How Big are U-Box Containers? Plus Answers to Other U-Box Questions - Moving.com (2024)

Thinking of using U-Haul’s U-Box containers for your next move? These portable moving and storage containers are a useful alternative to traditional moving boxes, and offer flexible delivery options that help you get your belongings where they need to be. And to help you figure out whether U-Box containers are a good fit for your upcoming moving or storage needs, we’ve put together a quick guide to common U-box questions, including how big are U-Box containers anyway and how much are they going to cost you?

What Are U-Haul U-Box Containers?

U-Haul’s U-Box containers are convenient storage containers that are brought right to your door for you to load with belongings. They are then picked back up and either brought into storage until you need them again or delivered to a different location. U-Haul will ship your U-Box containers anywhere in the world, making them a great option for interstate and international relocations. As for security, you’ll have your own lock and key for your U-Box container, which ensures nobody else will be able to access its contents. And the boxes themselves are weatherproof and made from breathable plywood to reduce the risk of mold and mildew.

U-Haul U-Box Containers vs. PODS

If U-Box containers sound a lot like PODS, that’s because they are in fact very similar in terms of purpose and utility. That being said, there are a few differences that are important to note if you’re trying to decide between the two.

First, while both U-box containers and PODS are available for drop-off in most states (50 for U-Haul, 47 for PODS), U-Haul offers delivery of as many U-Box containers as you need, whereas you can only order one PODS container at a time. Another notable difference: when you order U-Haul U-Box containers, drop-off and pick-up are included in your delivery rate, whereas PODS tacks them on after. However, what you lose in cost with PODS you make up for slightly with convenience, since PODS can be dropped off even when you’re not at home, while you will need to be present for the delivery of your U-Box containers.

Ultimately, both U-Box containers and PODS are pretty much the same, with both services offering a few small but key advantages over the other. Which one you decide to go with then depends largely on how much you want to spend, how many you need, and where you’re going to be shipping them to (if applicable).

How Big Are U-Box Containers?

Each U-Box container is 95” in length x 56” in width x 83.5” in height for a total of 257 cubic feet of space. Put more simply, each U-Box container can fit approximately a room to a room and a half of household goods. As a general rule of thumb, round up when deciding how many U-Box containers you’re going to need since U-Haul will refund you for any that you don’t end up using.

How Much Do U-Box Containers Cost?

There are four separate costs that make up the total price of renting a U-Box container:

1. The container itself, which includes two dozen furniture pads and the monthly storage fee
2. Delivery to your location
3. Transit to your next location
4. Delivery to your next location

Another additional cost, depending on if you choose to purchase it, is U-Box insurance coverage for the duration of the time you’re renting the box.

You’ll need to reach out to U-Haul directly for a quote, but expect to spend about $50 to $100 per container with monthly storage, $200 per initial delivery, $1,000 to $3,000 for transit and shipping within the United States, and $80 for final delivery. While it certainly isn’t cheap, it can be a lot cheaper than hiring a moving company, especially if you’re moving across the country. If you need additional assistance, look into the U-Box Full Service Delivery & Load option, which includes local professional moving helpers who will take on the task of loading your containers for you.

How U-Box Containers Work

Now that we’ve covered some of the main basics of U-Haul U-Box containers, it’s time to go over the specifics of what you can expect when you book them. Here are the various steps involved.

1. Figure out what you need
   

   The first step in renting U-Box containers is figuring out exactly what your needs are going to be. This is important to do before reaching out for a quote, since in order to give you as accurate of an estimate as possible U-Haul is going to need to know how many U-Box containers you’re going to require and whether you’re going to be storing the boxes or shipping them to another location.

   Remember: each U-Box container can fit about a room to a room and a half’s worth of household belongings, and that includes furniture.

2. Get a quote
   

   Enter in your information here to get rates for your area. You’ll need to include where your drop-off will take place, where you want your U-Box containers delivered (if applicable), and what your preferred drop-off date is. If you’re going to need your containers shipped to another city but not quite yet, leave the delivery location box empty for now and your boxes will just go into U-Haul storage.

3. Get your U-Box containers delivered
   

   U-Haul will deliver your U-Box containers right to your driveway, though if you’d prefer to pick them up yourself you can do that too using either a specialty built U-Haul trailer or your own truck. A benefit of doing self pick-up is that you’ll be able to park your container in any legal parking space, provided it’s on the trailer or truck. This is useful if you’re loading your container in an urban environment and/or somewhere where you don’t have a driveway you can leave your containers in.

   If you’d rather skip delivery entirely, you can also bring your belongings directly to a U-Haul facility and load your U-Box containers there.

4. Have your boxes picked up and stored or shipped
   

   When you’re done filling up your U-Box containers, call U-Haul and arrange for pick up. Depending on what your requirements are, they’ll either store them in a safe facility where you’ll be able to access the containers whenever you want (perfect for storage during home renovations or in between moves), or they’ll ship your containers to your next location. You’ll get updates when the containers are in transit, as well as when they arrive at their final destination.

Using U-Box Containers for International Moves

U-Haul U-Box containers are a popular choice for international moves, since they take a lot of the guesswork out of how you’re going to get your belongings from point A to point B. Containers are shipped on cargo ships, and are overseen by a separate U-Box international team. This helpful team will provide you with all of the customs documents you’ll need in order to import your belongings to an international port, and can also help you navigate the process of receiving your belongings at their destination port by referring you to a port agent in your new country. They’ll even help you arrange transportation for your containers from their destination port to your home.

You can learn more about using U-Box containers for international moves—and get a quote—here.

Ready to Book U-Haul U-Box Containers?

Reach out to U-Haul directly to get started on the reservation process, and let them know if you have any questions about what you can expect.