Is U-PACK Cheaper Than Movers?
- American National Movers
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
U-Pack is generally cheaper than most long distance movers, especially larger corporations, but in some cases, moving companies like American National Movers are just as competitive.
When comparing costs with U-PACK VS. movers, it will boil down to the size of your shipment, your moving from and to state, as well as the movers you're receiving quotes from.
This article will help give you a better understanding when comparing U-PACKS costs with movers and help you decide if U-PACK is right for you.
U-PACK VS. Movers Costs.
U-Pack is one of the best cheap long distance moving options if your shipment is small—typically under 5,000 pounds, which is about the size of a 1–2 bedroom apartment. But their business model is not perfect and not ideal for every shipment, especially larger loads.
Once you start moving more furniture, the price advantage begins to fade. A 3–4 bedroom household often requires 6–10 ReloCubes® or 20+ linear feet of trailer space. At that point, your U-Pack cost is usually similar to or higher than what you’d pay for a reputable long distance moving company—except you won’t get services like professional loading, unloading, or liability coverage.
That’s why U-Pack is great if you’re moving light. But if your home is fully furnished, companies like American National Movers often provide better overall value. For nearly the same price, you get:
One crew handling your load from start to finish.
Protection for your belongings during transit.
Faster, direct delivery compared to U-Pack’s DIY model.
U-Pack's Average Long Distance Moving Costs.
On average, U-Pack charges $4,000 to $5,000 for long distance moves. This is still cheaper than most major van lines, with an average cost quoted $7,000–$10,000 for similar hauls.
But here’s the key:
Smaller carriers—like American National Movers—often match U-Pack’s pricing when loads exceed 5,000 pounds. The difference is that you get a full-service move with insurance included.
So, while U-Pack is an excellent option for small apartments or partial loads, families with larger homes should compare quotes from competitive movers before assuming U-Pack is the cheapest choice.
Average Costs Of Movers.
The average costs of hiring movers to move to another state will vary greatly because each brand has its own rate preferences and availability. On average long distance movers typically charge $5,500—sometimes less or more, depending on the brand you are receiving a quote from.
If you are comparing U-Packs' costs with those of movers, then your best bet is to avoid major van lines and contact small, local companies for a more reasonable price. You may be surprised to notice that U-Pack is not significantly cheaper than all movers. Paying $800 to $1,200 more is sometimes worth it to avoid the hassle of packing, loading, and unloading yourself.
U-PACK May Be Cheaper Than Most Movers But Reviews Are Mixed.
Another important factor to consider when comparing pricing and service value with U-PACK and movers is reviews. U-PACK has been reported to have communication issues, numerous damage complaints, and stolen items. Their complaint stems from the fact that they subcontract their drivers, which means they are not U-Pack employees.
This is why we generally do not recommend using U-Pack if:
You are moving from a large home and have a lot of items.
Have fragile and high-end items.
Need an immediate delivery and can't wait at least 2 weeks for your items to arrive.
Closing: Should You Choose U-Pack Or Movers?
As mentioned previously, U-Pack is a great choice for moving small to mid-sized loads that do not exceed 5000 pounds. If your load exceeds 5,000 pounds, the cost to use U-Packs' services is comparable relocation brand; American National Movers. Then, when you consider material costs and the time you will spend packing, loading, and unloading, some people prefer hiring affordable long distance movers for a better value for their money.
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