How Much Does It Cost to Rent Storage Space in The UK?

The cost of renting storage space depends on multiple factors, including its location, the size of the unit and the duration of the rental. However, the average cost of self-storage in the UK is £23.94/sq. ft./year.

Renting a storage unit can be a great way to store items during a house move, downsizing or when you need somewhere to place excess business inventory. In fact, as housing and office space becomes more expensive, self-storage can be a fantastic solution for anyone with extra ‘stuff’.

But if you are thinking about storage, you’re probably also thinking about the cost. Here, we’ll break down everything you need to know about storage costs, including what factors influence it and how to find the best value.

What Factors Influence Storage Costs?

Elements like the location, the size of the unit, the duration of the rental and the unit’s features all play a part in the cost of storage.

Let’s break it down.

Location

Like with any rental, the closer you are to the centre of a city, the more expensive space is. Storage units located in areas like London, Manchester, Leeds and Bristol are more expensive due to the demand.

According to CompareMyMove, self-storage in London can cost up to £38.80/sq.ft.

More rural or suburban areas like Wales and the West Midlands come with cheaper rates (est. £20.34/sq. ft.) but these might require longer drives to drop off and retrieve your items.

If you are looking for better storage deals, you can either look for units in less popular areas, or opt for companies like The Box Co. that include collection and delivery within the service. This can help you avoid lengthy drives and allow you to store your items in units outside of cities, meaning lower costs.

Size of the Unit

Storage units are priced per square foot. This means that the larger the unit, the higher the cost.

Larger units typically cost less per square foot, but overall, opting for a smaller unit is a good way to cut down costs.

According to CheckaTrade average costs include:

Unit Size	Weekly Cost	Monthly Cost	Yearly Cost
50 sq. ft.	£22	£95	£1,155
100 sq. ft.	£44	£190	£2,310
200 sq. ft.	£88	£380	£4,620

 

It is worth noting that not all companies charge for storage based on the size of the unit.

Companies like The Box Co. for example charge for storage by the box, meaning you never pay for space you don’t use.

Storage by the box can be a great way to save money, especially if you don’t have enough items to fill an entire unit.

Duration of Rental

It seems intuitive, but the longer you plan to store items for, the more you’ll end up paying.

Whilst companies will usually offer discounts for long-term rentals, a longer rental will cost you more overall.

It’s worth shopping around for special offers to help combat this. For example, companies might offer student discounts, special prices for the first 2 months or other incentives.

Insurance

Not all storage companies are created equal. Whilst some will come with insurance included in the price, others may offer it as an extra.

Finding a company that includes insurance as part of the package means you might be paying slightly more monthly, but you’ll definitely save money overall.

Average Costs of Renting Storage In The UK

The cost of storage does vary by region. Knowing the more cost effective areas can have a big impact on how much you spend on storage.

Here’s an example of some average regional costs based on the 2024 SSA UK Annual Industry Report:

Region	Average Cost per Sq. Ft.
London	£38.80
South East	£28.03
Scotland	£23.87
Wales & West Midlands	£20.34
North England	£20.44

 

What Are The Different Types of Storage And What Do They Cost?

If you aren’t sure which storage option is right for you, don’t worry. There are a few options you can explore, which cater to different needs and budgets. Some of these include:

Traditional Self-Storage

These include renting units as part of larger self-storage facilities. Units can range from small lockers to big warehouses.

Prices start at roughly £23.94/sq. ft. per year according to SSA (Self Storage Association).

Container Storage

Container storage does what it says on the tin – it involves renting an entire container. These outdoor storage facilities are great for items like machines or vehicles that aren’t easily damaged.

These tends to be much cheaper than traditional storage units, but definitely aren’t suitable for delicate items or antique furniture.

Storage By The Box

The most cost effective (and time effective option) ideal for anyone who may not have enough items to fill an entire unit.

These services usually include collection and delivery and are charged by the box. As the company handles all transport, they tend to use facilities in more rural areas to lower costs.

Storage by the box with a company like The Box Co. starts from just £3.56 per month, including insurance, collection and delivery.

Removal Services

If you’re moving house, many removal services will offer to temporarily store your items as part of the service.

This can span from a few days to a few weeks depending on the company, and can be an affordable option. However, during the storage period you might be unable to retrieve your items as they are usually locked away in a facility.

Summary Table: Storage Costs and Features

Storage Type	Average Cost	Best For	Limitations
Self-Storage	£23.94/sq. ft./year	General household and business items	May have hidden costs for insurance and more expensive in urban areas.
Container Storage	£20–£30/month	Vehicles, large machines/ equipment	Not suitable for delicate items.
Box Storage Services	£3.56/box/month	Students, people with fewer items or those looking for lower cost options	Customers don’t go to the units themselves.
Removal Depositories	Varies	Moving house	Often inaccessible during storage.

 

What’s Included In The Price When It Comes To Storage?

It depends on the provider, but most storage companies will include:

• CCTV surveillance and security.
• Climate controlled units (excluding containers)
• Loading bays and trolleys.
• On-site parking (excluding storage by the box and removal services).

It’s also worth budgeting for additional costs that might arise, such as:

• Admin Fees: Some companies might charge a one-time setup fee.
• Packing Materials: Bubble wrap, boxes, and tape are often provided, but for a price.
• Insurance: Sometimes included but worth checking ahead of booking.
• Transport: Collection and delivery are sometimes charged extra (excluding storage by the box)

How to Save Money on Storage

If you’re looking to cut costs when it comes to storage, try some of the below:

1. Compare Quotes

Check rates from multiple providers to find the best value. If you would prefer one company but have found another that is cheaper, try asking them to match the quote.

2. Declutter

Only store what you need to, so you don’t waste any money renting space that you aren’t using.

3. Look for Discounts

Many storage companies offer deals at the start of the storage period, or may have discounts for students, NHS workers and long-term renters.

4. Share a Unit

If you can, try and split the cost with a friend or family member.

5. Opt For Storage By The Box

Choosing a storage by the box company can help ensure you never waste money renting space in a storage unit that you aren’t using.

How to Choose the Right Storage Provider

If you are shopping around, try asking the following questions to make sure the company is right for you:

• Are VAT and insurance included in the price?
• Do they offer any discounts that you can take advantage of?
• What security measures are in place to keep your items secure?
• Are there any restrictions on stored items?
• How quickly can you access your items?
• What is the cancellation policy?

Storage Costs: How Much Are They?

Storage costs in the UK can vary depending on location, unit size, and duration of the rental.

By comparing the different storage options available and asking the right questions, you can find a storage solution that fits both your needs and your budget.

For affordable storage priced by the box, visit The Box Co. today to get a free quote.