Learn More About U-Box^® Portable Storage & Moving Containers

Frequently Asked Questions

What is U-Box®?

U-Box is a portable moving and storage solution. U-Box containers are perfect if you need extra time with your move or need temporary storage where you are living now or where you are moving to.

A U-Box move offers multiple delivery options to suit your needs.

We Deliver	Have your containers delivered directly to your door. You can keep containers at your home for temporary storage or have them picked up once you're finished.
Delivery with Loading	Professional movers in your area will deliver your container and load it for you.
Self Delivery	Pick up a U-Box container at your convenience with a U-Box trailer.
Access at a U-Haul Location	Save time and money by loading/unloading at a neighborhood U-Haul location.

Once you have the portable moving and storage containers at your residence, load them at your convenience and then either bring the loaded U-Box container back to U-Haul on our specially designed trailer, or call us and we pick them up with our flatbed truck. We can store them at our secure location or ship them anywhere you choose.

What is included in my U-Box® quote?

Your free, online quote includes the entire cost of your move, including:

• Monthly storage (monthly fee to store your U-Box containers on your property or in our secure facility).
• Delivery to and from your home (home delivery fee where applicable).
• Shipping your container (when shipping from one location to another).

You won't have to worry about unexpected costs like fuel, hotel stays, extra driving time, etc. Using U-Box containers provides the convenience of knowing you can leave your items with us until you're ready.

When do I pay for my U-Box® containers?

U-Haul makes payments simple. When you make the reservation, we will collect your credit card information to hold your reservation. Nothing is due at the time of reservation, unless you have selected Moving Help® labor services. You will be charged the first month’s rent and delivery charge on the morning of the delivery. Every month thereafter, on the same day, we will charge your credit card with the monthly rent. If you are moving one-way, we charge shipping five days prior to your shipment arrival date. Any delivery charges will be charged to your card the morning of the delivery at your destination.

How much does a U-Box® move cost?

The cost of a U-Box move varies depending on your needs. 

U-Box reservations can be made for storing or moving in-town, or to move one-way across the country. 

The fees you can expect include a monthly rental rate for the container, which varies by market. It will be charged each month until you have moved out of your containers. This rate is the same whether the container is stored on your property, in a U-Haul facility, or shipped across the country. If you are doing a long-distance move, you can expect a shipping charge, which is based on the specific areas you are moving to and from.

There are several delivery options to fit your budget, including free and do-it-yourself delivery options by towing a specially made U-Box trailer. We never charge an additional home delivery fee to pick up your containers. The price quoted online for home delivery includes both delivery and pick up of your containers. Unlike our competitors, you can get a one-way quote online and choose the delivery option that is right for you. 

Other cost factors to consider when you move with U-Box containers:

• No driving or hauling your goods
• No extra fuel costs
• Save time and add convenience with home delivery

How big are U-Box® containers?

The internal dimensions of our moving containers are approximately 4’8” (56") wide x 7’11”(95") long x 6’11 ½" (83.5”) high. T & U models are 91.5" in length and 77" in height. Capacity is 257 cubic feet, holding up to 2,000lbs. On the outside, each U-Box container is 5’ (60”) wide x 8’ (96”) long x 7.5’ (90”) high.

Each portable storage container has a large door for easy access and will typically accommodate an average room to a room and a half of household goods and furniture. U-Box containers rest about 6 inches off the ground to ensure that your belongings are safe and dry. A King size mattress will fit standing up. A California King mattress will fit diagonally (corner to corner inside the box is 100.5"). All measurements are approximate. View complete dimensions, including metric, here.

How do I know how many U-Box containers I will need?

You can use our estimator tool to get an idea of how many U-Box containers you will need. You can then get a quote from our online reservation system. If you end up getting more containers than you need, we will be happy to pick up the unused U-Box containers and credit you the full cost. You’ll never be charged for U-Box containers you don’t use.

What are U-Box® moving and storage containers made out of?

U-Box storage and moving containers are made exclusively for U-Haul. Each U-Box container is made of premium, pest-resistant plywood, which provides your belongings with a stable and chemical free environment for storage and transit. This is especially important if you have wooden furniture. Our U-Box containers breathe much better than steel containers reducing the chance for mold and mildew. Each container is also covered with a highly durable, weather-resistant cover when delivered. 

How do I get the U-Box container to my home?

There are a variety of delivery options to fit your individual move and budget.

• We Deliver – Have your containers delivered to your door. A certified driver can bring your container on a flatbed truck and place it on a flat surface using a forklift. We come back to pick up your containers whenever you’re ready – whether that is in a day or a month. Another option is to have Moving Help ® service providers deliver the container to you on a U-Box trailer.

• Delivery with Loading –Professional, customer-rated providers bring the container, pack it with your belongings and return it to your neighborhood U-Haul facility for storage or shipping.

• Self-Delivery – Tow your U-Box container to your place and load at your convenience, using a specially designed trailer. Don’t have a vehicle capable of towing? That’s no problem. Rent one of our pickup trucks to tow the trailer.

• Access at U-Haul location – Bring your belongings to one of our locations and load your containers there, free of charge. 

Not all delivery options are available in all areas. Start a quote to see available options and pricing for your move. Whether moving state to state or just across town, U-Box has the right solution for you.

Home Delivery: What time do my containers get delivered?

Delivery times can depend on many factors in your local market. Your confirmation email will contain a phone number where you can contact your local team or Moving Help® provider directly. You can expect a call by the day prior to delivery to schedule your delivery window.

If I choose to have multiple U-Box containers delivered to my door, will all of them arrive at the same time?

In most metro areas, yes. However, depending on availability in your city, your container(s) might be delivered on a small trailer designed to carry one to two U-Box containers at a time. Moving Help deliveries are always on trailers that can carry one to two U-Box containers at a time, depending on availability. While more than one trip might be necessary to deliver multiple containers, the delivery cost you are quoted during checkout will not change.

Self-Delivery: How do I return my U-Box trailer?

The location you picked up your trailer from will give you specific instructions for returning the trailer there when you are finished.

Self-Delivery: What type of trailer hitch and ball is needed?

Please refer to our Trailer/towing FAQ for all your trailer and towing questions.

How much time do I have to load/unload my U-Box® containers?

You load your belongings into U-Box containers on your own timeline, not ours. You can keep the U-Box container on your property for as long as you need. While the U-Box containers are on your property, they will have a weather resistant cover to keep moisture out and ensure the safety of your belongings.

Will U-Haul load the container for me?

U-Haul partners with Moving Help® to provide Delivery and Load or Unload services. Just look for the delivery options in your area to book Moving Help when you reserve your U-Box containers.

What should I do to prepare my belongings for storage or transport inside the U-Box containers?

Before you begin loading, follow these simple steps.

• Drain water connections from appliances
• Drain all gas and fluids from lawnmowers and weed eaters
• Label boxes with room names and contents to make unpacking easier
• Disassemble furniture as much as you can, like removing legs from chairs or tables. Wrap all pieces in furniture pads so they don’t get scratched
• Mover's Wrap is great for securing furniture pads on anything you don’t want getting scratched!

What is the best way to pack and load my U-Box container(s)?

Watch our video or read the below tips to learn how to pack your container like the professionals.

Remember these 4 important concepts as you are loading:

1. Organize your things into tiers. A tier is a wall or stack of things – furniture, boxes, and anything else you are loading into the container. Start from the bottom with your heaviest items and work your way up the stack. The lightest items should always be placed toward the top of each tier.
   • Your tier can start at the back of the container and move forward
   • Your base layer is always the lowest part of each tier, and should be your sturdiest items. Things like dressers, desks, and small boxes of books all make great base layers.
   • Every item you add to a tier should be sturdy enough to hold the weight you are putting on top of it.
   • Heavy items should be spread around the base of the container to distribute the weight evenly.

2. Fill all gaps and spaces between furniture and boxes with rolled up furniture pads, blankets, and pillows. This will prevent items from shifting or scraping one another
3. Disassemble furniture as much as you can, like removing legs from tables.
4. Wrap all pieces in furniture pads so they don’t get scratched.

Remember, each U-Box container can hold up to 2000lbs. Large, heavy items like appliances, toolboxes and safes should be spread out among multiple containers to evenly distribute the weight. They should be placed in the middle center of the box.

Packing Tips & Guidelines

Packing your belongings in boxes is just as important as packing the boxes into the container itself. Watch our packing video or read these helpful tips to see how the right supplies can help avoid damage to your belongings.

Quick Packing Tips & Helpful Packing Supplies:

• Flat screen TVs are safest in a U-Haul TV moving box. When loading TVs, place the screen side of the TV box against a mattress or other cushioned surface. Keep the TV in place by loading another sturdy piece on the other side, like a tabletop.
• Items shifting inside the box they are packed in can damage them just like if they are shifting around inside your U-Box container. Remember to pad boxes with things like Enviro-Bubble®, packing peanuts, or use packing paper to fill any extra space inside the box.
• Use Small U-Haul boxes to pack compact but heavy items, like books and small kitchen appliances.
• Medium boxes are great for larger kitchen appliances and lamp shades.
• Large and Extra-Large moving boxes should be used to pack bulky, light items like pillows and linens. Soft items are also great for filling gaps inside your U-Box container so you may not want to box all of it!
• U-Haul specialty moving boxes are specifically designed for your other unique items. Things like lamps, vacuums, mirrors and pictures and framed artwork will travel the safest when packed in cardboard boxes that are specifically made to hold these kinds of items. A U-Haul Picture Packer Kit will create a snug-fit when packing mirrors, pictures and framed artwork in boxes.
• Dishes, pots and pans can be packed safely in U-Haul dish pack boxes, like the Cell Kit and Dish Barrel Box. Wrap your kitchenware in bubble, foam pouches and/or packing paper for added protection in transit.
• A variety of wardrobe boxes exist to fit all your clothing needs. These boxes are designed for moving and storing clothes on hangers for a wrinkle-free move.

Are U-Box® containers secure while on my property?

Yes. Each U-Box container has a latch that can fit a padlock. If you don’t have your own lock, you can buy one here. U-Haul employees do not keep the keys or combination to your lock, only you do!

How do I keep my belongings from shifting during transit?

The easiest way to avoid load shift during a long distance move is to properly pack and load your U-Box container. Your heaviest items should be loaded towards the bottom-center of the container and distributed evenly. Each moving container can hold up to 2,000 lbs. If you have a lot of heavy furniture, you’ll want to distribute those pieces between multiple containers. Each item should be lighter than the item below it. As you pack the container, you’ll want to use furniture pads, sofa cushions, or pillows to fill empty space. If there are no air gaps between items, there will be no room for your contents to shift; this policy applies to your packing boxes too. Need help loading your container? Get all the service of a long-distance moving company by adding professional, customer-rated Moving Help® providers to load your container for you when reserving your U-Box containers online.

Is my shipping arrival date guaranteed?

Yes, your quoted shipping timeframe and arrival date at your destination is guaranteed. If we fail to meet the promised date, we guarantee a $50 refund for every day it is late up to the total cost of shipping.

The guarantee is always $50 per day regardless of the number of U-Box containers being shipped. For example, if three U-Box containers are shipped and they arrive one day late, the total refund would be $50 per day.

Can I store my U-Box containers long term and is there a fee to access my U-Box containers while in storage?

U-Box portable storage containers can be stored for as long as you need. You can access your containers for free anytime during normal business hours. Just give us a call 24 hours in advance so we can have your containers ready.

How do I schedule delivery or shipment of my container in storage?

You can make edits yourself online, or on the U-Haul App, by creating a U-Haul Account and selecting your U-Box reservation. Please text the word 'Help' to 1-800-664-5017 and a Live Representative will assist you with scheduling a local delivery, long distance move or a date and time for you to access your containers.

Are U-Box containers stored in a climate-controlled warehouse?

U-Box facilities are clean, dry, and secure indoor buildings insulated to protect your possessions from temperature extremes.

Are my contents insured while in a U-Box® container?

The belongings in your U-Box containers are not insured for loss or damage while in transit or while they are being stored in the U-Box warehouse. You can add SafeStor® damage coverage to protect your belongings and cover accidental damage to the U-Box container while in storage, and SafeHaul® damage coverage for extra protection while shipping the box from one location to another. You can add a variety of coverage levels when you make a reservation.

What items cannot be placed in my U-Box container?

Motorized items (motorcycle, ATV, riding lawnmower, etc.) cannot be placed in a U-Box container unless all oils, fuel, and liquids have been drained from the engine.

We do not recommend you place the following items in your U-Box container: 

• Jewelry (including watches and precious stones) 
• Financial records, deeds & documents 
• Currency and securities 
• Works of art 
• Antiques 
• Stamps
• Furs or garments trimmed with fur 

The following items are prohibited from being placed in your U-Box container:

• 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.)

If you are shipping internationally to a destination outside of the US, or to a US territory such as Puerto Rico or Guam, you will be provided a list of additional prohibited items based on the customs requirements of that destination. The list will vary by country, but a few common examples are:

• Any food products
• Alcohol or tobacco
• Motorized items
• Medicinal items (both prescription and over-the-counter)

How do I make changes to my existing reservation?

You can make some edits yourself online, or on the U-Haul App, by creating a U-Haul Account and selecting your U-Box reservation. You can change your delivery date, add containers and add SafeStor® coverage. Any changes you need to make that you are unable to do yourself, please text the word 'Help' to 1-800-664-5017 and a Live Representative will assist you.

How do I cancel my U-Box reservation? Is there a cancellation fee?

If you would like to cancel your U-Box reservation, please text the word 'Help' to 1-800-664-5017 and a Live Representative will assist you with the process. We do not charge any cancellation fees.

What is a Spongy Moth form?

Customers shipping a U-Box container into California are required to fill out a Spongy Moth Checklist, which is required by the State of California. If we do not have this form, we are unable to ship your container because it will be stopped at the border checkpoint by the California Department of Agriculture. Learn more.

How do I know if I need to fill out the Spongy Moth form?

If you are moving from any state or Canada INTO California, a completed form is required. If you already live within the State of California, you will not need to fill one out.

What items on the Spongy Moth checklist will stop my shipment from being delivered in California?

You do not want to load any plants or trees in your U-Box container. Any gardening tools or outdoor equipment should be inspected for spongy moth egg masses. If found, they must be removed and destroyed before you load those items into your U-Box container.

Where do I find the Spongy Moth form to fill out and submit?

Start off by signing into your account (or look up your order here). There will be a notification in your account, or you can find a link to the form at the top of your Order Details page. You can also access the link through the email we sent you regarding your Spongy Moth Form. We will provide your form to the carrier who will be shipping your containers into California. If you have questions, please text the word 'Help' to 1-800-664-5017 and a Live Representative will assist you.

What is a weight ticket, and how do I get one?

A weight ticket is completed on a certified scale. Empty and full weight tickets are turned in to your branch's transportation office when your PPM is complete (please contact your transportation office for more information). Inform us you are conducting an active duty PPM, and we will provide weight tickets.

International: What international shipping services do you offer?

Our U-Box containers ship to almost any destination in the world. We offer delivery to the destination port or directly to your door at your international destination (subject to availability).

International: How does the international shipment work?

Experience the convenience and benefits of our domestic U-Box services before your U-Box container is shipped internationally, simply make sure to keep a detailed inventory of all items packed. After your U-Box container is loaded and back at the origin U-Haul location, we will ensure all documentation is in order before we ship. If you elect to door delivery services at destination, we will assist you with customs documentation, customs clearance and delivery to your door in your destination country.

International: What documentation do I need to ship internationally?

Each move and destination may require different forms and supporting documents to ship household goods into the country and qualify to do so tax-free. If you elect our U-Box international to door shipping services, our preferred customs clearance agent in the destination country will assist you with the proper documentation.

International: Does U-Haul assist with clearing customs?

If you elect international shipping services to port, you will be responsible for sourcing your own customs agent in the destination country. If you elect international shipping services to door, our preferred partner will help you complete all customs documentation before your U-Box container is shipped and assist you in completing the clearance process at destination.

*This excludes shipments between the US/CAN, please find information on US & Canada shipments here.

International: Do I have to be present in the destination country to ship by U-Box container there?

Yes, you need to be present in your destination country or have proof of existing travel arrangements to initiate the shipment. Need to pack your items before? Conveniently store your packed U-Box container at our U-Haul location and access it anytime until you are ready to ship.

International: Can I store my U-Box container(s) in the destination country?

We have a large network of partners across the globe that can accommodate storage in most destination countries. Please inquire with an international shipping team member for custom rates and options to be included in your shipping quote after you submit a request.

International: Do I need to provide documentation for a U-Box move between the US and Canada?

Yes, you will need to complete customs documentation and provide proof of residency or citizenship to bring your household goods to your destination country. After you place a reservation, you will have access to a secure document portal that will provide documentation custom to your move and allow you to upload all required documentation in one place.

International: Do I need to complete an inventory of the contents of the U-Box container for my Cross-Border Move?

The Canadian CBSA and US CBP border patrol agencies require a completed inventory of items loaded in your U-Box container(s). We will provide you with an inventory form that you can complete while you pack and load. The inventory is uploaded along with all other customs documentation in your secure documentation portal.

International: How do I complete an inventory for my move?

Any international move requires a detailed inventory of what is packed in your U-Box container(s). The inventory is required by the customs authority of your destination country and the requirements may vary. After a reservation for your international move is created, you will be supplied with the specific inventory form required by your destination country.

Please watch the below video for instructions on how to complete an international inventory.