Learn More About U-Box Portable Storage & Moving Containers

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in my U-Box quote?

The free online U-Box quote gives you a complete pricing breakdown for your move, including all essential fees like shipping, transit, delivery, pickup, and storage. You can also customize your quote with optional services such as Moving Help® labor, packing supplies, and insurance for U-Box storage and shipping.

To learn more about everything included in your U-Box quote, check out our full U-Box quote guide.

When do I pay for my U-Box containers?

U-Box payments are broken into several charges that are billed at different stages of your move. Here’s how it works:

• Container delivery (Where your move starts): You’ll be charged for the first month’s container rental, delivery fees, and Safestor® storage insurance (if selected) on the morning of delivery.
• Monthly rental fees: If your move spans more than one month, the container rental fee will be billed monthly on the same date.
• Shipping and transit: The shipping fee, along with SafeHaul® shipping insurance (if selected), will be charged five days before your container is scheduled to arrive at your destination.
• Moving Help® services: If you book help for delivery, packing, or loading, you'll be charged at the time of reservation.
• Moving supplies: Any moving boxes or packing supplies added to your order will also be charged at the time of reservation.

How much time do I have to load and unload my U-Box containers?

You can keep your U-Box containers on your property for as long as you need to load or unload your belongings—there’s no time limit. While the container is with you, it will be covered with a weather-resistant cover and can be secured with a personal lock.

What items are not allowed in U-Box containers?

The following items are prohibited from being placed in U-Box containers:

• Living organisms
• Flammable/combustible liquids (gasoline, alcohol, paint thinner, etc.)
• Hazardous materials (corrosives, bleach, ammonia, etc.)
• Compressed gases (propane tanks, oxygen/acetylene tanks, scuba diving tanks, etc.)
• Perishables (plants, produce, food, etc.)
• Explosives (ammunition, fireworks, firearms, etc.)

Motorized items (motorcycles, ATVs, riding lawnmowers, etc.) cannot be placed in a U-Box container unless all oils, fuel, and liquids have been drained from the engine.

For more information on what items to avoid packing in U-Box containers, check out our guide on What Can Be Packed in a U-Box Container.

Are my items insured while in U-Box containers?

By default, your belongings are not insured while in transit or in storage with U-Box. However, U-Haul offers optional coverage plans to help protect your items:

• SafeStor®: Covers your belongings while they're stored at a U-Haul storage facility.
• SafeHaul®: Covers your belongings while they're being transported.

Both plans offer coverage levels of $1,000, $5,000, $10,000, or $20,000—so you can choose what works best for your move. Check out the U-Haul Damage Coverage page to learn more about these coverage options.

What are U-Box containers made out of?

U-Box containers are constructed from high-quality, pest-resistant plywood, designed exclusively for U-Haul. The wood creates a breathable, chemical-free environment that helps protect your items during storage and transit — especially sensitive items like wooden furniture. Unlike steel containers, U-Box containers allow for airflow, reducing the risk of mold and mildew. Each container is also delivered with a durable, weather-resistant cover to keep your belongings safe from the elements.

How do I know how many U-Box containers I will need?

The number of U-Box containers you'll need depends on both the size of your home and how much stuff you are planning to move. 1 U-Box container typically fits about a room and a half of items. Here's a quick guide to help you estimate:

Container Count Recommendation By Home Size and Furnishings

Home Size	Light Furnishing	Average Furnishing	Full Furnishing
Studio	1	1	2
1 Bedroom	1	2	3
2 Bedrooms	2	3	4
3 Bedrooms	3	4	5
4 Bedrooms	5	6	7
5 Bedrooms	7	8	10

And don’t worry if you order too many containers- with U-Box containers, you’ll always be refunded for any you don’t use.

Are U-Box containers stored in a climate-controlled warehouse?

U-Haul storage facilities are clean, dry and secure indoor buildings that are insulated to protect your belongings from extreme temperatures.

Will U-Haul load my U-Box containers for me?

Moving Help, which is powered by U-Haul, connects customers with local moving labor professionals who can load or unload your U-Box containers. When you reserve your U-Box containers, you get to choose your own Moving Help Service Providers based off customer reviews and prices, so you can find one that fits your budget and needs. If you already have a U-Box container reservation and would like to add movers from the Moving Help Marketplace, you can enter your U-Box order number on the Moving Help Quote Tool to see what options are available.

How do I modify or cancel my existing U-Box reservation?

You can make several updates to your U-Box reservation online or through the U-Haul app, such as changing your damage coverage, delivery and pickup dates, or the number of containers.

If you need to cancel your reservation or need help making changes, just text 'help' to 1-800-664-5017, and a live U-Haul representative will be happy to assist you.

How long does it take for my U-Box® containers to arrive at my destination?

Delivery times vary based on factors like distance and route, but most U-Box shipments arrive within 7–14 business days. When you book online at uhaul.com, you'll receive a guaranteed arrival date, so you’ll know exactly when your containers will be available at your final destination.

Is my U-Box shipping arrival date guaranteed?

Yes, your quoted shipping timeframe and arrival date at your destination is guaranteed. If we fail to meet the promised date, we guarantee a $50 refund for every day it is late up to the total cost of shipping.

The guarantee is always $50 per day regardless of the number of U-Box containers being shipped. For example, if three U-Box containers are shipped and they arrive one day late, the total refund would be $50 per day.

Can I store my U-Box containers long-term? Is there a fee to access them while in storage?

Yes, we offer long-term storage for your U-Box containers at our secure U-Haul storage facilities. There is no fee to access your containers while in storage.

How do I schedule delivery or shipment of my U-Box containers in storage?

You can make edits yourself online, or on the U-Haul App, by creating a U-Haul Account and selecting your U-Box reservation. Please text the word 'Help' to 1-800-664-5017 and a Live Representative will assist you with scheduling a local delivery, long distance move or a date and time for you to access your containers.

Are U-Box containers secure while on my property?

Yes, U-Box containers are secure while on your property. Each container has a door latch that you can lock with your own lock (we recommend the U-Haul 1-9/16" Brass Security Lock). For your peace of mind, all keys or combinations stay with you; U-Haul employees do not have access to them.

Where can U-Box containers be placed?

U-Box containers can be placed anywhere that’s flat, level, and accessible by a forklift. Most commonly, U-Box containers are placed in driveways, parking spaces, side yards, or curbside on a street. 

If the U-Box container is on a trailer, it can be parked anywhere a vehicle can.

Be sure to check with your city or HOA to confirm where container placement is allowed.

Do I need a permit to store my U-Box containers on my property?

Permit requirements vary depending on your local city regulations or HOA rules. We recommend checking with your city or homeowners association to find out if a permit is needed for your U-Box containers.

What is a weight ticket, and how do I get one?

A weight ticket is required for a Personally Procured Move (PPM), often used by active-duty military members. Just let us know you’re completing a PPM, and we’ll provide both empty and full weight tickets.

For specific requirements and reimbursement details, please contact your transportation office directly.

What is an Invasive Pest Inspection Form?

To prevent the spread of the invasive Spongy Moth and Spotted Lanternfly, an Invasive Pest Inspection Form is required if you are shipping your U-Box containers to California.

For more information on the requirements, check out our guide to Invasive Pest Prevention.

International: What international shipping services do you offer?

Our U-Box containers ship to almost any destination in the world. We offer delivery to the destination port or directly to your door at your international destination (subject to availability).

International: How does the international shipment work?

Experience the convenience and benefits of our domestic U-Box services before your U-Box container is shipped internationally, simply make sure to keep a detailed inventory of all items packed. After your U-Box container is loaded and back at the origin U-Haul location, we will ensure all documentation is in order before we ship. If you elect to door delivery services at destination, we will assist you with customs documentation, customs clearance and delivery to your door in your destination country.

International: What documentation do I need to ship internationally?

Each move and destination may require different forms and supporting documents to ship household goods into the country and qualify to do so tax-free. If you elect our U-Box international to door shipping services, our preferred customs clearance agent in the destination country will assist you with the proper documentation.

International: Does U-Haul assist with clearing customs?

If you elect international shipping services to port, you will be responsible for sourcing your own customs agent in the destination country. If you elect international shipping services to door, our preferred partner will help you complete all customs documentation before your U-Box container is shipped and assist you in completing the clearance process at destination.

*This excludes shipments between the US/CAN, please find information on US & Canada shipments here.

International: Do I have to be present in the destination country to ship by U-Box container there?

Yes, you need to be present in your destination country or have proof of existing travel arrangements to initiate the shipment. Need to pack your items before? Conveniently store your packed U-Box container at our U-Haul location and access it anytime until you are ready to ship.

International: Can I store my U-Box container(s) in the destination country?

We have a large network of partners across the globe that can accommodate storage in most destination countries. Please inquire with an international shipping team member for custom rates and options to be included in your shipping quote after you submit a request.

International: Do I need to provide documentation for a U-Box move between the US and Canada?

Yes, you will need to complete customs documentation and provide proof of residency or citizenship to bring your household goods to your destination country. After you place a reservation, you will have access to a secure document portal that will provide documentation custom to your move and allow you to upload all required documentation in one place.

International: Do I need to complete an inventory of the contents of the U-Box container for my Cross-Border Move?

The Canadian CBSA and US CBP border patrol agencies require a completed inventory of items loaded in your U-Box container(s). We will provide you with an inventory form that you can complete while you pack and load. The inventory is uploaded along with all other customs documentation in your secure documentation portal.

International: How do I complete an inventory for my move?

Any international move requires a detailed inventory of what is packed in your U-Box containers. The inventory is required by the customs authority of your destination country and the requirements may vary. After a reservation for your international move is created, you will be supplied with the specific inventory form required by your destination country.

Check out this video guide on how to properly complete your U-Haul International Moves Inventory Form.