Flexible warehouse space for small businesses
If you’re running a small business, you may not have enough stock to justify the cost of a commercial storage space. Instead, you can keep your inventory in a storage units near your business, supplier, courier or customers - wherever is the most convenient.
Is your stock still at home or in the stockroom?
Just under half of the UK's business operators cite a "lack of operational space" as their biggest bottleneck.
Aside from the clutter and being surrounded by reminders of work when you’re at home, storing your stock within your living space can leave that stock vulnerable to theft or damage.
Shops that use the back room face a different limit. When additonal stock won't fit despite important lines running low, and customers buy elsewhere as fewer people are willing to wait for what they want. If you’ve reached the stage in your business where you have more stock than you can comfortably store in your shop or home commercial storage space isn't the only solution.
Is self storage a good alternative for a commercial warehouse?
If your stock has outgrown a garage or on-site stockroom, a storage unit gives you secure indoor warehouse space without taking on a commercial warehouse.
At Safestore, our warehouse spaces start at 10 sq ft and go up to 500+ sq ft - large enough for your commercial stock to expand. We also offer smaller units that are ideally suited to archive storage, so if it’s just paperwork that’s cluttering up your home or shop, you could use one of our smaller units or lockers.
Pick a unit size that works for you now, and if your stock level varies throughout the year, you can request a change in unit size to better suit your needs. No need to worry about additional cost for services you don’t need, such as logistics, fulfilment services or crate storage.
Warehouse space with no long lease: how our contracts work
Safestore units let you store business stock without a commercial lease; ideal if you need a secure space for stock that you can access with ease. There are no long commercial lease tie-in periods, security costs or indemnity insurance costs to pay.
- No business rates - pay for your storage unit under a standard pricing model
- Contents cover can be included in your contract to save you the extra paperwork
- Chose a contract length that suits you, with discounts available for long-term storage.
If you need extra space for just a few months, flexible contracts allow you to leave with 14 days notice - perfect to prepare for seasonal fluctuations in your stock intake. See storage contracts for an overview of your options.
Warehouse storage with vehicle and loading access
We have shelving units available for purchase so that you can organise your stock in a way that lets you quickly access it to send to your customers. In addition, many of our stores have pallet trucks and forklift services available if you need help transporting larger items.
Our warehouse-sized units (500+ sq ft) are usually accessible via sizeable double-door entry; many have drive-up, covered access. Load or unload your stock and organise it however best suits your supply chain.
Start storing with Safestore
If you need a large storage space, you’ve come to the right place. We’re proud to offer excellent service for your business at an affordable price. Our storage is safe, flexible, and available for as short or as long as you need.
Contact usThe benefits of using Safestore instead of warehouse storage:
Largest number of stores nationwide:
- Chose from over 140 sites across the UK, located close to major road and rail networks.
- Rent storage units across multiple locations for a single regular payment, all handled by a dedicated accounts manager.
Sizes: 10 sq ft to 500+ sq ft:
- Start with a small room for archives or boxed stock, then move up to warehouse-sized units over 500 sq ft.
- Change size as stock levels change, so you don't pay for empty space.
Access: your stock, when you need it
- Visit as often as you like during store opening hours. Extended access hours are available at certain locations upon request.
- Many of our stores offer a forklift service, trolleys and pallet trucks.
- Our indoor units can be accessed via loading bays through large, double doors.
Secure indoor units with protection:
- Our stores are covered by 24-hour recorded CCTV.
- Fire alarms, intruder alarms, and pest control cover all risks.
- Only you can authorise entry to your unit.
- Enhanced liability with StoreProtect provides contents protections included in your storage agreement.
Deliveries to and from the store:
- Store staff accept deliveries and hold them until you arrive.
- Every store has a DHL Service Point, so you can post orders without leaving the building.
- Have new stock sent directly to your warehouse or send orders directly to your customers from your unit.
No long-term commercial leases:
- Stay for as long as you need (we offer discounts for more extended stays) or temporarily if your storage needs are seasonal.
- No business rates, indemnity insurance or separate security costs.
Store inventory with a warehouse storage unit
If your business would benefit from some extra storage and would like to know more about how our warehouse spaces could work for you, please fill in our contact form, chat with us online or call your local store.
Our experienced team members can help you to choose what size of unit would best suit your needs, provide you with a no-obligation quote and help you to make an informed decision with no pressure to decide there and then. If you decide to go ahead, we can help you reserve large scale or warehouse storage at an affordable price without a deposit to pay.
Questions about using storage as a warehouse space
How much does commercial warehouse space cost per week?
The price for warehouse space across the UK varies depending on the region. For example, a 1,300 sq ft industrial storage warehouse in East London is £692 per week, with a 1,900 sq.ft warehouse space in Central Birmingham available for £450 per week.* Business rates - especially in the London area where stock prices are above average - will add an additional charge. *Prices based on warehouse spaces for rent in October 2026.
Is a storage unit suitable for storing tools and equipment?
Yes. Whilst there is a 10 item limit for goods with built-in batteries that you can store, any tools or equipment that don't contain batteries or use a separate disconnected power supply can be kept in your unit. See our tool storage for more information.
What is the difference between self storage and managed warehouse storage?
With managed (collect and return) storage, the provider collects your stock, stores it in a facility and delivers it back on request. You don't handle the stock, but you can't get to it yourself.
With a Safestore unit, you can visit during store opening hours (extended hours are available upon request) to add or collect stock. You decide how it is organised, and pack and send orders yourself. Store staff can accept deliveries for you. Choose self storage if you want direct access and control over your stock.
Can I book a unit for just seasonal demand, and when should I book?
You can rent a unit for a few weeks or months to cover a seasonal peak, then hand it back or move to a smaller one when stock sells through. With flexible contracts, just give us 14 days notice before the start of your next monthly billing period of 4 weeks, and you can downsize or vacate when your stock is cleared out.
