How Do U-Box® Containers Work?
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If you’re planning a move and don’t want to handle any of the transportation of your belongings, U-Box containers offer a flexible alternative. Instead of rushing to load and return your rental truck, you can pack portable containers on your own schedule while U-Haul takes care of delivery, pickup, transportation, and optional storage.
So how do they work, and how can you use them to make your move easier? Below, we’ll walk you through each step so you can feel confident and enjoy a smooth, stress-free move.
What Are U-Box Containers?
U-Box containers are portable moving and storage containers designed for flexibility and security. Each container offers 257 cubic feet of space, which is enough to hold the contents of one and a half rooms or a small apartment. Each container can hold up to 2,000 pounds and sits about 6 inches off the ground, helping protect belongings from moisture and pests. about 6 inches off the ground, helping protect belongings from moisture and pests.
U-Box containers are designed to be transported safely over long distances. For security, containers include metal closure latches and interior tie-down rings to help keep items in place during transit. Customers are also required to secure their container with a padlock. Each U-Box container also comes with 24 rental furniture pads for free!
How to Reserve U-Box Containers
Using U-Box containers gives you control over packing and timing, while U-Haul manages the logistics. With U-Box containers, there are multiple delivery options available; each step is handled to help keep your move organized and seamless. Check out our guide to all of the U-Box container delivery options to learn more.
Step 1: Delivery at Your Origin
You begin by choosing how your empty U-Box containers arrive at your starting location. Containers can be delivered directly to your home, accessed at a U-Haul location, or towed by you on a trailer if your vehicle is properly equipped or with a U-Haul truck rental. This allows you to choose the option that best fits your space, schedule, and comfort level.
Step 2: Packing and Loading
Once the containers are available, you can pack at your own pace. This is one of the biggest advantages of using U-Box containers; you’re not limited to a single loading day. You can load the containers yourself or hire Moving Help® Service Providers for assistance. Interior tie-down rings allow you to secure items as you pack, and once loading is complete, you lock the container until pickup. If you choose Moving Help to load and unload your container, you are getting a full-service move for a fraction of the cost!
Step 3: Pickup of Loaded Containers
When you’re finished packing, we pick up the loaded containers from your home or selected location at the scheduled time. You can either have them shipped to a new location or stored at a secure U-Haul storage facility.
Step 4: Shipping and Transit
Your containers are transported to your destination city. For local moves, transit can be as little as the same day or the next day. Other U-Box container shipments with longer distances arrive within 7–14 business days.
When you book online, you also receive a guaranteed arrival date, so you know exactly when your containers will be ready at the destination.
Step 5: Arrival at Destination
Once your containers arrive, they can be delivered directly to your new home or stored securely at a U-Haul storage facility if your move-in date hasn’t arrived yet. This option is helpful when housing timelines change or access to your new home is delayed.
Step 6: Delivery and Unloading
When you’re ready, U-Haul can deliver the containers to your destination address, Moving Help can deliver and unload them, or you can tow your U-Box containers. This means you can unload on your own schedule.
If you’re short on time, you can also book Moving Help Service Providers to assist with unloading and unpacking. After unloading is complete, U-Haul retrieves the empty containers, meaning there’s no need to return them yourself or coordinate drop-offs.
If your new home still isn’t ready when your containers arrive, U-Box containers can remain stored at a secure U-Haul storage facility until you’re ready for delivery. This flexibility helps ensure a smooth move even with delayed closings, temporary housing, or uncertain timelines.
You also only pay for the containers you use, giving you added flexibility if your needs change while packing.
How the Online U-Box Containers Reservation Process Works
All U-Box container moves (excluding international) are quoted instantly, and you can reserve your container entirely online. To reserve your containers, you’ll enter your origin and destination, choose how your containers are delivered at the start of your move, and select delivery or storage options at the destination.
You’ll review your guaranteed arrival date and see transparent pricing that includes delivery, pickup, transportation, and any optional add-ons you choose like insurance coverage, Moving Help labor, or boxes and packing supplies. Once you book, you can manage your reservation online, with support available if you need to make changes.
Who U-Box Containers Are Best For
- U-Box containers work especially well for:
- Small apartments or moves with fewer belongings
- Long-distance moves where you don’t want to handle transporting your goods.
- Moves with flexible or uncertain timelines
- Temporary storage between homes
If you’re looking for a flexible moving solution that fits your schedule, U-Box containers make it easy. Get an instant quote online today and choose the delivery and storage options that work best for you!