Last Updated: Sept 2024
 

1. How much does self storage cost?

Several factors influence the cost of self storage in the UK, and it's important to consider these when comparing options. While price is often a major deciding factor, there are other key elements to bear in mind, such as location, the quality of the facility, security levels, and ease of access.

It's worth remembering that the cheapest option may not always provide the best value, especially when it comes to safeguarding your belongings. Below are the main factors that affect self storage pricing:
 

Factors affecting self storage prices:

(jump to)
1) Location
2) Size of the unit
3) Length of stay
4) Replacement value
  • Location
The location of the storage facility is one of the biggest determinants of price. Typically, facilities closer to city centres, particularly in London, will have higher costs. As you move further from major cities and towards the North, prices tend to decrease. Location can significantly impact your overall cost, so it's wise to compare rates across different regions.
  • Size of the Unit
Storage units come in various sizes, from small lockers to larger warehouse-like spaces. These units are usually priced per square foot, with larger units often being more cost-effective on a per-square-foot basis. Deciding on the right size for your needs will directly affect the price you pay.
  • Length of Stay
The duration of your stay can also influence the cost. Many storage providers offer short-term discounts, such as 50% off for the first 8 weeks, which can be beneficial if you're only storing items temporarily. For longer stays, providers may offer additional discounts or incentives, particularly for customers staying a year or more. It's also worth checking if there are any special discounts available, such as those for NHS, military, emergency services employees or teachers.
  • Replacement Value
Storage providers will typically require you to insure your stored items either through their own Enhanced Liability cover (e.g., StoreProtect) or via a third-party insurance policy. The cost of this cover depends on the replacement value of your belongings. Although incidents are rare, it’s crucial to ensure your items are properly covered.

 

2. Self Storage Prices in the UK: What You Can Expect

As we illustrated above, the cost of self storage can vary significantly depending on several factors, with location being one of the biggest influences. While it’s challenging to provide an exact average due to these variations, we can offer general guidance based on industry data.

According to the Self Storage Association (SSA) UK Annual Industry Report, storage costs are often expressed as "returns per square foot," which can give an approximate idea of pricing trends. However, these figures do not directly reflect what customers pay. They serve as an estimate, helping to provide a general sense of costs across different regions.

To make things clearer, we’ve broken down typical storage costs by unit size, timeframes, and regional differences, covering London, the North, the Southeast, the West Midlands, and Scotland. These estimates are intended as a guide and are not definitive prices.

The best way to get an accurate idea of what self storage will cost for you is to use our no-obligation quote tool above. By selecting your required unit size and preferred location, you’ll receive a tailored price that reflects current rates in your chosen area.

Please keep in mind that the prices listed below do not include VAT or contents cover, and they are meant to give you a general idea rather than an exact figure.

Region Average Cost Per Sq. ft
London £38.80
Scotland £23.87
West Midlands & Wales £20.34
North England £20.44
South East £29.03
South West £21.17
Yorkshire & Humber £22.69
East of England £26.47

 

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3. How much does self storage cost in different regions? 

(jump to)
1) London Storage Prices
2) Scotland Storage Prices
3) Midlands Storage Prices
4) Northern England Storage Prices
5) Southern England Storage Prices (Excluding London)


Average Cost of Self Storage in London

 The cost of storage in London is typically more expensive than it is elsewhere in the country, so when you’re looking for storage prices, make sure you take that into consideration. And there can also be a substantial difference between different locations within London itself.

London Storage Prices Weekly Monthly
25 sq. ft. £18.65 £80.83
35 sq. ft. £26.12 £113.17
50 sq. ft. £37.71 £161.67
75 sq. ft. £55.96 £242.50

*The prices quoted above are National Averages reported in the SSA UK Annual Industry Report in 2024 and are not representative of a specific storage location or provider and do not include VAT or contents cover.
 

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Average Cost of Self Storage in Scotland (Including Glasgow and Edinburgh)

The cost of living in Scotland is definitely cheaper than England and this is reflected in the lower price of self storage in Glasgow and Edinburgh in comparisons to the larger cities in England including London.  However, the table below will give you an idea of the average cost of self storage in Scotland. 
Scotland Storage Prices Weekly Monthly
25 sq. ft. £11.48 £49.73
35 sq. ft. £16.07 £69.62
50 sq. ft. £22.95 £99.46
75 sq. ft. £34.42 £149.19

*The prices quoted above are National Averages reported in the SSA UK Annual Industry Report in 2024 and are not representative of a specific storage location or provider and do not include VAT or contents cover.

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Average Cost of Self Storage in the West Midlands & Wales

The West Midlands is home to some of the more affordable places to live in the UK including Birmingham.  The lower cost of living in these places is also reflected in the price of self storage as you will see in the table below.

West Midlands Storage Prices Weekly Monthly
25 sq. ft. £9.78 £42.38
35 sq. ft. £13.70 £59.34
50 sq. ft. £19.57 £84.76
75 sq. ft. £29.35 £127.14

*The prices quoted above are National Averages reported in the SSA UK Annual Industry Report in 2024 and are not representative of a specific storage location or provider and do not include VAT or contents cover.

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Average Cost of Self Storage in the North (Including Manchester, Leeds and Liverpool)

 The North of England, including major cities like Manchester, Leeds, and Liverpool, tends to offer more affordable self storage prices compared to the South. These cities provide a range of self storage options at competitive rates, which are typically lower than in regions like London. The table below offers an overview of the average costs of self storage in the North.
The North Storage Prices Weekly Monthly
25 sq. ft. £9.83 £42.58
35 sq. ft. £13.77 £59.52
50 sq. ft. £19.67 £85.17
75 sq. ft. £29.51 £127.75

*The prices quoted above are National Averages reported in the SSA UK Annual Industry Report in 2024 and are not representative of a specific storage location or provider and do not include VAT or contents cover.

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Average Cost of Self Storage in the South East (Excluding London)

 The South East, while generally more expensive than the North, offers a range of self storage options at lower prices than London. Areas in this region, such as Brighton, Reading, and Kent, typically offer mid-range storage costs, reflecting the higher demand and cost of living in the South East. The table below provides a guide to average self storage prices in this region.
South East Prices Weekly Monthly
25 sq. ft. £13.96 £60.48
35 sq. ft. £19.54 £84.67
50 sq. ft. £27.94 £121.00
75 sq. ft. £41.91 £181.50

*The prices quoted above are National Averages reported in the SSA UK Annual Industry Report in 2024 and are not representative of a specific storage location or provider and do not include VAT or contents cover.
 
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Last Updated:  Sept 2024


4. What does the price of self storage include?

When considering the cost of self storage, it's important to understand what services and amenities may be included in the price. While this can vary depending on the facility you choose, many providers offer a range of features designed to enhance convenience, security, and ease of access.

Below is a breakdown of typical services that may be part of the overall cost:

What the price may include:
  • Staff on site to accept deliveries on your behalf
  • Sole access to the self storage unit
  • Free use of trolleys to load and unload your items
  • Free use of forklifts or a forklift service*
  • 24-hour CCTV monitoring for added security
  • Undercover loading bays to protect your belongings during loading/unloading
  • Free onsite parking*
*Note: Not all storage facilities offer all of these services, so it’s worth confirming with your chosen provider what’s included.
 

5. Additional costs for self storage

At Safestore, we pride ourselves on transparent pricing, ensuring there are no hidden fees or unexpected charges on your invoice. Our pricing structure is clear, and we’ll always inform you of any additional costs before you commit to renting a storage unit. Along with the cost of your storage unit, the following charges may apply:
  • StoreProtect Enhanced Liability
We offer StoreProtect Enhanced Liability to cover the value of your belongings while they’re in storage. Simply choose the replacement value you think is necessary based on the cost to replace your items (Maximum Replacement Value as new).

While you’re not required to take out StoreProtect, we do ask that you have adequate insurance in place if you choose not to opt for our cover.
  • Deposit
There’s no deposit required to reserve a unit at Safestore. However, when you move in, you’ll need to pay the first 4 weeks in advance using a credit card.
  • Moving Costs
Although we don’t offer a collection or removal service, each of our storage facilities has connections with trusted local providers. We’ll be happy to recommend one if you need help transporting your belongings. Alternatively, you might prefer to hire a van or a removals service if you don’t have transport of your own.
  • Packing Materials
If you need boxes, bubble wrap, or tape, we offer a range of packing materials for sale both in-store and online, all at competitive prices.
  • Securing Your Self Storage Unit
You’ll need a padlock to secure your storage unit. We sell padlocks in our stores starting from £13.99, or you can bring your own if you prefer.
 

6. How to Save Money on Self Storage

When it comes to self-storage, there are plenty of ways to get the most value for your money. Whether you’re storing for a short period or long-term, these practical tips can help you lower costs and maximise your storage space.

1. Choose Higher Floors

Ground-floor units are often more expensive due to easier access. Opting for a higher-floor unit can save you money, especially if you don't need frequent access to your belongings.

2. Maximise Your Space by Stacking
Properly organising and stacking your items ensures you make the most of the available space. Invest in sturdy boxes and stack them carefully to avoid needing a larger, more expensive unit.

3. Rent the Smallest Unit You Can
Take an inventory of what you plan to store and choose the smallest unit that will comfortably fit everything. Renting a unit that’s too large for your needs will cost you more than necessary.

4. Be Flexible on Location
Storage facilities in central or high-demand areas tend to have higher prices. If possible, consider renting at a location slightly outside of your desired area where rates may be lower.

5. Share a Unit
If you don’t have enough items to fill a storage unit, consider sharing the space with a friend or family member. Splitting the cost can reduce your storage expenses significantly.

6. Stay Longer for Better Rates
Some facilities offer discounts or better rates if you commit to a longer rental period. Ask about long-term rates to take advantage of potential savings.

7. Look for Discounts and Promotions
Many storage companies offer special discounts for first-time renters, students, or long-term customers. Keep an eye out for promotions that could lower your overall costs.

8. Shop Around
Don't settle on the first facility you come across. Compare prices from multiple storage providers in your area to find the best deal for your needs.

9. Check the Notice Periods
To avoid unexpected fees, be sure to understand the notice period required when you're ready to end your rental. Some storage companies require longer notice, which could lead to paying for extra time you don't need.
 

7. How to get a quote for self storage

To find a store in a convenient location for your home or business, use our store finder tool by entering your postcode or searching for your nearest town. With over 130 stores nationwide, you're sure to find one local to you, all easily accessible via major road networks and public transport.

Make sure your chosen store offers the facilities you need, such as onsite parking or staff to accept deliveries on your behalf. You can then reserve your self storage unit online with no deposit required.

Alternatively, feel free to give us a call or fill out our online contact form, and one of our team members will be happy to help you choose the right unit at the best price for your storage needs.
 
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