How to Properly Load a U-Box Container

Properly loading your U-Box® container can help protect your belongings and prevent items from shifting during storage or transportation. Start with sturdy, heavy items on the floor and build tightly packed tiers from the back of the container toward the door. Secure each tier and fill open spaces as you go.

Each U-Box container can hold up to 2,000 lbs., so distribute the weight evenly and avoid concentrating heavy items on one side. Keep prohibited items, valuables and anything you may need during your move outside the container.

What Should I Do Before Loading a U-Box Container?

A little preparation can make loading easier and help you use your container space more effectively. Before moving anything into the container:

• Declutter and decide what you want to keep, sell, donate or discard.
• Estimate how many containers you may need.
• Review which items can and cannot be packed.
• Disassemble furniture when practical.

Make sure appliances and other packed items are clean and completely dry.

U-Haul® tip: Pack an essentials bag before you begin loading. Include medication, toiletries, documents, chargers, a change of clothes and anything else you may need before your containers are unloaded.

Declutter Before Packing

Estimate How Many Containers You Need

One U-Box container offers approximately 257 cubic feet of space and can typically hold about a room and a half of household belongings. A standard king-size mattress can fit inside, giving you a helpful reference when estimating how much space you need.

Use the U-Box Container Estimator Tool to estimate how many containers you’ll need.

Not sure how many you need? Reserving an extra container gives you flexibility. If you do not use every container you reserve, the rental rate for each unused container is refunded.

Prepare Your Furniture and Pack Your Boxes

Disassemble furniture when it is practical and safe to do so. Remove table legs, bed-frame pieces, shelves and other detachable parts to save space and create flatter surfaces for stacking.

Place screws and other small hardware in labeled bags. Secure each bag to the matching piece of furniture or keep all hardware bags together in a clearly marked box.

Pack heavy items, such as books and dishes, in smaller boxes and lighter items, such as bedding and lampshades, in larger boxes. Fill empty space inside each box to help keep contents from shifting, then tape the box securely. Label each box with its contents and destination room. Avoid overpacking so boxes remain manageable and safe to lift.

You can also use the My Belongings Organizer in the U-Haul app to keep a record of each box and what is inside; you can even take a picture for visual reference.

 

What Shouldn't I Pack in a U-Box Container?

Do not pack living organisms, perishables, firearms, ammunition, fireworks, flammable liquids, hazardous materials or compressed gases. Review the complete guide to what can be packed in a U-Box container before loading.

Motorcycles, ATVs, riding lawn mowers and similar motorized equipment may be packed only after all fuel, oil and other liquids have been completely drained.

Battery-powered mobility equipment, e-bikes, electric scooters and other equipment powered by lithium-ion batteries may have specific shipping requirements. Review your rental agreement before packing these items.

How Do I Safely Load a U-Box Container?

The three basic steps for loading your U-Box container are:

1. Load the container in tiers
2. Secure as you go
3. Fill open spaces before continuing

Start at the back of the container and build each tier from floor to ceiling before moving forward. Place heavier, sturdier items near the floor and lighter boxes and more fragile items above them when they can be safely supported.

Pack items closely together and distribute weight evenly across the container rather than concentrating heavy items in one area.

This approach creates a more stable load and helps reduce shifting during storage or transportation.

Protect Furniture and Loose Items

Each U-Box container includes 24 rental furniture pads. Use them to wrap furniture, place between belongings or cushion open spaces to help protect items and reduce movement during transit.

To make the most of your space, stand mattresses and other tall, flat items upright along a container wall and secure them to prevent tipping or sliding. Other furniture may also be positioned vertically when it can be safely secured.

Place a furniture pad or another protective barrier anywhere an upholstered item may touch a hard, sharp or unfinished surface.

Long items, such as bed-frame rails, rugs and shelving, may also fit best vertically. Secure them carefully and keep all loose items away from the container door so nothing falls against it.

Secure Each Tier as You Go

Use the tie-down rings inside your U-Box container to secure furniture and moving boxes. Finish and secure one tier before starting the next.

Use rope or load-rated tie-downs that are in good condition. Tighten them enough to stabilize the load without crushing furniture, boxes or fragile items.

U-Haul tip: Do not wait until the container is completely packed to secure everything. Once later tiers are in place, you may not be able to reach the tie-down points needed to stabilize the earlier sections. 

Watch our visual guide for packing tips!

 

Leave the Door Area Clear

Before closing the container, make sure:

• Nothing is leaning against the door.
• Tie-downs and loose packing materials are secured.
• No items extend into the door’s path.
• You can close and latch the door without forcing it.

Keep your lock accessible until you've completed a final check of the container.

Can I Hire Help to Load My U-Box Containers?

If you would rather not load your containers yourself, you can hire labor through the Moving Help® Marketplace.

Moving Help Service Providers can assist with packing, loading or unloading. Providers set their own prices, service areas and availability, so review each provider’s services before booking.

Ready to plan your U-Box move? Get a U-Box container quote and choose the number of containers, delivery method and optional services that fit your move.