What can I pack in a U-Box® Container?

You just reserved your U-Box container, and now you’re in full-on moving prep mode. You might be sorting through your things, deciding what to take with you and what you want to donate, sell or throw away. This guide will walk you through what items are safe to put in your U-Box container, and what items are prohibited.

What Items Are Safe to Put in a U-Box container?

Whether you’re planning on shipping your container to your new home in another state or country, or storing your container with a local U-Haul® facility, the following items are safe to put in a U-Box container as long as your maximum load is under 2,000 lbs.:

• Furniture – don’t forget to disassemble what you can like legs and bedframes.
• Mattresses – a king-sized mattress can fit in a U-Box container!
• Appliances – Washers, dryers and refrigerators are all acceptable, just make sure any liquids are completely drained and the appliances are properly cleaned.
• Clothing – use our Grand Wardrobe Box to keep your clothes wrinkle-free.
• Moving Boxes – books, dishes, housewares, linens and décor are all safe.

To best protect your items, wipe down and vacuum anything that will be loaded into your container to help prevent mold or mildew growth.

 

What Items Should I Not Put in my U-Box Container?

Some irreplaceable items should remain with you during your move, not packed in your U-Box container. Consider keeping these types of items with you when you are moving one-way as you may need access to them during your move. If you are using your container to store, consider storing these items in a safe inside your home.

• Deeds & documents, including legal and financial documents (passports, visas, birth certificates) and securities
• Medications
• Currency, photographs and electronic data
• Watches, jewelry, precious stones or metals
• Artwork, stamps, collectibles and antiques
• Fur or garments trimmed with fur

What Items Are Not Allowed in my U-Box Container?

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

• 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.

See How Much Can Fit in One U-Box Container!

Items	Allowed	Keep with You	Not Allowed
Furniture, mattresses, clothing	Yes
Boxes, linens, household goods, décor	Yes
Appliances (cleaned and fully drained)	Yes
Deeds, passports, photos and electronic data		Yes
Medication, jewelry, money		Yes
Living organisms			No
Flammable/combustible liquids			No
Hazardous materials/compressed gasses			No
Perishables			No
Firearms, ammunition, fireworks			No