The Safemove option from U‑Haul covers moving blankets, equipment, and protective accessories to help minimize damage during a move. The cost varies by item, rental duration, and location, with main drivers including item quantity, distance, and insurance options. This article provides practical pricing ranges in USD to help estimate a typical Safemove budget.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safemove blanket rental (per blanket) | $2.50 | $4.00 | $6.50 | One blanket per moving day; higher in peak season |
| Appliance dolly rental (per day) | $3.00 | $5.00 | $8.00 | Includes wheels; multi-day rental increases |
| Moving straps/rope (per day) | $1.50 | $3.50 | $6.00 | Used for heavy items |
| Protective wardrobe box rental (per box) | $2.00 | $3.50 | $5.00 | Limited availability by location |
| Safemove kit (bundle) per move | $15 | $30 | $60 | Combination of blankets, straps, and a dolly |
| Delivery/Pickup (truck location dependent) | $10.00 | $25.00 | $60.00 | Includes basic handling |
| Insurance add-on (optional) | $5.00 | $12.00 | $25.00 | Liability coverage for Safemove items |
Overview Of Costs
Typical cost range for a standard local move using Safemove items generally falls between $60 and $300 for equipment alone, depending on item count and rental duration. For longer moves or out‑of‑town jobs, totals can approach $500 when multiple days of equipment, wardrobes, and protection are required. Assumptions: short local move, 1–2 furniture pieces, 2–4 blankets, and standard stair usage. Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Per‑unit pricing helps quantify the components: blankets typically $2.50–$6.50 each, dollies $3–$8 per day, straps $1.50–$6 per day, and bundles around $15–$60 for a complete Safemove kit. Delivery and insurance add-ons can push total costs higher by $10–$60 depending on distance and coverage.
Cost Breakdown
| Materials | Labor | Equipment | Permits | Delivery/Disposal | Warranty | Contingency | Taxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $20–$120 | $0–$120 | $40–$180 | $0–$20 | $10–$60 | $0–$15 | $10–$40 | 5–9% |
Regionally, item availability and taxes influence these figures. The table combines both total project ranges and per‑unit pricing where applicable.
What Drives Price
Move scope and distance are the biggest determinants. Local moves with light protection cost less than long‑distance moves that require multiple days of equipment. Item mix and quantity matter: more blankets, wardrobes, or dollies raise the total quickly. Other drivers include seasonality (summer weekends see higher demand) and insurance choices that add coverage to the Safemove items.
Ways To Save
Plan ahead and compare locations to lock in lower Safemove kit prices. Renting equipment for fewer days but larger daily needs can reduce daily rates. Consider bundling items into a single Safemove kit for a flat rate, which may beat paying per item. Also, if the move requires stairs, request specialized protection to avoid extra fees.
Regional Price Differences
Urban areas tend to have higher base rates and delivery charges, with a typical +10% to +25% delta versus Rural regions. Suburban markets usually sit near the national average, while Rural locations may offer lower shelf prices but with limited item availability. The following ranges illustrate typical deltas: Urban +12% to +22%; Suburban ±0% to +8%; Rural −5% to −15% relative to national averages.
Labor, Hours & Rates
On-site time for Safemove depends on the number of items and stairs. A small apartment move might require 2–4 hours of crew time, while a multi‑room home could exceed 8–12 hours. When labor is billed hourly, expect $40–$90 per hour for two crew members.
Additional & Hidden Costs
Surprise fees can arise from stairs, long carry distances, or last‑minute equipment requests. Some locations charge $10–$25 for extended stair ramps or additional blankets beyond the bundled kit. Delivery windows and late pickups may incur extra charges, while some shops waive them for multi‑hour or multi‑day arrangements.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Assumptions: local intra‑city move, 2 bedrooms, 1 flight of stairs, 2‑day rental.
Scenario Card: Basic
Spec: 8 blankets, 1 appliance dolly, 2 wardrobe boxes; 2 days; no insurance. Hours: 3–4; distance: 5 miles.
Labor: 3 hours @ $45/hour. data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”>
Totals: Materials $24; Equipment $14; Delivery $15; Taxes 6%; Subtotal ≈ $110–$130 plus labor.
Scenario Card: Mid-Range
Spec: 12 blankets, 2 dollies, 4 wardrobe boxes; 3 days; basic insurance.
Labor: 6 hours @ $50/hour. Per‑item costs apply; data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”>
Totals: Materials $40; Equipment $28; Delivery $25; Insurance $12; Taxes 7%; Subtotal ≈ $185–$230.
Scenario Card: Premium
Spec: Full Safemove bundle for a 3‑to‑4 bedroom move; stairs, long carry; 2 days; enhanced insurance.
Labor: 10 hours @ $75/hour. data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”>
Totals: Materials $60; Equipment $60; Delivery $40; Insurance $25; Taxes 8%; Subtotal ≈ $250–$350 plus labor.