Storage Containers: U-Box® by U-Haul vs. U-Pack®

Portable moving and storage companies allow you to pack your belongings in a container and ship them to wherever you’re moving— if you just need storage, you can store containers at home or in a secure facility. U-Box containers and U-Pack ReloCube® containers give you the convenience of moving any distance without having to drive a moving truck.

But which moving container is best for you? Decide for yourself with this comprehensive guide.

Container Make and Size 

U-Box containers are made from premium, breathable, and weather-resistant plywood. This construction helps keep the items in the U-Box container protected from mold and mildew. Each container is equipped with a highly durable, weather-resistant vinyl cover to further protect your belongings. The containers also sit approximately six inches off the ground to protect against the elements.

With U-Pack, you’ll have a steel ReloCube that is eight feet tall, seven feet wide, and six feet long, totaling 308 cubic feet. However, not all markets have Relocube availability, so you could be stuck loading a 28-foot semi-trailer that will take up space at your home, plus you'll wind up paying to move or store empty space.

U-Box containers are seven and a half feet tall, five feet wide, and eight feet long (257 cubic feet). Not sure how many containers you’ll need? The U-Box estimator tool gives you a good estimate of how many containers you’ll need. The best part is that if you order too many containers, you’ll be refunded for the ones you don’t use. Each U-Box container also comes with 24 rental furniture pads at no extra cost. at no extra cost.

Delivery Methods

U-Box provides various delivery options to accommodate your specific needs. With a U-Box container, you can pack, load, and unload at your own pace. You also have the option to keep the container on your property for as long as you need.

U-Haul offers each of the following delivery methods:

• We Deliver: U-Box containers will be delivered straight to your door for a fee. Simply pack your belongings at your own pace and, when you’re ready, we will come back to pick them up to either store them or ship them wherever you need.
• Self-Delivery: Choose from one of the 1,500-plus U-Haul locations that offer U-Box to pick up your container with a rental truck or a capable towing vehicle for free. Tow it home, fill it up, and bring it back. Choose this option to skip the delivery costs.
• Delivery with Loading: With this option, Moving Help Service Providers will bring your container, load it with your belongings, and return it for you! This option is great for people who don’t want to lift a finger.
• Access at U-Haul Location: Pack your U-Box container at your neighborhood U-Haul location. This free option is great if you don’t have the room to get a U-Box container delivered to you.

U-Pack has two delivery options, but depending on your city and state at the time of your move, you might only have one option available to you.

The first option is that U-Pack will drop a 28-foot semi-trailer on your driveway or the side of the road, and you fill it up to a certain foot marking before placing wooden dividers in place to keep everything secure. These dividers do come with locks and come with two entire pages of instructions on how to set them up and take them down. If you use more space than you originally thought, your price will increase. If you use less space the price will decrease.

The second option is to have a ReloCube container delivered by truck. Like U-Box containers, these are loaded off the truck using a forklift and placed on level ground. With both U-Pack delivery options, you only have three days to load/unload your trailer or container, and you will be charged $50 per day per Relocube container and $250 per trailer that is still being loaded/unloaded.

Do you have an HOA or a city ordinance preventing you from having a container placed in the street or driveway? U-Box containers can be placed in any legal parking spot. Choose U-Box with self-delivery or Moving Help delivery, and your container will be hauled on a trailer that can be legally parked in a parking spot at your condo, flat, or apartment complex.

With multiple delivery options prioritizing flexibility and accessibility, U-Box allows you to choose the delivery option that best fits your needs and budget.

Storage, Safety, and Security

U-Box containers can be stored at your home or in one of the more than 1,500 secure U-Haul storage facilities for as long as you need. U-Box containers are great for on-site storage during a home renovation project, but they're also great if you need long-term storage because of the vast number of locations across 50 U.S. states and all Canadian provinces. For added convenience, you can access your container for free while in storage, just give us a call when you need access and we'll get your container ready for you.

With both U-Pack and U-Box containers, you provide your own lock and key, which means only you have access to your belongings.

U-Pack will store your ReloCube at their local long-term service terminal until you are ready for your items to be delivered to your new home. You will be unable to access your items while they are in storage until you pay to set up a delivery date. If you need to unload your container on the weekend, you’ll need to double-check the hours at your service center. Some locations are closed on weekends.

Cost

The number of containers you use, your chosen delivery method and any add-ons will determine your final price with U-Box. Your U-Box Container quote includes the container rental fee, 24 rental furniture pads per container, your delivery fee, and the gentle ride shipping fee. If you’re not sure of your move date, don’t worry. U-Box has no cancellation fees.

U-Pack prices include the ReloCube or trailer rental, delivery drop-off and pickup, and shipping to your destination. According to U-Pack, if you need to cancel within 7 days of a move, a $50 fee applies. If you cancel on the same day as the move, a $150 fee applies. Please note that if you utilize more trailer space than you initially reserved, the overall price will increase.

Get a free quote instantly and see for yourself why using U-Box is the most affordable and accessible moving and storage container. The best part? full transparency: there are no hidden costs to your move, what you see is what you pay for.

To and From Destination	U-Box by U-Haul – Three Containers (771 cubic feet)	U-Pack 11 feet of trailer space (792 cubic feet)
Los Angeles, CA (90003) to Houston, TX (77021)	$2,617.80	$3,591

*Quotes were made one month out and do not include any insurance costs or moving labor assistance. For U-Box quotes, the truck delivery option was used as standard. Prices are subject to change.

Last Updated October 2025.

Final Takeaway

If you want a versatile, flexible solution that combines portable storage and moving with no deadlines, U-Box is the better choice. With our easy and instant quote system designed to help your research your next move or storage clean-up, U-Box containers alleviate the headache of endlessly searching for the best deal.

U-Haul has over 80 years of experience helping millions of people move across town or across the country. That's why we offer the most convenient container size with the most flexible delivery and storage options for you.

Get a quote today!

 

Perks	U-Box® by U-Haul	Zippy Shell®
Water Resistant	Yes	Yes
24 Rental Furniture Pads	Yes	No
Coverage in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico	Yes	Yes
Multiple Delivery Options	Yes	No
Access at the Company Location	Yes	No
Online Instant Quote	Yes	Yes
International Shipping	Yes	No
Load at Your Own Pace	Yes	No
Complete Transparent Quote	Yes	No
No Cancellation Fee 24 Hours Prior to Reservation	Yes	No