U-Box vs U-Pack for college moving and storage

If you’re planning a long-distance move for college or heading home for the summer, you’ve probably come across U-Haul’s U-Box and U-Pack’s ReloCube. Both offer portable storage containers that you load yourself, but which one is the better choice for students?

While U-Box works well for shorter, in-state moves, U-Pack often edges ahead for longer distances and college relocations. Let’s break down everything you need to know about these two moving container services so you can make the smartest choice for your situation.

Bottom line: U-Pack typically costs less than U-Box for long-distance moves, offers larger containers with more capacity, and delivers faster transit times averaging 4-6 business days versus 7-14 days.

Container size and capacity matter

Size makes a real difference when you’re trying to fit everything from your dorm room or apartment into a moving container. The U-Box measures about 7‘6” long by 5’ wide by 8’ tall, giving you 257 cubic feet of space and a weight limit of 2,000 pounds.

U-Pack’s ReloCube is noticeably larger at 6‘3” × 7’ × 8‘4”, which translates to 308 cubic feet of loading space. That extra room means you can fit more furniture, boxes, and belongings without needing to rent an additional container. The ReloCube also handles heavier loads, with a 2,500-pound weight capacity.

For most college students moving the contents of a typical dorm room or one-bedroom apartment, one ReloCube often does the job where you might need multiple U-Boxes. That difference adds up quickly when you’re paying per container.

Construction and design differences

Both containers load at ground level and come with lockable doors, but the similarities stop there. Most U-Boxes are built from plywood with a tarp cover, though some U-Haul locations may have metal versions available. ReloCubes are constructed entirely from weather-resistant metal, which offers better protection against rain, snow, and rough handling during transport.

Pro tip: The ReloCube’s double swing doors need less clearance space than the U-Box’s single door, making it easier to position in tight parking lots or narrow driveways near campus.

The door design matters more than you might think. If you’re loading in a cramped dorm parking lot during move-out day, having doors that don’t require as much clearance space can save you a lot of hassle. Both services let you provide your own padlock to secure your belongings during transit.

Speed and transit times

When you’re coordinating a move around your academic calendar, timing is everything. You don’t want your stuff arriving weeks after you need it. U-Pack averages 4-6 business days for transit, while U-Box typically takes 7-14 business days.

That difference can be crucial if you’re moving between semesters or trying to get settled before classes start. Faster delivery means less time living out of a suitcase and more time getting organized in your new place. For students who need their belongings quickly, U-Pack’s shorter transit window is a significant advantage.

Comparing costs for student moves

Price matters when you’re on a college budget. To give you a real-world comparison, consider moving a 3-bedroom apartment from Salt Lake City to Charlotte. U-Haul quoted $6,275 for four U-Boxes, including delivery, transport, and insurance. U-Pack came in at $4,913 for three ReloCubes with the same services and standard liability coverage.

That’s a difference of over $1,300, and remember that U-Pack’s containers are larger and more protective. The U-Box price includes 30 days of use (including transit time), with additional storage costing $240 per box per month. U-Pack only charges for storage if you actually need it, starting at $150 per cube monthly.

Budget hack: Since U-Pack doesn’t automatically charge for storage, you only pay for what you use. This flexibility is perfect for students whose move-in dates don’t line up perfectly with their move-out schedule.

For college students who might need to store belongings over summer break or during a study abroad semester, Storage Scholars offers specialized student storage services at campuses nationwide. They pick up your items right from your dorm, store them securely, and deliver them back when you need them.

Making your decision

Choosing between U-Box and U-Pack comes down to your priorities, but for most long-distance college moves, U-Pack offers better value. You get larger, more durable containers, faster delivery, and typically lower prices. The metal construction provides better weather protection for your belongings, and the flexible storage pricing means you’re not paying for services you don’t need.

If you’re moving between dorms, heading home for the summer, or relocating to a new campus, consider getting quotes from both services to compare. For students at one of the 100+ campuses served by Storage Scholars, you might also want to explore full-service options where professionals handle the pickup, storage, and delivery while you focus on your studies.