How Much Can You Fit in a U-Pack ReloCube Container?

We all know life is complicated.

Thankfully, moving to a new home doesn’t need to be a huge hassle. Moving container companies like U-Pack (not to be confused with U-Haul) can offer a convenient balance between DIY and full-service moves. But sometimes the sheer number of options can be overwhelming.

That isn’t the case with U-Pack. In fact, if there’s a relocation in your future and you’re considering using U-Pack, you’ll only have two size options: 7-foot ReloCube containers and 28-foot freight trailers.

Though some competitors offer three or more portable storage container sizes, you’ll likely find a suitable option with U-Pack regardless of how much you’re moving. In this post, we’ll discuss what fits in a U-Pack and which option makes the most sense for your move.

What is U-Pack?

U-Pack offers a mix between a DIY and full-service moving experience. U-Pack will drop off a trailer or ReloCube moving container at your house. You’ll have three business days to pack everything up on your own, after which U-Pack will pick up the container or trailer on your moving date.

At that point, U-Pack takes over, transporting and delivering your items to their destination. They offer both service center and door-to-door deliveries, of which the latter is less expensive. After your container has been delivered to its final destination, you’ll once again have three business days to unpack everything.

U-Pack also offers short- and long-term storage options at their climate-controlled facilities. Unlike a typical storage unit, though, you can’t access your container while it’s in a U-Pack storage facility. U-Pack moving services are available in all 50 states as well as in Canada and Puerto Rico.

U-Pack offers both carrier negligence and catastrophic liability coverage, which applies for situations such as a fire or trailer accident. Because you’re in charge of packing your items, they aren’t liable for any damage caused by poor packing.

As a mashup between a DIY and full-service moving company, U-Pack is a great way to keep moving costs down if you don’t want to drive a moving truck across the country. You can get a moving quote online, so you can easily compare costs to those of other providers. Best of all, you only pay for the space you need—if you order too many ReloCubes, you won’t have to pay for the one(s) you don’t end up using.

What can you fit in a U-Pack ReloCube?

For nearly two decades, U-Pack ReloCube moving containers have been a go-to choice for long-distance moves. While ReloCubes are only available in one size, you can order as many as you think you’ll need for your move.

ReloCube storage container dimensions at a glance

• Exterior: 6’3” deep x 7’ wide x 8’4” high (75” x 84” x 100”)
• Interior: 5’10” deep x 6’10” wide x 7’9” high (70” x 82” x 93”)
• Total usable space: 308 cubic feet
• Weight limit: 2,500 pounds

The internal volume is usually enough to hold the contents (furniture and boxes) of one large room.

Each container is restricted to 2,500 pounds of cargo. However, you likely only need to worry about exceeding this weight limit if you plan on moving lots of dense items like tools or books.

Most large mattresses, box springs, and sofas fit inside ReloCube containers

One commonly asked question is whether it’s possible to fit large mattresses and box springs inside a ReloCube.

The answer is usually yes. Even California king mattresses (typically 72″ x 84″) fit inside easily, as do most appliances and standard household furniture.

Sofas tend to be among the trickiest items to move and load, but again, most are still able to fit inside ReloCube containers. It’s important to note that sofas can be loaded flat or stood on end; professional movers typically use the latter method to load them into moving vans.

Still, it’s always a good idea to measure your furniture to double-check its ability to fit inside a ReloCube.

Here are two rules of thumb:

• Sofas less than 92 inches long will fit inside your ReloCube if they can be stood on end
• If your sofa needs to be loaded flat, it must be less than 83 inches long

If you load your sofa on its end, make sure to only place light items like pillows, lampshades, and patio furniture cushions on top. Once it’s padded and in place, secure your sofa to the container’s interior with a heavy-duty strap.

ReloCubes are great for small moves where parking space is limited

ReloCubes work especially well for apartment and partial moves as well as for any larger moves to or from places where freight trailers won’t fit.

ReloCubes only take up about 44 square feet of ground space. To put that in context, a Honda Accord takes up about 98 square feet. A ReloCube will easily fit in your driveway or in a parking space.

In addition, you won’t need to use ramps for loading and unloading because ReloCubes are placed directly on the ground, making them easy and painless (well, as painless as possible) to pack.

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.

U-Pack freight trailer dimensions at a glance

• Exterior: 28′ x 8′ x 9′ (length x width x height)
• Interior: 27’ x 8’ x 9’
• Total usable space: 1,944 cubic feet
• Weight limit: 22,500 pounds

If you’re wondering what it’s possible to fit inside a U-Pack freight trailer, the answer is nearly anything. Furniture, appliances, boxes large and small—there’s space for it all.

Most household goods weigh between 7 and 8 pounds per cubic foot, so even a fully-packed trailer would theoretically ring in between 14,000 and 16,000 pounds—well below the 22,500-pound weight limit.

U-Pack claims their trailers can typically hold the contents of a three- or four-bedroom home or a home with up to 2,400 square feet of space. Of course, this can vary based on how much stuff you own and how efficiently you’re able to pack your trailer.

Moving trailers may pose a parking problem

U-Pack’s 28-foot trailers take up roughly 225 square feet of ground space, which is more than twice that of the average four-door sedan.

Before reserving your trailer, you’ll also need to ensure the following:

• You have 40 feet of space for the trailer and ramp
• Your planned parking area is at least 10 feet wide
• Your parking area has at least 14 feet of overhead clearance
• Your parking area is on level ground, not in a fire lane and away from fire hydrants

Because of these requirements, you may have difficulty finding adequate parking for a U-Pack moving trailer. You would likely need to request permission from your landlord or HOA to be able to park the trailer outside your home for several days, and in some areas, this might not be allowed at all.

Making the most of U-Pack’s services

U-Pack could be a great option if you’re planning a cross-country move. Customers love the company’s easy-to-use approach, and U-Pack costs tend to be much lower than those of using a professional mover.

By understanding how much space U-Pack containers can afford you, you can estimate how much trailer space or how many ReloCubes you’ll need to make for a seamless moving experience. Check out U-Pack’s handy space estimator for more specific guidelines for an extra boost of confidence.

What fits in a U-Pack ReloCube: FAQ

Will a king-size bed fit in a U-Pack?

Yes, queen, king, and California king mattresses and box springs are able to fit in U-Pack’s trailers and ReloCube moving containers.

How much space do U-Pack trailers and ReloCube containers take up?

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.

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.

What’s the best way to load a U-Pack trailer?

Some basic tips to keep in mind: 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 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 rooms. Keep in mind that means three or four total rooms, not the contents of an entire three- or four-bedroom home. Check out this post for a more in-depth analysis of what fits in a 16-foot POD.

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).