U-Pack ReloCube Moving Container Review

If you’re considering using portable containers for your next move, then you’ve probably come across U-Pack, a moving container and storage company that specializes in transports for long-distance moves (though they have options for local moves, too). And if you’re wondering how U-Pack works — and whether it’s the right fit for you — you’ve come to the right place.

Portable moving containers have become an increasingly popular option among DIY movers, offering the flexibility and ease of a self-load shipping container with the convenience and reliability of professional transport. This can be especially useful for long distance movers who don’t want to deal with driving a moving truck cross country.

While the services that U-Pack offers are pretty similar to its competitors, there are still differentiating factors that you should consider when deciding whether it’s the right moving and storage provider for your needs. So to help you out, we’ve put together this quick guide to U-Pack, including answers to the most common questions about how U-Pack works and how much it costs.

How U-Pack Works

Let’s start with the basics of how U-Pack works.

U-Pack offers rentable portable moving containers called ReloCubes, which are steel and aluminum cubes that are small enough to fit in just one parking spot — a big bonus if you’re moving into or out of the city. ReloCubes are only for long distance moves, but U-Pack also offers moving trailers that can be rented for local moves.

When U-Pack drops a ReloCube off at your home, you generally have up to three business days to load it with your belongings. U-Pack will then return to pick up your ReloCube and deliver it to your next destination, where you’ll have another three business days to unpack it.

And that’s it! According to U-Pack, the average transit time is just two to five business days, so you fill your ReloCube, travel on your own to your new home, and it’ll get there just in time for you to settle in.

How Much U-Pack Costs

The cost for U-Pack includes the cost per ReloCube container plus door-to-door delivery. Upon requesting a quote to move a one bedroom apartment from Chicago to New York City, we were quoted $1,038 for one ReloCube and delivery fees. That quote includes taxes and fuel costs. According to HireAHelper, the average cost of a U-Pack long distance move is $2,373, which is cheaper than many of its competitors.

Overall, the cost of a move with U-Pack depends on a number of factors, including how many ReloCubes you need, how far you’re moving, and the date and time of your move.

U-Pack Pros and Cons

As with any moving service provider, you’ll want to consider both the benefits and the drawbacks before making your decisions. With that in mind, here are the pros and cons of how U-Pack works that you should be aware of.

Pros

    • All inclusive fees and no deposit means no hidden fees before or after service is provided.
    • You only pay for the space you use, so if you rent more ReloCubes than you need, you won’t be charged for the ones you leave empty.
    • Because they specialize in long distance moves, U-Pack has a lot of experience with the ins-and-outs of navigating within various states and cities.

    Cons

      • ReloCubes are not available for local moves.
      • While U-Pack does have 24/7 customer service for quotes and bookings, if you have a question about your specific reservation you are limited to the hours of their operations team (7am to 7pm CST on weekdays and 9am to 4pm on Saturdays).
      • U-Pack’s container sizes are smaller than their competitors, so you’ll need to rent more of them to get the same amount of space.
      • You will have to provide your own lock for each ReloCube.

      Answers to Commonly Asked U-Pack Questions

      You asked, and we answered. Here’s what you need to know about the most commonly asked questions regarding how U-Pack works and the services they provide.

      Where is U-Pack located?

      U-Pack has locations in all 50 states, as well as Canada and Puerto Rico. And with more than 240 individual service centers, you hopefully shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a U-Pack provider in the areas that you’re moving from and to.

      How big are ReloCubes?

      U-Pack’s ReloCubes comes in one size: 5’10” deep x 6’10” wide x 7’9” high and can hold a maximum of 2,500 pounds. This is large enough to fit furniture like mattresses and sofas, and U-Pack recommends renting one ReloCube per room in your home.

      Because you only pay for the ReloCubes that you use, it’s a good idea to rent more than you think you’ll need so that you don’t run out of space. You can use their space estimator tool to figure out how many ReloCubes will be best for your move.

      Are U-Pack ReloCubes waterproof?

      Yes. ReloCubes are made of metal and are secure, waterproof, and weatherproof.

      Does U-Pack offer storage?

      Yep! If you’re not going to need the items in your ReloCube right away, U-Pack can store the container for you at one of their service centers. Storage is priced in 30-day billing periods, and your items remain inside your cube. Note that U-Pack’s storage option is not climate controlled, so you’ll need to be careful not to keep anything in there that could be damaged by heat or cold.

      Want to store your ReloCube somewhere else? U-Pack can do that too. Just let them know where you want it dropped off, and be sure you have permission to leave your cube there.

      How many days do you have to load and unload your U-Pack container?

      You generally have three business days to load your ReloCubes after they’re dropped off at your new location and three business days to unload them at your next location. In some locations, such as New York City and Boston, the amount of time you have to load and unload varies, so be sure you get the specifics regarding your timeframe when you inquire about making a reservation.

      Can U-Pack help you load and unload?

      Yes, but it’s an added service so you will have to reserve in advance and there will be an additional fee.

      What can’t you pack in a ReloCube?

      Similar to all other moving companies, U-Pack does have restrictions on what they can transport. Some of the items that cannot be packed in a ReloCube include anything flammable, poisonous, corrosive, or perishable, as well as certain miscellaneous items like antiques, high-value artwork, and contraband.

      Which is better: U-Pack or PODS?

      This is a common question, and one that we’ve gone into detail on before. See our full comparison between U-Pack and PODS here.

      How to Book a U-Pack ReloCube

      To get more information or book your rental, start at UPack.com.

      On the website, you’ll be able to get the quote for your rental, which will include a breakdown of costs right on the page. You can also give them a call directly at 1-888-571-7422, which is a good idea to do if you have additional questions about how U-Pack works or whether it’s available in your area.

      We recommend that you get quotes from two to three moving container companies before booking your move so that you can be sure you get the best possible price.

      There is no charge if you cancel your booking up to seven days in advance of service, though you will be charged a $50 fee if you cancel within seven days of your move.