U-Packs Costs Are Not Cheaper Than Every Moving Company
- American National Movers
- Sep 1, 2025
- 7 min read
Updated: Mar 18
U-Packs' average cost for a 1-2 bedroom apartment is $4,000.00, $8,000.00 for a 3-bedroom, and $10,000 for a 4+ bedroom home. U-Pack is cheaper than mainstream brands, but has prices similar to those of local long distance moving companies considered mid-sized or smaller. These brands are reputable but operate on a small scale, with annual profit margins of $200,000 to $1 million.
Although U-Pack may cost less than many movers you find on the first page of Google, it is not always cheaper than most moving companies. It’s also important to note that U-Packs' services have severe limitations, leading to several damage claims and/or capacity issues.
How Much Does U-Pack Cost?
For small long distance moves, U-Packs' costs are competitive, averaging $2,500.00. For larger moves, 2 to 3+ bedrooms, U-Packs costs can be expensive, with an average cost of $6,500 to $10,000.00. While U-Pack may be affordable for smaller shipments, their costs are too high for a you-pack-we-drive moving option, and their services have some limitations.
Please see the chart below, which shows the average U-Pack cost for 1-, 2-, and 3+ bedroom homes.
For 1 to 2 bedrooms, U-Pack can be cheaper than many relocation companies, but it isn’t inherently the cheapest option. Please be advised U-Pack only has one container options, so if you several rooms to relocate you will need multiple ReloCubes to ship everything.
Is U-Pack Cheaper Than Movers?
U-Pack costs less than big moving companies like Two Men and a Truck or United Van Lines. However, compared to trusted mid-sized brands like American National Movers, U-Pack is not inherently the cheaper option.
One of our recent customers was ready to pay $8,000 to have U-Pack move their 3-bedroom home from Washington to Florida. This price did not include packing materials or labor. After we reviewed their inventory, American National Movers offered a quote of $6,800, which included full-service moving. We wanted to share this example to let budget-minded customers know there are more affordable full-service options besides PODS or U-Pack.
Packing Materials Are Not Included
While U-Pack's price tag may seem reasonably lower upfront than other moving companies', it’s important to note that packing materials are not included in your quote. Since you are responsible for the labor, you will also be responsible for purchasing the materials. You cannot purchase packing materials from U-Pack, not even moving blankets, so if you’re going with U-Pack, make sure to purchase materials from a separate entity.
U-Pack Only Has One Container Size
U-Pack only offers one size for their ReloCube containers, which is 6' X 7' X 8'. Each cube holds about one room of furniture. This poses big limitations for budget-conscious consumers with 2+ bedrooms.
Multiple Containers Are Likely Needed
For larger homes (2+ bedrooms), U-Pack has to drop 3 or 4 separate metal cubes in a person's driveway. Most driveways can’t fit that many containers, and HOAs or city parking enforcement will fine the homeowner if the container is parked on the street. This is a common issue many people overlook because they don’t know how to judge cubic feet of space.
The 18-Wheeler Trailer
To avoid multiple containers in your driveway, U-Pack offers a 28-foot freight trailer option for 3+ bedrooms. However, in many cases, semi trucks pose accessibility issues because they are too large, can block streets, and cause traffic. In many cases, a 28-foot truck isn’t needed for a 3-bedroom or a moderately furnished 4-bedroom, but it's the only truck option U-Pack has.
U-Pack Services Cheaper But May Be Inconvenient
U-Pack is even cheaper than PODS and many reputable long distance moving companies, but at what cost? Sure, you might save $1,000 to $1,500, but is the savings worth the hassle of cramming your furniture in multiple 300CF containers or dealing with a semi near your house or driveway? Based on reviews, many consumers say it simply wasn’t worth it unless you had a tiny shipment.
U-Pack Vs Movers: Which Option Is Best For You?
U-Pack is a solid choice for small long distance shipments (1-2 bedrooms), but their prices for three-bedroom homes can be comparable to or even higher than those of full-service movers.
U-Pack’s reputation is good, but there are some complaints about communication, delivery delays, and price increases. These complaints are common in the moving industry, and whether you go with U-Pack, PODS, or movers, many of them will persist (some more than others).
To give you a better understanding of the pros and cons of U-Pack versus movers, we created a comparison chart below. This chart shows the average costs for U-Pack and a budget-friendly full-service alternative, American National Movers.
Based on the educational U-Pack versus American National Movers chart, we found that U-Pack is cheaper than major brands, but not mid-sized direct carriers. Many consumers choose PODS or U-Pack after receiving high quotes from major brands and assume all movers are priced the same. However, as technology continues to develop, these mid-sized brands are expanding to make their services accessible for many consumers who are long distance moving on a budget.
Container Based Moving Services Are Becoming Out Dated
In early 2017, U-Pack took off, people due to PODS, people we're aware of container based services and U-Pack was cheaper than PODS. Container based options were a more trust worthy cheaper option than hiring a smaller brand without a consistent track record online.
Fast forward to 2026, there are full-service long distance moving options that are just as affordable or, surprisingly cheaper than U-Pack. These brands aren't fly-by-night one truck company operations either, companies like American National Movers services 52 states, have been in business for 8+ years and have a string track record online.
American National Movers: A Good U-Pack Alternative
After reviewing the American National Movers contract, you will find that you will be responsible for. packing your linen and fragile items such as dishes, mirrors, and Televisions. American National Movers handles the rest: packing your furniture, disassembly, loading, unloading, and reassembly. This makes American National Movers a good U-Pack alternative, with the added benefit of full-service moving.
What Does American National Movers Services Include?
American National Movers is a full-service long distance moving company, not a container-based service. Although our prices are lower, we still handle all labor and are licensed and insured. Here is what our services include.
Loading and unloading
Basic Packing Services (Part of basic package)
Full-Service Packing of Fragile Items and Linen (Optional)
Disassembly and Reassembly
How Are The Prices Cheaper? Is It Legit?
American National Movers is a legitimate A+ rated BBB accredited long distance moving company and averages a 4.8 star review rating online. While the prices are economical, American National Movers is a real moving company with many positive reviews. Just like any other popular brand, American National Movers has some complaints, but far fewer than many brands, including PODS, U-Pack, and industry giants like United Van Lines.
How Is American National Movers Cheaper Than U-Pack?
American National Movers keeps prices low by using a shared-load moving model. This approach became popular in May 2024 and is similar to how U-Pack operates. Here’s how it works:
Combining Shipments
We pick up your household goods in a truck and combine them with other customers’ shipments. This is similar to U-Pack’s method, where they take your container to a holding facility before loading it onto a semi. However, American National Movers is more efficient because we do not unload your items at a holding facility. Instead, we start transporting them right away.
National Moving Discounts
Because we operate in 52 states, we have a competitive advantage and can lower our rates while still providing a professional, white-glove moving service. After we finish a delivery, our truck can quickly pick up another nearby load. This reduces empty miles, lowers our costs, and lets us pass the savings on to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
1). Is U-Pack Legit?
Yes, U-Pack is a legitimate, cheaper long distance moving option. Many people choose U-Pack for its cost savings, but the customer service experience varies depending on the size of the shipment and the service location.
2). Is U-Pack Reliable?
U-Pack is generally reliable and has mixed reviews, with customers praising their affordability. Compared to other cheap long distance movers, U-Pack is highly rated and a strong choice. However, for larger moves or high-value furniture, U-Pack has been reported to have limitations and limited savings.
3). Is U-Pack Cheaper Than PODS?
Yes, U-Pack is generally cheaper than PODS, but U-Pack only has one container option, 6 x 7 x 8, which only holds one room of furniture. PODS is more expensive, but they have 8-foot, 12-foot, and 16-foot containers.
4). Is U-Pack Cheaper Than U-Haul?
U-Pack is not cheaper than U-Haul, but the price difference is minimal. U-Haul has many unexpected fees that consumers aren’t aware of, and when you factor in material costs, fuel, travel time, and lodging, U-Haul isn't the cheapest option.
5). Is U-Pack A Broker?
U-Pack is not a traditional broker; they are a freight forwarder. U-Pack does not own any trucks; it does some sort of brokering because the subcontract your load to a driver. However U-Pack is not a registered broker with the FMCSA.
6). Is U-Pack Safe?
As far as legitimacy goes, U-Pack is safe, but user experiences vary regarding damages. Several Yelp users have reported that their furniture was completely damaged due to the size of their ReloCubes.
7). U-Pack Container Size
U-Packs ReloCube measures approximately 6’4” L X 7’0” W X 8’4” H. U-Packs container holds a max of 2,500 lBS, and is the only ReloCube they have available.