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What Can’t Go in a U-Box® Container?

Posted: August 23, 2023
Two coworkers pack a U-Box container with extra office supplies.

While you can pack nearly all your belongings into a U-Box® storage container, it’s not possible to put everything into it. Some items aren’t allowed in a U-Box container such as fireworks. Other belongings such as family heirlooms could go into the storage container, but it’s probably best if they didn’t go in there.

Moving labor from the Moving Help® Marketplace also can efficiently pack a U-Box storage container to help prevent your items from receiving damage.

Prohibited Items for U-Box Containers

Some items aren’t allowed at all to go inside your U-Box container. If you have any of the belongings listed below, make sure you keep them separate from your items going into your U-Box storage container.

  • Food
  • Plants
  • Animals
  • Liquids
  • Fireworks
  • Explosives
  • Flammable/combustible liquids
  • Hazardous materials
  • Compressed gases
  • Propane tanks
  • Gasoline
  • Torches
  • Heaters
  • Butane bottles
  • Firearms
  • Ammunition

If you’re ever unsure about a specific item, ask a U-Haul team member about whether your item should go into a U-Box container.

Items to Avoid in Your U-Box Container

While you can put family heirlooms, expensive artwork, and personal documents into your U-Box moving container, you probably should avoid putting them into your U-Box storage container. If your belongings were to get accidentally damaged, it could be impossible to replace them.

That’s not worth it.

Check out the list below to make sure you’re not accidentally putting something into a U-Box moving container that should stay with you during your move.

  • Deeds 
  • Passports 
  • Social Security Card 
  • Birth Certificate 
  • Important legal documents 
  • Family heirlooms 
  • Jewelry 
  • Watches 
  • Medication 
  • Artwork 
  • Antiques 
  • Stamps 
  • Furs or garments trimmed with fur 
  • Currency and securities 

What Fits in My U-Box Containers?

You can fit about 1 1/2 rooms into a U-Box storage container, including a king mattress. U-Box containers are more compact than a truck, but you can fit a surprising amount. You can read our guide on how much you can fit in a U-Box container.

It’s best to know ahead of time how many U-Box containers you need. You also can read our U-Box storage container tips guide. If you move with storage containers, it can make your life easier.

Why Choose Moving Labor for U-Box Loading or Unloading?

If you’ve never loaded a U-Box moving container, it can be quite challenging to load one by yourself. You have to load it in tiers and make sure all the space is filled up as much as possible. Otherwise, load shift might occur causing damage to your belongings.

When you hire Moving Helpers from the Moving Help Marketplace, you’ll find moving labor providers who are experts in loading and unloading a U-Box container. Our Service Providers will know how to load your U-Box storage container, so it prevents load shift, and it avoids your items being damaged.

If you’re unsure how Moving Help delivery works, check out our U-Box delivery expectations guide.

Properly Packing Your U-Box Container Today

Now that you know what can’t go into a U-Box storage container and what shouldn’t go into a U-Box container, you’ll feel confident knowing what belongings can go in a U-Box moving container.

Additionally, you can hire moving labor from the Moving Help Marketplace to load your U-Box storage containers for you, which will speed up the process.