U-Haul U-Box® Rental Review

With the U-Haul® brand backing it and some versatile options, U-Box® is worth your consideration.

Get My Free Quote

Uhaul U-Box Review
HireAHelper Logo

Free, Instant Moving Quotes

What type of help do you need?
Uhaul U-Box Review

Updated Thursday, November 9th 2023

Reviews

3.61/5

Pros

  • Enduring reputation provides sense of security
  • More options than the competition for pickup and delivery of containers
  • Two dozen furniture pads are included with the rental of each container

Cons

  • Expensive for someone moving from a big home
  • Having only one size of container is limiting
  • Shipping options are not always available and depend on your location
HireAHelper Logo

Free, Instant Moving Quotes

What type of help do you need?

U-Haul U-Box® Company Overview

U-Haul is essentially the inventor of the modern-day DIY move, popularizing the concept of renting your own moving vehicle all the way back in 1945. Now, with the advent of moving container companies such as PODS®, U-Haul has pushed itself into the storage transportation business. This is where "U-Box" comes in.

In general, moving containers are the more expensive choice for those with bigger homes (read: lots of stuff). And U-Box, especially with only one container size available, is no exception. On the plus side, anyone intimidated by driving one of those big moving trucks can avoid that hassle altogether; U-Box has professional drivers deliver the boxes, pick them up, then ship them to wherever you are moving. (If you're cool with hauling the boxes yourself, you can also go that route.)

Also, a nice U-Box perk is that you can order more boxes than you need and return the ones you didn't end up using, free of charge. The moving containers are made of treated plywood and delivered with a cover that promises to be sturdy and weatherproof, but it's up to you if you want to entrust your belongings to wood.

U-Haul U-Box® Reviews and Pricing

Uhaul U-Box Review

Long Distance

250+ mi.

Average Cost

$3,074

14.4% cheaper than other companies

Average Review

3.63/5

22.6% lower than other companies

Average Cost Per Mile

$2.25

45.8% cheaper than other companies

Local Move

Under 50 mi.

Uhaul U-Box Review

Compared to Other Companies

Average Review

3.33/5

33.6% lower than other companies

Medium Distance

50-250 mi.

Uhaul U-Box Review

Compared to Other Companies

Average Cost Per Mile

$15.22

3.5% higher than other companies
Average Review

4.25/5

7.5% lower than other companies

Long Distance

250+ mi.

Uhaul U-Box Review

Compared to Other Companies

Average Cost

$3,074

14.4% cheaper than other companies
Average Cost Per Mile

$2.25

45.8% cheaper than other companies
Average Review

3.63/5

22.6% lower than other companies

U-Haul U-Box® Container Sizes

Options
Length
Width
Height
Capacity
U-Box Storage Container 7'11" 4'8" 6'11 ½" 257 cubic feet/one and a half rooms

Photos of U-Haul U-Box in the Wild

U-Haul U-Box® Services Offered

Services Legend

  • Available
  • Not Offered
Small Moving Container

Small Containers

Medium Moving Container

Medium Containers

Large Moving Container

Large Containers

Delivery Truck Crane

Delivery

Storage Container

Storage

Packing Supplies

Packing Supplies

Hand holding moving box

Local Movers

My move with U-Haul U-Box®

Author: Francesca Di Meglio

Updated: Thursday, November 9th 2023

How does U-Haul U-Box work?

You book online, pick your specific delivery method along with any add-ons, then pay in installments. Here's how it breaks down.

To rent a U-Haul U-Box storage container, just head to their website. There, you can input where and when you plan to move. You will be prompted to describe whether you have an average amount of stuff, or lots of it. Then, you describe your home as being a studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, three-bedroom, etc. The tool conveniently spits out the suggested number of containers to rent.

The good news is you can rent more containers than you need because you only get charged for the number of containers you have anything inside of. But the bad news is that if you are moving a larger home, you will have only one size container from which to choose - and it's small. It fits the contents of about one and a half rooms in it. That means the price is likely to jump, and fast.

Pick your delivery

After you decide on the number of containers you need, you will be prompted to decide which of U-Box's specific delivery methods you want for your containers:

  • U-Box delivers containers to your door
  • Full-service delivery and load
  • Self-delivery (you pick up the container from a U-Haul location)
  • Bring your stuff to the container at a U-Haul location

For my specific, local move, here are what these options were quoted to me as:

  • We Deliver: as low as $978.95
  • Full-Service Delivery and Load: as low as $582.85
  • Self-Delivery: as low as $5.00
  • Access at a U-Haul Location: Free

How delivery works

As is the case with most portable storage containers, you will be paying for the rental of the container for one month. That buys you some flexibility with pick up and delivery times. This option always comes in handy if you're not 100% certain about when you will be able to move into your new place. (A lot of people use the service simply for storage during a renovation or just because they need space.)

You choose whether to keep the containers on your property or in a U-Haul storage facility. The price is the exact same for either option. But still, you will be charged a monthly rental fee. Also, as long as you provide the storage facility staff at least 24-hour advance notice, you will be able to access your container for free.

Your mileage will vary depending on what's available in your area (literally).

Each container has a latch that can fit a padlock. If you do not have a lock, you can purchase one from them for a few bucks, depending on your store. Only you keep the key or combination to ensure the safety of your stuff.

On the day of delivery (or pickup) of your containers, you can start loading contents into the U-Box, with or without movers. Again, you can keep it all at your place for one month without being charged extra. However, when you input a long-distance move into the website form, U-Haul will provide you with a date for pick-up of the loaded containers for transportation to the final destination. You can pick a later date, but you will not be able to pick anything sooner.

How billing works

You pay in installments, depending on the delivery service you pick. For full-service delivery, you may have to pay a large portion upfront, while with other delivery options you may end up paying a certain amount when you receive the U-Box, then the rest afterwards. Ask about your particular location's terms.

How does U-Haul U-Box work with local moves?

There are no major differences between planning a local or long-distance move with U-Box.

You still go to the website and fill out the same forms. In my case, I moved from Fort Lee, New Jersey to nearby Ridgefield Park, New Jersey, and I was unable to book a straight delivery. To have a U-Haul driver bring the container to my current home and final destination, the site urges you to hire professional movers through the company. This was nothing short of annoying. You can opt to have it delivered to your place and hire movers elsewhere, if you want to try and hack together a better price.

Also, choosing the option of delivery with pre-packaged help from U-Haul movers means you have to pay much of your bill upfront on the day you first schedule the rental. With all the other U-Box options, you pay nothing at first and simply provide your credit card as a placeholder until delivery or pickup of the storage container.

Obviously, the real difference between a local and long-distance move with these storage containers is the price. A big chunk of your budget will go toward paying for the delivery of the loaded containers, and the longer the distance, the more expensive the cost.

My local move estimate

I planned a move from Fort Lee, New Jersey to nearby Ridgefield Park, New Jersey, both of which are close to New York City. You travel about five miles to get from one town to the other.

My move was for a 3-bedroom home with an attic and basement. I took the advice of the estimator tool on the U-Box website and rented four (4) portable storage containers. The load, delivery, and unload would all happen in one day. I opted for the “Moving Help Delivery” option because it was the only way to have a professional driver haul everything and emulate moves I'd get with other storage container companies.

Having only one sized container that fits one and a half rooms apiece is prohibitive.

My local move, U-Box estimate came to $1,718.75. Because I ended up choosing the delivery option that came with professional movers, I had to pay $973.95 up front when I signed up for the service. I would pay the additional $744.80 for the containers and trailer rental and delivery on the day of my scheduled move.

When will you have to pay your U-Box bill? Customers should carefully read the payment information on the screen. It clearly delineates how much you are paying for various parts of the service provided and the dates on which you'll have to make payments. Also, be wary of what you see. The original payment document I saw on the screen said the first month of rental was free, a deal that was available for the local move only, and showed a much smaller subtotal. However, that was not the case when I arrived at checkout. Also, the first month was included in the price and I was expected to pay the more expensive total. (This might have to do with the fact that I opted for the “Moving Help™ Delivery,” which seems to change the payment process.)

How does U-Haul U-Box work with long-distance moves?

Again, there are no fundamental differences between planning a local or long-distance move with U-Box.

Your experience with U-Box - regardless of the kind of move you are making - begins at the website. You'll input your information and share details about your current address, size of home, and final destination to receive a customized estimate.

One important note is that for the long-distance move, I was able to pick a date for the delivery of the storage containers, aka the start of my move, but the date of drop-off of the loaded containers was automatically chosen for me. I could make it for a later date, but I could not get it any sooner. Of course, this is a result of needing the time to get my contents from northern New Jersey to central Florida. You'll have to work this timing into your planning.

Another difference is the fact that you will be dealing with two different U-Haul U-Box locations. The company has locations virtually everywhere, even out of country, so it won't present the same kinds of challenges as smaller competitors. But it could weigh into your decision about the delivery method. For instance, if the Orlando location is close to my new home, I might sign up to unload the containers at the storage facility and bring my stuff to my home myself. This option is free and could significantly bring down the total cost of my move. Afterall, flexibility with delivery is a big perk of U-Box.

My long-distance estimate

My move from a 3-bedroom home with an attic and basement from Fort Lee, New Jersey to Kissimmee, Florida cost a total of $5,405.75. Again, I selected “Moving Help Delivery,” which meant at the time of checkout, I owed a big chunk of the bill, $949.95 to be exact. Like the local move estimate, you will see a clear breakdown of costs and due dates for various payments.

How much does U-Haul U-Box cost?

Prices vary based on the number of storage containers, distance, and other factors, such as the delivery option and insurance coverage chosen.

Pay close attention to the website to see if there are any deals or offers to get a discount. Unlike other companies, I was not constantly barraged with opportunities to call or chat with a customer service representative. I'm sure there is a way to ask about discounts, but it was not as obvious as with Penske or Budget, for instance.

$1,718.75 for a local move - 3 bedrooms, 5 miles

My local move was on the pricey side. But I received no discount and I opted for the most expensive delivery option, which included professional help with the move. In addition, I am moving a big home, which requires renting four U-Box containers. The fact that U-Box containers come only in one size can be prohibitive for those with a larger home.

Here is the breakdown:

  • Rental of 4 U-Box containers with 2 dozen furniture pads each: $739.80
  • Moving Help™ Delivery option: $973.95
  • My own homeowner/renter insurance: $0
  • Trailer rental fee: $5 per day
    • Total: $1,718.75

$5,405.75 for a long-distance move - 3 bedrooms, 1,200 miles

Like the local move, my long-distance move of a 3 bedroom home, with a basement and an attic, from Fort Lee, New Jersey to Kissimmee, Florida, near Orlando, was expensive. Again, having to rent four storage containers and professionals to help with the move and drive your stuff a lengthy distance adds up. Here is the breakdown:

  • Rental of 4 U-Box containers with 2 dozen furniture pads and rental of trailer delivered to Fort Lee: $744.80
  • Moving Help™ Delivery option: $949.95
  • My own homeowner/renter insurance: $0
  • Gentle Ride Suspension Shipping (aka the long-distance drive): $3,592
  • Delivery in Kissimmee: $119
    • Total: $5,405.75

The loaded containers were guaranteed to be delivered to the Orlando U-Haul location no later than 11 days from my move. U-Haul U-Box promised to provide a $50 refund for every potential day the shipment is late. While I have to pay $949.95 at the time of booking, I would not have to make the final payment until the shipment arrived at my new home.

How does insurance with U-Haul U-Box work?

U-Box offers a number of options for coverage. Refreshingly, they point out that you can use your own homeowner's or renter's insurance at no additional cost. (This is what I chose.) If you go this route, you must call the insurance provider to explain the situation and see if you need to include a rider. After all, you will be responsible for all coverage if you choose this option.

...(F)lexibility with delivery is a big perk of U-Box.

The insurance costs the same for a local or long-distance move. U-Box insurance covers damage to your goods inside the U-Box container while it is in transit and in U-Box warehouses, according to the website. Here are the options:

  • $1,000 in U-Box insurance coverage for $48 per month
  • $5,000 in U-Box insurance coverage for $72 per month
  • $10,000 in U-Box insurance coverage for $100 per month
  • $15,000 in U-Box insurance coverage for $128 per month
  • $20,000 in U-Box insurance coverage for $160 per month
  • Use homeowner's/renter's insurance for $0

Downsides of using U-Haul U-Box

The price is just too high for someone moving from a larger home, especially if the move is long distance. Having only one sized container that fits one and a half rooms apiece is prohibitive.

Regional availability ended up being a con for my move. The inability to sign up for a professional U-Haul driver to bring the loaded containers to my preferred locations of either Ridgfield Park or Kissimmee was a drag. In order to have someone else do the driving, which I wanted, I had no choice but to sign up for Moving Help™ because the driver alone was not available in my area. This increased the price, even though I opted for the cheapest moving service offered to me in my starting area. Your mileage will vary depending on what's available in your area (literally).

The plywood material of each box is not as sturdy as some of their competition. This may or may not be a downside for you, but keep it in the back of your mind.

What I learned using U-Haul U-Box

You can order extra containers without the fear of being charged. The biggest U-Haul trucks can fit five moving containers on them at one time. So, if you do need them, you should be able to get them to your final destination without a hassle. But the best news is that if you don't need all the delivered containers, you will get a refund for each unused one. Nice.

Furniture pads are included with the rental of the storage container. Most moving rental companies have customers pay an extra fee to rent furniture pads, so this was a neat surprise.

Many options for delivery is a differentiator. Other portable container companies have professional drivers haul the containers away and there is no other option. U-Haul, however, provides professionals as well as self-delivery of the containers, and even the chance to pick up your stuff at a U-Haul storage facility. These options can significantly bring down the cost of your move!

Should you choose U-Haul U-Box over other container companies?

Those moving from a small place to a nearby location will get the most bang for their buck. This could include those in studio or one-bedroom apartments or dormitories. It is also a viable, practical option for those renovating or needing to store items temporarily. And if the other guys just don't have the locations you need, U-Box is the most likely of your potential options to come through.

If you prefer driving but want the convenience of portable storage containers, then this is the perfect fit. U-Box offers the opportunity to both lower the cost and get your drive on by allowing customers to haul the containers themselves. This is different than most, if not all, of the competition. While I wish I was not forced to hire professional movers to get a driver for my containers, I recognize this option will be a plus for many.

You might also consider it a perk to have 12 furniture pads included with the rental of each storage container. Most companies require customers to pay extra for this. It probably won't be a deciding factor, but it is a nice touch.

Some people might also prefer that U-Box containers are made of plywood, whereas competitors often provide metal containers. There are pros and cons to each, but some people think the wood allows for more breathing room and therefore fewer odors, especially to fabric items. On the other hand, some wonder if it is as durable as metal containers. It's a matter of preference.

Ultimately, the decision will come down to your budget and preference. For some, particularly those with a large home that they are moving a far distance - it will be far too costly. For others, knowing U-Haul is behind U-Box will provide comfort and flexibility - and that will be enough.

Francesca Di Meglio

Contributing Author: Francesca Di Meglio

Francesca Di Meglio is a writer, editor, and moving professional featured on Businessweek and About.com. As a wife and mother of two little ones, she is always on the move.

U-Haul U-Box® Reviews

Jeanne R

Fishkill, NY
Wrote a review on 4/29/2018
Uhaul U-Box Review
(5 out of 5 rating)

Trucks were in good driving condition, clean and comfortable.

Distance: 240 mi
Cost: $700
Per. Mile: $2.92
SqFt. Moved: 1,000

Candice C

Lakeland, FL
Wrote a review on 3/18/2018
Uhaul U-Box Review
(2 out of 5 rating)

I used Uhaul to transport uboxes. I called several times to get a time of when the driver would drop them off. I was told the driver will call me and confirm with the time and that they will do same day pick up days before the drop off. I never received a call. I called the day before to see what time and they told me 12pm, I asked them to make it around 5pm because I had to work. I was told the driver will call me. Again, the driver never called me. I get an email from the driver as uhaul had an old phone number for my order even though I changed it, saying that I HAD to call and confirm in order for my boxes to be dropped off. I call her cell, no answer. I call the office number in her email where someone else said they were dropping off at 12pm, it was already after 12 when I spoke with them. The driver of the uhaul was rude. I needed her to drop them off and pick up the dame day as my apt management wouldn't allow the boxes to stay overnight. She refused. The driver said she never received the note of her having to pick up the same day and the boxes would have to stay overnight. She also stated she was pulling the recording of my phone call requesting the same day pick up. I hope she did because I did request for same day pick up. Fortunately, my apt management agreed to let the boxes stay overnight. Pick up was ridiculous. I received an email from the same driver regarding pick up and she said if I don't confirm with her before 11am, the boxes will stay another day. They were already empty, so I emailed her twice and no response from her or her management team. She didn't "confirm" with me about the pick up but sure demanded one from me. I didn't know she came and took the boxes until I got home from work and seen them gone. Please note, if Uhaul don't drop your boxes off at the time THEY state, your order is supposed to be refunded to you. I didn't know this at the time. The driver wasn't there at 12pm and she called me to ask me for a later time which I didn't mind as I needed a later time anyway. Uhaul has someone call you to confirm if your boxes were dropped off. When I said no, she wasn't there. The lady on the phone said I am going to put the drop off at 1pm. I said no, the driver is going to call me when she is near, which at this time I had no idea what time the driver was going to drop off the boxes. I asked her why did this matter as I was already in communication with the driver. She stated she had to put it in the system. No, they want to make sure they keep their money. My boxes weren't dropped off until about after 4:00pm and my original drop off was at 12pm.

Distance: 1,500 mi
Cost: $1,912
Per. Mile: $1.27
SqFt. Moved: 800

Donna Aris D

Stockbridge, GA
Wrote a review on 3/11/2018
Uhaul U-Box Review
(5 out of 5 rating)

Very please and satisfied with U-Haul service and customer service. The start of my out of state move to finish was excellent. They were on time to deliver and pick up U-boxes and transported my items safely without damage. I would use and recommend U-Haul again.

Distance: 1,200 mi
Cost: $2,400
Per. Mile: $2.00
SqFt. Moved: 800

Pete or Diana M

Pueblo, CO
Wrote a review on 2/27/2018
Uhaul U-Box Review
(3 out of 5 rating)

Overall the equipment was in good shape and a great solution for my storage needs and overall move. I gave a rating of average because the estimate of u boxes needed was severely underestimated by both the website and the customer service rep I scheduled with. On the day of loading, I had to scramble to rent and additional rental truck which left the moving help waiting and doubled my costs.

Distance: 100 mi
Cost: $4,000
Per. Mile: $40.00
SqFt. Moved: 2,800

Greg M

Phoenix, AZ
Wrote a review on 1/9/2018
Uhaul U-Box Review
(5 out of 5 rating)

Great people in Minneapolis and Tempe. Friendly, efficient and made everything so easy. Would use them again.

Distance: 1,638 mi
Cost: $2,500
Per. Mile: $1.53
SqFt. Moved: 1,180

Thomas L

Denton, TX
Wrote a review on 12/15/2017
Uhaul U-Box Review
(5 out of 5 rating)

the boxes arrived on time at our house. they were clean, and each box contained 2 dozen furiture pads. After we loaded them, they came back and picked them up right on schedule. They promptly shipped them to Texas and stored them until we were ready to move in. they delivered the boxes on schedule, and came back later the same day to collect the empty boxes. The drivers were all very nice and pleasant Here in TexaS, NITA WAS especially nice to work with.

Distance: 1,200 mi
Cost: $2,500
Per. Mile: $2.08
SqFt. Moved: 1,850

Angela B

Charleston, SC
Wrote a review on 12/8/2017
Uhaul U-Box Review
(5 out of 5 rating)

UHaul was great to work with

Distance: 200 mi
Cost: $550
Per. Mile: $2.75
SqFt. Moved: 250

Kathleen L

San Pedro, CA
Wrote a review on 9/26/2017
Uhaul U-Box Review
(1 out of 5 rating)

My window for delivery of my 3 storage boxes from U-haul was 12-4 PM. They did not arrive until just before 7 PM, and no one could reach the driver from 4 PM on. Their customer service was the worst.

Distance: 30 mi
Cost: $108
Per. Mile: $3.60
SqFt. Moved: 1,200

Olivia M

Roseville, CA
Wrote a review on 9/4/2017
Uhaul U-Box Review
(5 out of 5 rating)

Very nice and helpful people.

Distance:
Cost:
Per. Mile:
SqFt. Moved:

Jake B

Winchester, VA
Wrote a review on 8/27/2017
Uhaul U-Box Review
(2 out of 5 rating)

The uBoxes worked. However if you are moving larger items, think about if you want them taken apart. They also messed up our delivery days, which impacted our move.

Distance: 300 mi
Cost: $1,500
Per. Mile: $5.00
SqFt. Moved: 2,400

Toniann M

Round Rock, TX
Wrote a review on 8/25/2017
Uhaul U-Box Review
(3 out of 5 rating)

Just wooden boxes with a fitted tarp. Gets the job done. Austin location was very courteous. Jamaica, NY location was horrible and made the experience not worth it.

Distance: 1,800 mi
Cost: $3,500
Per. Mile: $1.94
SqFt. Moved: 1,200

Susan C

Bothell, WA
Wrote a review on 8/24/2017
Uhaul U-Box Review
(3 out of 5 rating)

The drivers who delivered and picked up the containers were great. I rented 3 each 5 x 8 containers. I could have gotten a much larger one but that was never suggested to me. I paid more as a result. Not good.

Distance: 2,100 mi
Cost: $2,500
Per. Mile: $1.19
SqFt. Moved: 930

The U-Haul® image above is used solely for identification purposes and serves as the primary means of visually identifying the subject of this article and provides an illustration of the entity that is represented.

U-Haul® is a registered trademark of U-Haul International, Inc. HireAHelper, LLC has no affiliation with U-Haul International, Inc. and U-Haul International, Inc. has not authorized the use of its trademarks.

Moving Help is a registered trademark of U-Haul International, Inc. HireAHelper, LLC has no affiliation with U-Haul International, Inc. and U-Haul International, Inc. has not authorized the use of its trademarks.