A full-service move can make relocation seamless, and usually includes packing and loading labor. It can be expensive, though. U-Pack offers homeowners the option of saving money by loading a container themselves before scheduling a pickup and relocation. It’s one of the best moving container companies available, and provides excellent customer service and competitive pricing. Read how to hire U-Pack for your move, how to pack and ship your belongings, and how to return the container after you’re done.

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About U-Pack’s Moving Services

U-Pack is a self-service residential moving and storage business that operates under ABF Freight. It’s one of our picks for the best national moving companies, and has an an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau as of 2024. Check out our full U-Pack review for more information.

Types of U-Pack Containers

U-Pack offers you the chance to move your belongings in one of two ways:

1. Moving Trailers: These 28-foot trailers can accommodate significant moves. You pay for the space you use, and must reach a minimum of 5 linear feet and a maximum of 28 linear feet.
2. ReloCubes: These are smaller, portable storage containers that are 6-feet-by-7-feet-by-8 feet. Each ReloCube can hold the contents of one room.

U-Pack’s Service Areas

U-Pack provides moving services across the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Canada. This extensive coverage makes it an excellent choice for long-distance and cross-country moves.

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Choosing Between a Trailer and ReloCube

Whether you should choose a U-Pack trailer or a ReloCube depends on the size of your move and your specific needs.

Pros and Cons of U-Pack Trailers

Pros:

• Flexible space options (pay only for what you use)
• Ideal for larger moves
• Includes a ramp for easier loading

Cons:

• Challenging to load efficiently
• Requires more parking space

Pros and Cons of ReloCubes

Pros:

• Easy to park in tight spaces
• Perfect for smaller moves or apartments
• Weather-resistant

Cons:

• Limited space (one room per cube)
• May need multiple cubes for significant moves

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The U-Pack Process

Decide whether you want a moving trailer or one or more ReloCubes. This choice depends on how much stuff you’re moving and how much flexibility you need.

Read how the process works below.

1. Receive quote: Estimate the amount of trailer space or number of ReloCubes you think you’ll need and get a free quote on U-Pack’s website
2. Reserve container or trailer: Set your delivery, pickup, and drop-off dates.
3. Receive container or trailer: Make space near your home for a 28-foot trailer or a ReloCube, which fits in a standard parking space. Someone 18 or older must be present to sign for the equipment.
4. Load container or trailer: U-Pack gives you three business days to fill your ReloCubes or as much trailer space as you need. You can do this yourself or hire professional movers.
5. Schedule pickup: A U-Pack driver will arrive at your home to transport your trailer or ReloCube to your new home.
6. Await delivery: U-Pack can deliver your ReloCubes to your door or to a nearby service center for storage.
7. Unload container or trailer: You’ll have three days to empty the trailer or cube.
8. Schedule final pickup: A U-Pack driver will return to remove the empty trailer or ReloCube.

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Reserve Parking at Your House for the U-Pack

Remember that you’ll need space to park either the trailer or one or more ReloCubes while you load. You must park U-Pack trailers on any paved, level surface, and there must be at least 14 feet of overhead clearance without tree branches or low-hanging wires.

If space or parking is at a premium near your home, you must reserve it in advance. You may need to contact your homeowners association or building management for explicit permission. You may even need to apply to the city for a moving permit several days in advance in some cases.

If all else fails, you can take your belongings to the nearest U-Pack service center and load them into a trailer or container there. You’ll have to use your own vehicle to transport your items to this location.

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Preparing for Your Container

Remember to gather moving supplies and pack your belongings before U-Pack delivers your trailer or container. You’ll only have three days to load your trailer or ReloCube. Cardboard boxes may be sufficient if you’re moving, but if you plan to store your ReloCube for any length of time, invest in clear plastic bins instead. Label all boxes or bins clearly, and keep a detailed inventory of what goes into each one.

You must supply your own locks for the equipment so that only you have access to your belongings. If you’re moving with a trailer, U-Pack will supply a lockable divider to keep your belongings separate from anything else on the truck. You’ll need a bulkhead lock, similar to one you’d use on a trailer hitch, with a shank that’s at least 2 inches long and no more than 1/4 inch in diameter. ReloCubes have spots for locks on each door. Locks should have a shank diameter of no more than 3/8 inches for these.

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Packing and Loading Tips

If you don’t want the hassle of loading your trailer or container yourself, you can hire a moving company to provide the labor. U-Pack can refer you to a local branch of Moving Staffers, or you can hire your own service. You’ll pay for the labor, but professional movers can get the job done more quickly and safely with less risk of damage to your belongings.

U-Pack trailers have ramps so that you can load and unload more easily, but if you want other equipment, such as dollies or hand trucks, you must supply them yourself. You’ll also be responsible for moving blankets, tie-down straps, and other supplies. Packing a trailer is no different from packing any moving truck, but loading a container such as a U-Pack ReloCube requires a few special considerations. Read more below.

• Don’t cram loose items into the container. Pack as much as you can in boxes, bins, drawers, or other containers.
• Fill spaces between items with moving blankets, furniture pads, blankets, pillows, or other soft items.
• If you use multiple ReloCubes, make sure to write down which items you’ve stored in each cube.
• The containers have interior tie-down hooks, so use moving straps or ropes to secure your belongings every few feet.
• Tip large items such as furniture up on their sides so you can load them upright. You can even pack couches upright in most cases.
• Try not to put the heaviest items at one end of the ReloCube. Instead, spread them out on the base layer of each stack of belongings.
• Use as much vertical space as possible. Stack lighter items toward the top.

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Preparing for Delivery

Be sure to reserve parking or get a permit in anticipation of delivery. U-Pack will give you a delivery window for the drop-off, and you’ll have three business days to unload. You can unload your belongings yourself or hire movers to unload for you. If you need a very specific delivery window, you can upgrade to U-Pack’s Guaranteed Delivery option for an additional fee.

If your plans change or your new home isn’t ready yet, U-Pack can store your ReloCube at a service center until you’re ready for it. U-Pack will bill you monthly starting from the day your ReloCube arrives at the service center. You can’t access your ReloCube while it’s in storage, and you can’t keep ReloCubes on your property for on-site storage.

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Returning the Container

You must schedule a time for U-Pack to pick up your trailer or ReloCube in advance. If you finish unloading before your planned pickup date, you can call the local service center and request an earlier pickup. You don’t need to be present when the driver arrives, but make sure you’ve emptied the container or trailer and removed your lock. U-Pack will charge a fee if a representative has to cut off the lock.

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Comparing U-Pack to Other Moving Container Companies

Understanding how U-Pack compares to competitors can help you to make an informed decision about your move. Explore how it compares in terms of cost, service, and convenience below.

U-Pack vs. PODS

U-Pack offers competitive pricing for long-distance moves compared to PODS. PODS may provide more flexibility for local moves and on-site storage options, though.

U-Pack vs. Other Do-It-Yourself Moving Options

U-Pack does not require you to drive a large vehicle yourself, unlike traditional truck moving companies. This can be a significant advantage for long-distance moves or for homeowners who are uncomfortable driving large trucks.

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FAQ About Using U-Pack

What is the first thing you should pack when moving?

The first things you should pack when moving are things you use the least frequently, such items already in storage, holiday decorations, and out-of-season clothes. Proceed with fragile items, guest bedroom items, and wall decor before packing the things you use more frequently.

Does U-Pack have hidden fees?

U-Pack has a reputation for being transparent during the quote process. Your moving quote will include all fees, and you won’t need to pay a deposit. However, there is a cancellation fee if you cancel within 24 hours of your delivery time.

What are some things to pack in a car?

The things you should pack in a car include important documents, valuables, spare keys, medications, living things such as plants and pets, and a small suitcase with enough clothes to last until you’ve unpacked your belongings.

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