How to Get a Full-Service Moving Experience With U-Box® Containers
Last Updated:
When you think of moving with U-Haul, you might picture packing a moving truck, doing the heavy lifting and driving to your new home all by yourself. But your move does not have to be completely DIY.
By pairing U-Box® portable moving and storage containers with labor services available through the Moving Help® Marketplace, you can create a more hands-off moving experience with as much or as little help as you need.
Can You Get a Full-Service Move With U-Haul?
Yes. U-Haul handles the transportation of your U-Box containers, while independent Moving Help Service Providers can assist with packing, delivery, loading, unloading and other available services.
This allows you to customize how much of the moving process you handle yourself.
How U-Box Containers Work
U-Box containers are portable moving and storage containers designed to give you more flexibility throughout your move.
Each U-Box container offers approximately 257 cubic feet of space, typically enough for about one and a half rooms of household belongings. Each container has a maximum loaded weight of 2,000 pounds.
The containers sit about six inches off the ground to help protect your belongings from moisture and pests. Once they are loaded, U-Haul can transport them to your destination or store them at a U-Haul facility until you are ready for delivery.
This can be especially helpful when your move-out and move-in dates don't line up. Your belongings can remain inside the same containers while they are stored, so you do not have to transfer them to a separate storage unit or drive a moving truck to your destination.
How Moving Help Works
The Moving Help Marketplace connects you with independent local Service Providers who offer labor-only services. Moving Help can be booked by the hour for assistance with tasks such as:
- Packing and unpacking
- Loading and unloading
- Cleaning
- Assembling or disassembling furniture
- Rearranging belongings in a storage unit
- Moving heavy furniture or appliances
Moving Help also offers U-Box container and specialty services priced by the number of containers, pianos or gun safes rather than by the hour. These services include:
- Loading or unloading U-Box containers only
- Delivering U-Box containers only
- Delivering and loading or unloading U-Box containers
- Moving pianos
- Moving gun safes
Available services vary by Service Provider and location. Review each provider’s listed services before booking. You provide the packing, moving or cleaning supplies needed to complete the job.
What Can a U-Box Container Move Look Like?
Every move is different, but here is what a more hands-off U-Box container move could look like from start to finish.
1. Reserve Your U-Box Containers
Start by estimating how many containers you may need based on the size of your home and the belongings you plan to move.
Not sure how many you need? You can reserve additional containers and receive a refund for any you do not use.
2. Choose the Help You Need
Next, decide which parts of the move you want help with.
Compare local Service Providers based on available services, customer reviews and pricing to choose the help that fits your move. For a one-way move, you may need separate services at your starting location and destination.
3. Have Your Containers Delivered and Loaded
U-Box offers several delivery and access options.
For a more hands-off experience, a Moving Help Service Provider can pick up your containers from a U-Haul location, deliver them to your home, complete the loading or unloading service you selected and return the containers afterward.
If you prefer to load at your own pace, you can choose a delivery option that allows the containers to remain at your home until you are finished.
4. Let U-Haul Transport or Store Your Containers
Once your containers are loaded, U-Haul can transport them to your destination or store them until you are ready for delivery.
5. Arrange Unloading at Your Destination
When you're ready for your belongings, you can hire a Moving Help Service Provider to unload your containers.
If you also want unpacking assistance, check whether your provider offers it separately, as packing, loading, unloading and unpacking may be booked as different services.
What Are the Benefits of Combining U-Box Containers and Moving Help?
- Move without driving a moving truck: U-Haul transports your loaded containers, so you can travel separately.
- Get help with the physical work: Hire Moving Help Service Providers for loading, unloading or both.
- Keep moving and storage together: Store your belongings inside the containers until you are ready for delivery, without transferring them to a separate storage unit.
- Customize your move: Choose your container quantity, delivery or access option and the labor services that fit your needs and budget.
How Does U-Box With Moving Help Compare With Traditional Full-Service Movers?
Both options can reduce the amount of work you have to do, but they organize the move differently.
| Feature | U-Box With Moving Help | Traditional Full-Service Movers |
| Packing assistance | Add packing assistance when offered by your selected Moving Help Service Provider | May be available depending on the company and service agreement |
| Loading and unloading | Add loading, unloading or both based on your needs | May be included based on the moving agreement |
| Transportation | U-Haul transports your loaded U-Box containers | The moving company transports your belongings |
| Storage | Keep belongings inside the containers at a secure U-Haul storage facility until you are ready for delivery | Storage availability varies and may require separate arrangements or a third-party storage facility |
| Service flexibility | Choose the delivery and labor services that fit your move | Service options vary by company and moving package |
| Quote process | Get a U-Box quote online without scheduling an in-home estimate | Quote processes vary by company and may require an appointment or phone call |
A traditional full-service mover may manage several parts of the process under one agreement, while U-Box containers and Moving Help let you build your move from separate container, transportation and labor services.
The right option depends on your timeline, storage needs, budget and desired level of involvement.
Ready to start planning your move? Explore some popular ways to use U-Box containers and see how U-Box by U-Haul compares with other portable moving and storage options. When you’re ready, get your fast, transparent U-Box container quote by visiting the U-Box page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does U-Haul offer full-service moving?
You can create a full-service-style moving experience by combining U-Box portable moving and storage containers with services available through the Moving Help Marketplace.
Do I have to load my U-Box containers myself?
No. You can hire Moving Help Service Providers to load or unload your U-Box containers. Services and provider availability vary by location.
Can U-Box containers be kept in storage between homes?
Yes. Your containers can be stored at a U-Haul facility until you are ready for delivery. This can help when your move-out and move-in dates do not line up.
Is Moving Help included with every U-Box reservation?
No. Moving Help is optional and is not automatically included with every U-Box reservation. You can compare providers and select the services you need.
Do I have to drive a moving truck when using U-Box?
No. With a shipped U-Box move, U-Haul transports your containers, so you do not have to drive a moving truck to your destination.