearly two decades, U-Pack ReloCube moving containers have been a go-to choice for long-distance moves, as they can fit all of the items in one room for larger homes and may be enough to move an entire studio apartment, depending on how much furniture you have.
- Long distance moves only
- Only pay for the space you use
- No deposit or initial fees
- Fast delivery time frames
While ReloCubes are only available in one size, you can order as many as you think you’ll need for your move. You also don’t need to worry about ordering too many, since you only pay for the ones you use! You might even be surprised by the size and types of furniture that can fit inside a single ReloCube.
Most large mattresses, box springs, and bed frames fit inside ReloCube containers, even as large as a king-size mattress up to the dimensions of 72 x 84 inches. ReloCubes can also hold other large furniture pieces like sofas and couches — as long as they don’t exceed 92 inches — along with a dining table with four chairs.
Even if you have one piece of each of the furniture types listed above, you will still find there is room in your ReloCube for small furniture and appliances, such as lamps and a microwave, as well as space for a few boxes!
When should you choose a ReloCube?
ReloCubes work especially well for apartment and partial moves, as well as for any larger moves to or from places where you can’t park freight trailers on your street. They are also an excellent idea for any move that will require the use of storage facilities.
ReloCubes aren’t for every mover, however.
Use a ReloCube if:
- The household you are moving is smaller than a three-bedroom house
- You’ll need short- or long-term storage during your move
- You don’t have room for a 28-foot trailer at your home
- You want your items to arrive at your as soon as possible at your new home
Don’t use a ReloCube if:
- Your home is three bedrooms or larger
- You have a couch more than 92 inches long
How to load a ReloCube
When it comes to loading your ReloCube, there are a few tips and tricks you should know to get the most out of your available space.
We recommend the following steps:
- Load mattresses first, putting them up against the back wall of the cube
- Pack other large furniture next, standing couches on end if possible
- Chests of drawers should be pushed up against the mattresses or the ReloCube wall
- Next, load smaller furniture, stacking items on top of the chest of drawers or any shelves you loaded.
- Last, put in your moving boxes, stacking them to the ceiling.
What fits in a U-Pack freight trailer?
When it comes to convenience, nothing beats the space and ease of freight trailers. Regardless of whether you fill a U-Pack trailer to capacity or only fill it partway, you’ll only pay for the space you actually use.
A U-Pack trailer is about the size of four ReloCubes, allowing you to pack anything and everything you may have, up to 22,500 pounds. Whether you have multiple bedroom sets or an extra-long sofa, this trailer can just about fit it all.
Even if you don’t have a three-bedroom home, a trailer might be a more cost-effective solution for your move rather than paying for three or more ReloCubes, as you can just pay for a portion of a trailer for a fraction of the cost.
When should you choose a U-Pack trailer?
U-Pack trailers are the best option for those moving a household of three bedrooms or larger. However, they aren’t a good fit if you will need storage at some point during your move. In these cases, you are better off using multiple ReloCubes.
Additionally, if you only plan to use part of a U-Pack trailer, you may have to be more flexible with your moving dates, as U-Pack will have to match your move with other moves going the same direction, possibly adding extra business days to your move. If you need your items to be at your home in a timely manner, then a U-Pack trailer isn’t the best fit.
Use a U-Pack trailer if:
- You are moving a large home of three bedrooms or larger
- You don’t need storage during your move
- You are flexible with your moving dates
Don’t use a U-Pack trailer if:
- You have a smaller home that would fit in one or two ReloCubes.
- You don’t have space to park a U-pack trailer at your old or new home
How to load a U-Pack trailer
When it’s time to load up your U-Pack trailer, there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure you use all of the available space, especially if you are only using a portion of the trailer:
- Load mattresses first, putting them against the back wall.
- Load other pieces of large furniture or appliances second, placing the items as close together as possible.
- Load small furniture after the large furniture, taking advantage of space on top of large pieces of furniture.
- Save boxes for last, using them to pack in any remaining places
- Try to pack all household goods in the same size boxes for easy stacking
FAQ
Will a king-size bed fit in a U-Pack?
All mattress sizes, including king and California king mattresses and box springs are able to fit in U-Pack’s trailers and ReloCube moving containers.
U-Pack moving trailers take up about 225 square feet of ground space, while ReloCube containers take up about 44 square feet. By comparison, the average four-door sedan takes up about 100 square feet. You will need to reserve at least two or three full parking spaces for packing a U-Pack trailer.
How much space will I need to reserve with U-Pack?
According to U-Pack, each fully furnished room in your home or apartment will require between 150 and 200 cubic feet of container space, though it’s wise to err on the higher side if you’re moving bulky items like appliances, entertainment centers, and patio furniture. This means that those with a two-bedroom apartment featuring a fully furnished kitchen and living room will require at least 800 cubic feet of space.
For best results, use the space estimator U-Pack offers on their website, upack.com, to find out approximately how much space you need to reserve when booking a move with U-Pack.
What’s the best way to load a U-Pack trailer?
Here are some basic tips to keep in mind as you pack your U-Pack trailer:
- Pack heavy items on the bottom
- Pack bulky or awkwardly shaped items first so you don’t have trouble fitting them in later
- Make sure the weight is evenly distributed throughout the trailer
- It’s ideal to use one size of moving box for easier stacking and organization
For comparison, how much will fit in a 16-foot POD?
PODS’ 16-foot containers can generally hold the contents of three or four large rooms. Keep in mind that a 16-foot POD holds three or four total rooms’ worth of items, not necessarily the contents of an entire three- or four-bedroom home. Does U-Pack do local moves?
No, U-Pack trailers and ReloCube containers are reserved for regional and long-distance moves (generally anything more than 100 miles).
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