How Many U-Box® Containers Do I Need?

Last Updated: October 09, 2025

Before renting a portable storage container, it’s important to determine how many containers you’ll need. The good news is, with U-Box® by U-Haul, there’s no need to overthink it!

U-Box containers make storage and moving simple, whether you’re downsizing, transitioning between homes, tackling a cross-country relocation, or just in need of temporary storage during renovations. Portable storage units give you the flexibility to pack on your own schedule, store your belongings securely, and then either keep them on-site or have them delivered wherever you need. And because U-Haul only charges you for the U-Box containers you actually use, you can order with confidence, knowing you won’t get stuck paying for extras you don’t need.

How Many U-Box Containers Do You Need?

The count of containers will depend on how big your home is and how much furniture and belongings you need to transport for your move. Each U-Box container holds about a room and a half of belongings. If you live a more minimal lifestyle, you'll likely only need 1 container per room. If you're a collector or just have a lot of large furniture to move, you might want to get 2 containers per room.

For the most accurate estimate, you can use our convenient estimator tool!

Start by selecting either the "average" or "more than average" option based on the amount of belongings you have. Then select the number of bedrooms in your home. From there, the tool will generate a recommended number of U-Box containers specifically tailored to your needs.

Here’s a basic estimate based on room count and the amount of belongings:

Bedrooms	Containers for an Average Number of Belongings	More Than Average
Studio Apartment	1	2
1 Bedroom	2	3
2 Bedrooms	3	4
3 Bedrooms	4	5
4 Bedrooms	6	7
5 Bedrooms	8	10

Remember: If you end up with more portable storage containers than you need, U-Haul will refund you for the unused containers.

Why Rent with U-Box?

Whether you’re moving across the country or looking for an alternate storage solution, U-Box containers are a flexible and affordable choice. Don’t just take our word for it! Forbes Home named U-Box containers the “Best Moving Container of 2025,” and Bob Vila dubbed U-Box containers the “Best Overall” in 2025 among plenty of other portable storage container options like PODS®, U-Pack®, and 1-800-PACK-RAT®.

U-Box Container Size

Let's start with the dimensions. Each U-Box container has a capacity of 257 cubic feet and a weight capacity of up to 2,000 lbs. This gives our containers ample strength and space to accommodate virtually anything you have at home (including oversized items like a king-sized mattress).

U-Box container external dimensions:

5 feet wide
8 feet long
7.5 feet high

U-Box container internal dimensions:

4’8” wide
7’11” long
6’11 ½" high

Pro Tip: Use painter's tip to help you visualize the size of a U-Box container by measuring out the dimensions and placing it on a section of your floor and wall(s).

What Fits in a U-Box Container?

Generally, a single U-Box container can accommodate the moving boxes and furniture from about one and a half rooms.

When packed strategically, a U-Box container can hold:

A few rugs

Queen-sized bed frame

Mattress and bedding set

A dresser and some bedside tables

A desk, along with all its accessories

A dining set, chairs included

A loveseat

Some lounge chairs

A television

Extra boxes filled with your belongings

A U-Box container can also hold U-Haul boxes!

120 Small U-Haul boxes
72 Medium U-Haul boxes
45 Large U-Haul boxes

What Doesn’t Fit in a U-Box Container?

Some items may be too heavy or bulky for a portable storage container, like a grand piano, but for the most part, it can fit most anything you need to move. A U-Box can hold most large appliances, from fridges and freezers to washers and dryers. But, we advise keeping one heavy appliance per U-Box container, so as not to overload it.

How to Load Large Appliances Onto a U-Box

Place your heavy item in the center of the container and strap it in to secure it in place. We encourage you to keep moving boxes out of the container with heavy appliances, just to ensure nothing gets squished on the way to your new home!

Think of it this way: If it’s hazardous, highly valuable, or something you can’t bear to lose, it’s better to keep it with you instead of in a U-Box container. When in doubt, reach out to your local U-Haul center for clarification before loading your container.

Get a U-Box Container Quote

Whether you’re moving across the country or need a little extra on-site storage, U-Box containers are a secure, convenient, and flexible solution. Start your U-Box container reservation today!