TL;DR — Storage Services Cost At A Glance
- Storage costs £100–£300 a month for a typical unit, or £50–£150 a week for short-term needs, inc VAT — more in London.
- Price depends on unit size, storage duration, location and access frequency, plus whether collection is included.
- A small locker suits a few boxes; a 100–150 sq ft unit can hold the contents of a two-to-three-bed home.
- Most quotes cover the storage space, security and insurance options — collection, packing materials and premium access may cost extra.
- Container and mobile storage can undercut high-street self-storage, especially outside city centres.
- Paying for only the space you need and committing to a longer term are two easy ways to reduce the monthly cost.
Get a price for secure storage — check storage options and book online or call to discuss how much space you need and for how long.
How Much Do Storage Services Cost In 2026?
Storage in the UK costs £100–£300 per month for a mid-sized unit in 2026, with short-term arrangements charged at £50–£150 per week. Prices in London and the South East run 20–30% higher than the rest of the country because of land and property costs.
The main variable is unit size, measured in square feet. The second variable is storage duration: weekly rates suit short gaps between moves, while monthly rates and longer commitments can bring the cost per week down.
| Storage arrangement | Rest of UK | London & South East |
| Small unit (up to ~35 sq ft) per month | £60–£130 | £80–£170 |
| Medium unit (~50–75 sq ft) per month | £100–£220 | £130–£280 |
| Large unit (~100–150 sq ft) per month | £180–£300 | £230–£400 |
| Short-term (per week) | £50–£150 | £65–£190 |
Figures include VAT and reflect 2026 market rates. Collection, insurance and premium access may be extra — get a storage quote here.
Storage Cost By Unit Size
Because size sets the price, it helps to picture what fits in each unit. These are typical monthly rates for the rest of the UK:
| Unit size | Roughly holds | Typical monthly cost (inc VAT) |
| Locker (up to 15 sq ft) | A few boxes, a bike, small items | £15–£50 |
| Small (25–35 sq ft) | Contents of a studio or 1-bed flat | £60–£130 |
| Medium (50–75 sq ft) | Contents of a 1–2 bed home | £100–£220 |
| Large (100–150 sq ft) | Contents of a 2–3 bed home | £180–£300 |
| Extra large (200 sq ft+) | Contents of a 4-bed+ home | £300–£450+ |
Container and mobile storage — where a container is delivered, loaded and taken to a secure site — is often cheaper per square foot than high-street self-storage, particularly for longer terms.
What Affects The Cost Of Storage?
Several factors decide where you land in the ranges above.
- Unit Size
The space you rent is the biggest cost. Under-estimating means a second unit; over-estimating means paying for unused space. A quick inventory or a provider's space calculator helps you book the right size first time.
- Length Of Storage
Weekly rates are convenient for short gaps but work out dearer over time. Monthly contracts and longer commitments usually offer better value, and some providers offer discounts for longer terms.
- Location
City-centre and London facilities cost more than out-of-town sites. If you do not need frequent access, a unit on the edge of town or a container site can be significantly cheaper.
- Access And Service Level
Round-the-clock access, ground-floor units and drive-up loading can cost more than restricted-hours or upper-floor space. Mobile storage saves you the trips but limits spontaneous access.
- Collection And Handling
Self-storage where you deliver your own goods is usually the cheapest option. Adding a collection service, a man and van or loading help increases the total but can save time and vehicle-hire costs.
- Insurance
Most facilities require stored goods to be insured, either through their own scheme or your contents cover. Premiums vary with the declared value, so include insurance when calculating the total monthly cost.
What's Included — And What's Not
Typically included in a storage quote:
- The unit or container space for the agreed term
- Secure site with alarms, CCTV and controlled access
- Access during the facility's standard hours
Usually charged separately:
- Collection or delivery of your belongings
- Packing materials — boxes, tape and covers (moving supplies)
- Insurance for stored goods
- Premium 24-hour access or drive-up units
- Loading and unloading help
Confirm the notice period for moving out, too — some contracts ask for a week or a month's notice.
Can You Do It Yourself?
Self-storage is straightforward: you rent the space, deliver your own boxes and manage access. It is usually the cheapest option if you have transport and can handle the lifting, making it suitable for boxes and smaller furniture.
Large or heavy items can make self-storage more difficult, especially when the unit is on an upper floor. Hiring a man and van or choosing a collection or mobile-storage service costs more but removes the heavy lifting and vehicle-hire costs. For a full house between moves, a service that collects, stores and redelivers your belongings can be the more practical choice.
How To Save Money On Storage
- Book the right size — measure your load or use a space calculator so you do not over-rent.
- Commit to a longer term to unlock lower monthly rates and introductory offers.
- Declutter first — sell, donate or clear anything not worth storing before you book.
- Choose an out-of-town or container site if you do not need frequent access.
- Compare mobile storage against high-street self-storage for longer terms.
- Pack efficiently in uniform boxes so you use the unit's height and rent less floor space.
- Check your existing insurance before paying for the facility's insurance scheme.
How To Hire A Good Storage Provider
Look for a secure site with CCTV, alarms and controlled access, and ask how your goods are protected from damp and damage. Confirm the contract terms, notice period, access hours and insurance requirements before signing, and check whether the headline price is an introductory rate that later rises.
Read recent reviews, and if you are using a collection or mobile-storage service, confirm the movers are vetted and insured and that your goods are covered in transit as well as in storage.
Fantastic Services offers secure storage with optional collection, clear pricing and online booking — tell them how much space and how long you need for a quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does A Storage Unit Cost Per Month In The UK?
A mid-sized unit typically costs £100–£220 per month inc VAT outside London and £130–£280 in London. Small lockers start around £15–£50, while large units for a full house run £180–£450+.
What Size Storage Unit Is Needed For A House Move?
A 100–150 sq ft unit holds the contents of a typical two-to-three-bed home. A studio or one-bed fits a 25–35 sq ft unit, while a four-bed home needs 200 sq ft or more.
Is Insurance Included With Storage?
Usually not automatically. Most facilities require stored goods to be insured, either through their scheme or your own contents policy. Premiums depend on the declared value of what you store.
Is Container Storage Cheaper Than Self-Storage?
Often, yes. Container and mobile storage tend to cost less per square foot than high-street self-storage, particularly for longer terms and out-of-town sites, though access can be less flexible.
Can Storage Be Booked For Just A Few Weeks?
Yes. Short-term storage is typically charged at £50–£150 per week, which suits gaps between moves. Monthly rates are more economical once you go beyond a few weeks.
Does A Storage Price Include Collection?
Not usually. Self-storage assumes you deliver your own goods. Collection, a man and van, or a mobile-storage service that picks up and redelivers are charged on top.
