
For those considering the convenience of U-Pack for their relocation needs, it’s important to understand the expenses and any hidden costs associated with the service – especially if it’s a service you’ve not used before.
Our guide will cover the following:
- How much U-Pack costs
- What affects the cost of U-Pack
- How to save money on U-Pack
- What’s involved in using U-Pack
- How to know if U-Pack is the best choice for you
- How to find and hire U-Pack
Ready to get the ball rolling on your house move? Let’s jump in.
How Much Does U-Pack Cost?
When it comes to relocating, container moving services have gained popularity for their convenience and flexibility.
For our cost comparison, we’ll be looking at different DIY vehicle hire and storage unit suppliers to compare and contrast their prices to give you a well-rounded idea of the kind of costs you’ll encounter when looking to hire moving services.
Service Provider | Average Container/Vehicle Hire Price |
---|---|
PODS | $6,100+ |
U-Pack | $3,000+ |
1-800-PACK-RAT | $3,000+ |
zippyshell | $2,900+ |
U-Haul | $3,500+ |
SMARTBOX | $3,100+ |
U-Box | $3,700+ (to include vehicle hire and box) |
U-Pack stands out with an average container price of $3,000+. Their affordability coupled with a reputation for excellent customer service makes them an attractive option for those moving house.
U-Pack provides a cost-effective solution by combining professional transportation with a DIY approach to packing and loading, which offers a balance between budget-friendly pricing and reliable moving assistance.
The range of prices from other suppliers comes in at between $2,900 at the lowest, to $6,100+ at the highest end of the spectrum.
What Affects the Cost of U-Pack?
The cost of U-Pack is influenced by a few key factors. The distance of your move, the number of ReloCubes (storage containers) or trailer space you need and the specific services you choose, such as loading and unloading assistance, can all impact the final cost.
Distance of the Move
The distance between your current location and your new destination plays a significant role in determining the cost of your service. Longer distances typically result in higher costs, as more fuel and resources are required for transportation.
Amount of ReloCubes or Trailer Space Needed
The number of ReloCubes (portable containers) or the amount of trailer space you require to accommodate your belongings directly impacts the cost, as you’ll pay for the specific space you use. Having a clear estimate of your load size helps you select the appropriate container or trailer size, avoiding unnecessary expenses.
Similarly, it’s important not to get over-optimistic and choose too few containers for your items, as additional last-minute loans will inevitably cost more.
Chosen Services
U-Pack offers a range of additional services that can impact your final cost. Basic transportation is the most budget-friendly option, where you load and unload your items yourself, but if you opt for additional services like loading or unloading assistance, these extras will influence the final price.
Seasonal Demand
Peak moving seasons, such as spring and summer, can lead to increased demand for moving services. During these periods, prices may be slightly higher due to greater demand for transportation resources.
Conversely, moving during off-peak seasons could result in more cost-effective rates.
How Can I Save Money on U-Pack?

With moving being one of the most expensive things to do in life, it’s good to know the ways in which you can trim down your charges. Let’s take a closer look at ways to save money when you book U-Pack.
Where possible, try to opt for flexible moving dates, as weekdays and off-peak seasons might come with more cost-effective rates. Similarly, it’s a good idea to pack your items strategically to optimize space in the ReloCube or trailer, potentially requiring fewer containers and reducing your cost.
If you want to cut down additional labor charges, you can try your hand at loading and unloading. While doing so, be sure to maximize the available space in your ReloCube or trailer by using every inch efficiently – this means it’s a hard no to just throw your items in and hope for the best!
While U-Pack offers various services, opting for basic transportation without extras can help you keep costs in check.
What’s Involved in U-Pack?
Booking and using U-Pack is fairly straightforward. Let’s look at the key points of the process.
First things first, you’ll need to begin by obtaining a quote on the U-Pack website. To get this, you’ll need to provide details about your move, including the to and from location and your expected load volume – this can be calculated by considering the number of rooms your home has, or by using the square footage of the space.
If you are unsure about the number of cubes you’ll need, it’s best to speak to an operative who can talk you through the options. Once you’re ready to book, you can reserve the appropriate number of ReloCubes or trailer space for your belongings, choosing whichever option is best for your move and needs.
Then, on the day, U-Pack will deliver the containers or trailer to your location, where you can load items at your own pace. As soon as everything is loaded, U-Pack picks up the containers or trailer and transports them to your destination – upon arrival, you then have the flexibility to unload at your own speed.
Lastly, U-Pack will retrieve the empty containers or trailer, completing the service.
Is U-Pack the Best Choice for Me?
If you’re looking for affordable rates, simplified logistics and the convenience of packing and loading at your own pace, U-Pack might be the best fit for you. Let’s look at the pros and cons of using the service.
Advantages of U-Pack | Disadvantages of U-Pack |
---|---|
Affordability - U-Pack tends to be cheaper than traditional moving services as it is more labor-intensive for the mover | Labor-intensive - you'll have to load and unload crates yourself |
Flexibility - you can load and unload to your own schedule | Location limitations - some locations might not be included in U-Pack's repetoire, so it's best to check before booking |
Tracking - you can track your container as it travels across states, giving you peace of mind | Less control over dates - the flexiblity has a downside as there are no fixed dates for delivery once the containers are collected |
U-Pack is a great choice if you’re seeking a cost-effective and flexible moving solution. It’s ideal for those who prefer a middle ground between traditional full-service movers and DIY moves, and for those who don’t want the added stress of loading and unloading all belongings in one day.
However, U-Pack’s service areas may not cover every location. Availability can vary depending on your departure and destination locations, potentially limiting your options if you’re moving to a less common area, and costs can skyrocket for larger distances between locations.
How Do I Find and Hire U-Pack?

When it comes to hiring, you should start by visiting the U-Pack website and providing them with details about your move, such as your current and destination locations, the size of your load and any additional services you might need.
Once you’ve entered the necessary information, U-Pack will provide you with a detailed quote based on your specifications. Take the time to review the quote and understand the estimated costs.
When you’ve decided U-Pack is the way to go, it’s time to choose the appropriate container size for your belongings. U-Pack offers ReloCubes, which are portable containers available in different sizes, or you can opt for trailer space if needed.
After selecting the container size, you can proceed to reserve the equipment. U-Pack will guide you through the booking process, ensuring you have the right resources for your move.
Now for the important bit – you need to coordinate the pickup date for the container at your current location. U-Pack will deliver the container to your specified address, and if you need time to load, you have the flexibility to do so.
Once your container is loaded, U-Pack will transport it to your destination. You can track the progress of your shipment online, and when the container arrives at your new location, simply unload your belongings.
Finding the Best Moving Solution For You
With so many options when it comes to moving house, it’s important to understand the nuances of each service to see which is the best fit for you and your individual needs.
Simply put, the first step is to understand the service being offered – does it align with what you want or need in a removal service? If you’re happy with a level of manual labor, then U-Pack might be the right choice for you – but if you want a fully-automated service that has no input from you, it might not be the right fit.
Next, before you get too deep into the process, it’s a good idea to look for customer reviews and testimonials. Hearing about real experiences from previous customers can give you insight into the quality of their service.
If you are unsure about anything at this stage, such as any hidden fees or late return expenses, it’s a good idea to contact their customer service center to ask any questions you have. Pay attention to their responsiveness and willingness to provide clear information, as this can be a good signal of their customer care.
While you may be set on U-Pack, it’s a good idea to consider other moving options as well. Compare U-Pack with other reputable moving companies to see which one best suits your needs and budget.
Ultimately, trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right or you’re not fully confident, it’s okay to explore other options.
Final Checklist
If you’ve come to the conclusion that U-Pack is right for you and your upcoming move, be sure to follow our final checklist to ensure everything is ticked off your list ready for your big day.
- Explore your options – does the convenience of U-Pack suit you? Are you OK with loading and unloading your belongings yourself?
- Check that the location is within U-Pack’s remit
- Understand the services included and see if you need any additional add-ons
- Schedule your container for delivery
- Use your tracking link to see the progress of your shipment
- Unload at your own pace at the other end!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does U-Pack Work for Long-Distance Moves?
U-Pack provides a convenient and cost-effective solution for long-distance moves. You load your belongings into a ReloCube or trailer, and U-Pack transports it to your destination, where you have the flexibility to load and unload at your own pace.
What Makes U-Pack Different from Traditional Movers?
U-Pack offers a middle-ground solution between traditional full-service movers and DIY options. With U-Pack, you avoid driving a truck yourself while enjoying the convenience of loading and unloading your items.
Can I Get Assistance with Loading and Unloading?
Yes, U-Pack offers loading and unloading assistance through their labor referral program. Professional movers can help you with the heavy lifting, ensuring your items are loaded and unloaded safely.
How Does U-Pack Compare to Truck Rental Services?
U-Pack eliminates the need for you to drive a truck by providing transportation. You load and unload, while U-Pack handles the driving, whereas truck rental services require you to drive the truck yourself.
Is U-Pack Available for Cross-Country Moves?
Yes, U-Pack is available for cross-country moves across the continental United States. They have a wide coverage area, allowing you to move your belongings efficiently across long distances.