U-Pack at a Glance
U-Pack
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4.7
All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Full-Service Packing
No
States Serviced
50
Protection/Insurance Options
2
4.7
All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
U-Pack
Full-Service Packing
No
States Serviced
50
Protection/Insurance Options
2
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Why We Picked It
Pros & Cons
U-Pack Services Offered
U-Pack makes self-service moving easy by delivering portable storage containers directly to your point of origin. Though U-Pack does not offer packing of your belongings nor container loading services, it does partner with third-party companies in some states who can handle the moving labor for you.
Once packed, U-Pack will transport the containers to your new home where you can unload your belongings or hire another partner moving labor company to unload. A few more services U-Pack offers include:
- GPS tracking
- Protection plans
- Fuel calculators
- Space estimators
- Moving videos, checklists and advice guides
- Pay-for-what-you-use moving trailer services
U-Pack State Availability
U-Pack offers its services in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, but the company does not offer local moves. It requires a minimum move distance of 150 miles.
Fine Print
U-Pack is a self-service moving company offering fairly affordable moving container services, but you must be willing to do the packing and loading yourself. U-Pack’s pricing is some of the best in the business for both self-service and standard moving companies and its pay-for-what-you-use policy gives customers even more flexibility on cost.
If you’re looking for a local move option, find moving services elsewhere; U-Pack maintains a minimum requirement of 150 miles for moves. U-Pack also only provides three days for loading its containers and three days for unloading—other companies offer longer.
How U-Pack Stacks Up
Company | Company - Logo | Full Service Packing | States Serviced | Protection/Insurance Offered | Learn More CTA text | Learn more CTA below text | Learn More |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
U-Pack | ![]() | No | 50 | 2 options | Get Free Estimates | Get estimates from participating partner sites | |
Atlas Van Lines | ![]() | Yes | 50 | 2 options | Get Free Estimates | Get estimates from participating partner sites | |
United Van Lines | ![]() | Yes | 46 | 3 options | Get Free Estimates | On United Van Lines' Website |
PODS at a Glance
PODS
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4.3
All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Full-Service Packing
No
States Serviced
46
Protection/Insurance Options
2
4.3
All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
PODS
Full-Service Packing
No
States Serviced
46
Protection/Insurance Options
2
Get estimates from participating partner sites
Why We Picked It
Pros & Cons
Services PODS Offers
Like U-Pack, PODS’ services follow a similar process. Customers request portable storage containers, pack them or hire others to pack them, then the company lines up the pickup and dropoff. PODS offers three different-length containers, each eight feet wide by eight feet high. Its large container iis 16 feet deep, the medium is 12 feet deep and the small is eight feet deep. PODS website offers online calculators to help determine which size POD is appropriate for your move.
PODS also partners with Hire-A-Helper to offer moving labor services including packing and unpacking, loading and unloading. PODS also offers long-term, climate controlled storage for its containers with 24/7 security. A few more services helping set PODS apart include:
- GPS tracking
- Moving supplies
- Protection plans
- Moving and storage checklists
- Commercial storage
- Moving and storage calculators
- Both long and short-term storage solutions
PODS State Availability
PODS services 46 U.S. states including Hawaii and Washington, D.C. It does not currently offer services to North Dakota, Montana, Wyoming or Alaska.
Fine Print
PODS is a solid choice for self-service, container-style moving—especially for those customers looking for local moves and/or for long-term storage of belongings. While PODS is not as affordable as other self-service moving companies and does require a deposit, the extensive list of services including moving labor, multiple container sizes and climate-controlled, onsite storage may make the higher cost worth paying for some customers.
Notably, PODS also gives 30 days to load and unload your belongings from its containers—significantly longer than U-Pack and many other competitors.
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How PODS Stacks Up
Company | Company - Logo | Full Service Packing | States Serviced | Protection/Insurance Offered | Learn More CTA text | Learn more CTA below text | Learn More |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PODS | ![]() | No | 45 | 2 options | Get Free Estimates | Get estimates from participating partner sites | |
Atlas Van Lines | ![]() | Yes | 50 | 2 options | Get Free Estimates | Get estimates from participating partner sites | |
United Van Lines | ![]() | Yes | 46 | 3 options | Get Free Estimates | On United Van Lines' Website |
Key Differences Between U-Pack and PODS
PODS offers long term storage of its moving containers while U-Pack does not. PODS allows customers up to 30 days of loading and unloading compared to only three days offered by U-Pack. For customers who need a bit more flexibility due to unpredictable moving schedules, or who want to prioritize convenience over cost, PODS is likely a better bet.
Additionally, PODS allows local moves with no minimum travel distance and partners with a third party company to provide packing and loading while U-Pack does not offer any moving labor.
PODS is not, however, available in all fifty states, so if you’re in Montana, Alaska, Wyoming or North Dakota you will have to find another option. PODS is also more expensive than U-Pack, with a $1,000 to $1,500 higher cost for a cross-country move of a two-bedroom house. U-Pack also helps save its customers money with its pay-for-what-you-use policy which only charges for space customers actually use.
Key Similarities Between U-Pack and PODS
Both U-Pack and PODS offer affordable moving containers for self-service moving. Each company provides customers free quotes and does not require upfront costs to book a container. U-Pack offers only one size of container which is similar in size to PODS’ “small” container but U-Pack also offers space on a full-size moving trailer, which gives customers up to 27 feet of space. Either company can handle nearly any size home.
Neither U-Pack nor PODS offer in-house packing or loading services but other moving third-party services can be hired to provide this kind of moving labor. Both U-Pack and PODS make moving as stress-free as possible by providing moving checklists, packing lists, moving and storage calculators and tips for packing and loading. Each company also offers multiple levels of protection plans to make sure your belongings are covered during the journey.
How U-Pack Stands Up Against PODS
Company | Company - Logo | Full Service Packing | States Serviced | Protection/Insurance Offered | Learn More CTA text | Learn more CTA below text | Learn More |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PODS | ![]() | No | 45 | 2 options | Get Free Estimates | Get estimates from participating partner sites | |
U-Pack | ![]() | No | 50 | 2 options | Get Free Estimates | Get estimates from participating partner sites |
Best Moving Company Overall
A more affordable self-service mover like U-Pack is a great option for those on a tight budget. In general, we found U-Pack offers the best prices out of all the self-service movers we researched. For people who don’t know how much space they need, the company offers a pay-for-what-you-use policy. Instead of paying for the entire container, customers can pay per square foot for a large moving trailer.
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THIS IS AN ADVERTIsem*nT AND NOT EDITORIAL CONTENT. Please note that we do receive compensation for any products you buy or sign up to via this advertisem*nt, and that compensation impacts the ranking and placement of any offers listed herein. We do not present information about every offer available. The information and savings numbers depicted above are for demonstration purposes only, and your results may vary.
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If you value flexibility and want to select from a range of moving services, PODS may be the better option. PODS offers a longer loading and unloading window than U-Pack does and it partners with Hire-A-Helper to provide comprehensive moving labor options. PODS has no minimum mileage for moves and it offers short and long term storage options on top of its already more flexible moving services.
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THIS IS AN ADVERTIsem*nT AND NOT EDITORIAL CONTENT. Please note that we do receive compensation for any products you buy or sign up to via this advertisem*nt, and that compensation impacts the ranking and placement of any offers listed herein. We do not present information about every offer available. The information and savings numbers depicted above are for demonstration purposes only, and your results may vary.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much can you fit in a U-Pack ReloCube?
A ReloCube has a maximum weight storage of 2,500 pounds, though most people won’t hit this weight limit. U-Pack claims its ReloCube can hold between one and one and a half rooms of belongings.
How much do moving containers cost?
The average cost to rent a moving container for a long-distance move is about $3,000, though prices greatly vary depending on where you’re going, how much stuff you’re bringing with you and the time of year you’re moving.
What can you not put in a moving container?
You can pack just about anything in a POD container except hazardous waste or toxic chemicals. Prohibited items include aerosol cans, bleach, ammonia, cleaning solvents, propane, gas, paint, fertilizer or flammable liquids and materials.
Are moving containers better than hiring movers?
The major distinguishing factor between containers and traditional movers is how much you want to do yourself. Moving containers are typically much cheaper than hiring movers but require homeowners to load and unload household items into their chosen container. A moving company will be more hands-on and may offer packing services for convenience, but will be more expensive.