U-Pack vs. SMARTBOX

What to know about SMARTBOX moving 

If you’re considering using portable storage for a long-distance move, you may have come across SMARTBOX® in your research. SMARTBOX is a mobile storage company that offers containers for local and long-distance moves. While SMARTBOX handles moves to and from most major metro areas, there might be an issue if you need service in a smaller city. Let’s look at how it works and compare its equipment, coverage area and services to U-Pack® — another self-move service offering moving containers for long-distance moves.  

How do SMARTBOX containers stack up to U-Pack equipment? 

SMARTBOX® containers are constructed of wood covered with canvas material to protect from weather. They measure 8’ x 5’ x 7’ (LWH).  

U-Pack offers ReloCubes®, which are metal weatherproof moving containers. ReloCubes are a bit bigger at 6’ x 7’ x 8’ (LWH), and they can fit king-size mattresses and sofas up to 92” long when loaded upright. For larger homes, U-Pack also offers 28-foot moving trailers with flexible space. 

The SMARTBOX and ReloCube containers offer ground-level loading — making loading and unloading easy.  

Coverage areas

Aside from the materials the containers are made of, one of the most significant differences between SMARTBOX and U-Pack is the coverage area, or the locations they can provide service to.   

According to their website, SMARTBOX offers service to just 51 metro areas, which include cities like Chicago, Dallas and Los Angeles. On the other hand, U-Pack provides long-distance moves to all 50 states, Canada and Puerto Rico — including to and from locations in smaller cities and metro areas. U-Pack also provides the option of loading and unloading at a local service center if needed (at a lower price than door-to-door delivery).  

Service differences 

The way SMARTBOX works, you pay for 30 days’ use of the equipment, which includes time for loading, transit and unloading. Any days left over can be used for storage, but there’s no refund if you don’t need the equipment for 30 days. Additional storage time is available for a monthly charge. 

With U-Pack, you get three business days to load, then we drive the ReloCube to your new home (transit times average 4-6 business days),  and you get three days to unload. Storage is based on availability, and you only pay if you need it! 

SMARTBOX costs compared to U-Pack 

For comparison, we looked at prices for an example move for a studio apartment in July 2023 from Denver, CO, to Dallas, TX. Prices were accurate at the time of posting, but actual moving costs will vary based on origin, destination and the size and timing of moves. 

SMARTBOX: $1,919.61 (price included one moving container, door delivery for origin, terminal drop off for destination, transportation and standard liability coverage) 

U-Pack: $1,475 (price included one ReloCube moving container, door-to-door delivery, transportation and standard liability coverage) 

While both companies offer long-distance moving services, you’ll find that U-Pack offers door-to-door services in more areas and sturdier equipment at a competitive price. 

Ready to check prices?

Get your free, no-obligation U-Pack quote online or call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 to speak to a moving consultant. If you have questions about U-Pack or how our services compare to SMARTBOX, let us know in the comments. We’re happy to help! 

SMARTBOX® is a registered trademark of SMARTBOX Solutions, Inc. Use of third-party trademarks or registered trademarks does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by such third-party.