How Much Does Self Storage Cost

If you are asking yourself how much does self storage cost, you are not alone.

Whether you are moving house, downsizing or just need somewhere to keep things safe while you travel, storage unit costs in the UK can vary widely.

The price you pay will depend on several factors such as where you live, how much space you need and even how long you need the unit for.

In this guide, we will walk through what self-storage really costs in the UK, what drives those prices up or down, and a few ways you can keep your bill lower.

Self Storage Prices

The first thing to understand is that storage is priced on more than just the size of the unit. Location is usually the biggest factor.

Units in busy cities often cost far more than those on the edge of town, for example, a 50 sq ft unit in central London can easily cost double the price of the same size unit in a smaller city, think of this like how rent is different in certain areas, so if you are willing to travel a little further out of the center of your city or town you can usually find a better deal if you don't mind the travelling.

The size of the unit you choose also makes a difference. The bigger the space, the higher the rent, although larger units often work out cheaper per square foot.

A small 25 sq ft locker might be enough for boxes and a few small items, but if you need to store the contents of a one-bed flat, you will probably need at least 50 to 75 sq ft or sometimes more.

How long you need the unit for can also have a big impact on cost. Many storage companies offer introductory discounts for the first few weeks, but once the promotion ends, the rate increases. Short-term rentals usually cost more per week than long-term contracts.

The type of self-storage facility you use matters, too. Modern facilities with lifts, wide corridors, climate-controlled units, CCTV and 24-hour access will charge more than a basic drive-up unit as they have more overheads. These extra features can be worth it if you are storing valuable items, but if you just need a safe storage space for your old furniture, you can often save by choosing a simpler site.

Finally, some storage companies will charge extra for what is advertised. Most facilities will require you to have insurance, either bought from them or provided by your own insurer. Some storage companies charge an administration fee or ask for a deposit when you sign up.

Some storage companies will require you to bring your own lock, too, which you may also need to buy. Some facilities even charge for after-hours access or for services such as accepting deliveries on your behalf.

Storage Costs in the UK

To give you a rough idea of what to expect, we can look at recent figures from some well-known providers.

According to the Checkatrade website, the typical cost of a 50 sq ft self-storage unit is around £95 per month.

A 100 sq ft unit comes in at about £190 per month, while a 200 sq ft unit can reach £380 per month or more.

Shurgard’s prices vary by region, but in some London branches you can expect to pay around £21 per month for a small one square metre locker, which is about ten square feet, and about £56 per month for a five square metre unit, which is roughly fifty square feet.

Big Yellow shows similar pricing patterns but often comes in a little higher in prime city locations. Their pricing changes based on local demand, so it is worth checking your postcode for a more accurate figure.

From these examples, a small unit suitable for boxes and seasonal items might cost between £20 and £60 per month, while medium to large units for household contents can range from £150 to more than £400 per month, depending on the location and the features of the facility.

What's included in the price

Always ask yourself what’s included in the price and what could you be charged for separately, always read the small print of your contract and if you aren't sure ask the storage company what's included in the advertised price. This way there will be no nasty surprises when it comes to paying your first bill.

Estimating Costs for Your Area

Prices on self-storage can differ a lot between regions, so if you are interested in self-storage, you should get quotes from the companies in your area.

The best way to estimate what you will pay is to check the websites of the main storage providers near you and use their online quote tools. Companies can usually give you a quote in seconds.

One word of advice is to make sure you look beyond the headline promotional rates and always ask what the ongoing monthly cost will be after the introductory period ends, and whether there are any extra charges that you need to budget for.

It is also worth checking what size unit you actually need so that you do not end up paying for space. Many providers have size calculators or staff who can advise you based on what you plan to store.  If in doubt, phone them and ask; storage company employees will know how much space you will need.

Tips for Saving on Self Storage

There are a few ways to keep your storage bill lower without having to settle for a unit that doesn't do what you need it to.

As mentioned earlier, the price of storage can vary by location, so check for ones just outside of the centre. This should cut your costs down considerably.

Secondly, be sure to choose a unit that suits the volume of your belongings rather than over-estimating and paying for extra space you will never fill.

If you don't need an air-conditioned unit, don't hire a unit that has it as you will be paying for something you don't need.  Air conditioned or climate controlled storage units are more expensive to run, so those costs are sent directly to you.

Storage companies may also offer discounts to customers looking to stay longer, so it can also be worth asking about discounts for long-term rental or for paying a few months in advance.

Finally, if you only have a small number of items to store, you might even consider sharing a unit with a friend or family member to split the cost.