In a perfect world, everyone would have the budget to hire professional movers to pack up their entire home, move everything to their new abode, and unpack and place every belonging in its new rightful place. Of course, there are a lot of good reasons for not hiring pros. Many of us don’t have the means to hire a moving service, and some of us simply prefer doing it on our own.
No matter your reason for going the DIY route, there are two popular companies that can help ease the moving experience for you: U-Haul and U-Pack. Here’s a rundown of what each service has to offer.
What is U-Haul?
U-Haul has long been a go-to for the DIY mover. This company rents out trucks and trailers of all sizes, and you can rent or buy just about every other moving-related item you may need, including:
- Boxes
- Dollies/hand trucks
- Furniture covers
- Mattress bags
- Packing tape
- Tie-down rope and ratchets
- Vehicle-towing equipment
You simply load up the truck or trailer with your belongings, drive them to your new home, and unpack. When your move is over, you return all of the equipment you rented at your designated dropoff store.The amount you’re charged is based on the size of the truck or trailer you rent, the extra items you purchase or borrow, and your pickup and dropoff locations, which factors in the mileage you drove.
What is U-Pack?
U-Pack delivers large-scale, weatherproof storage containers, called ReloCubes, to its customers’ homes. Budget-conscious customers can also transport their belongings to a U-Pack facility and load their storage containers there. These portable units measure approximately 6’ x 7’ x 8’, and they can store up to 2,500 pounds. In general, you can expect to pack the contents of one room into each container, so most households will need to rent multiple units.
You will load your packed boxes and furniture into your container(s), which you can keep onsite for as long as you need. When you’re done, U-Pack picks up and drops them off at your new home or to a service center, depending on your preference. The delivery typically takes between two and five business days. From there, simply unpack your belongings, and U-Pack will pick up any storage containers at your home. The amount you’ll pay is based on the number of storage containers you use, how long you rent them, and where they’re dropped off.
Should I use U-Haul or U-Pack?
Both U-Haul and U-Pack are great options for anyone doing a DIY move. If you have a definitive timeline or are trying to move as quickly as possible, U-Haul may be your best bet. If you have more flexibility in how long your move will take or don’t want to make the drive to your new destination in a moving truck, U-Pack can be a great option. Whatever you decide, both U-Haul and U-Pack are great options for simplifying a local or long-distance move.