How much does storage cost per month in the UK?

Prices in this article are estimated using the Self Storage Association (SSA) UK Industry Report 2025 as a benchmark.

Most self storage prices are tied to the storage space you rent, measured in square feet (sq ft). A useful benchmark is about £2.43 per sq ft per month before VAT.

As a VAT-inclusive guide, expect about £60 to £146 per month for 20 to 50 sq ft, £218 to £437 for 75 to 150 sq ft, and around £583 for 200 sq ft. London is typically the most expensive region, and quotes vary by postcode, access, and any discounts.

Keep in mind the figures below exclude VAT and contents cover, and they’re intended as a general guide rather than an exact price.

This table converts the SSA annual return per square foot into weekly and monthly estimates. A storage unit's cost depends on your postcode, the facility type, and availability, but the benchmark is a useful starting point.

If you're choosing between two sizes, remember that a larger unit can be better value per square foot, but only if you will use the space. Choosing the right storage unit size is one of the easiest ways to save money.

Central London locations tend to cost more than outer areas, especially near major transport hubs. Self storage prices in London rose by 14% in 2024, the largest increase of any UK region.

Estimated from the SSA UK Annual Report 2025 UK average revenue per sq ft, with a London uplift based on reported rate growth.

London averages are a guide, not a postcode quote. If you find a like-for-like quote within 3 miles, HOLD will price match it.

The cost of self storage in the South East rose sharply in 2024, with prices increasing across the region.

Estimated from the SSA UK Annual Report 2025 regional return per sq ft.

Modest growth in the north of England overall, with major cities like Manchester, Leeds and Liverpool remaining mid-range for the UK.

Estimated from the SSA UK Annual Report 2025 regional return per sq ft.

Scotland is the only region showing softer effective rates, likely due to heavier discounting.

Estimated from the SSA UK Annual Report 2025 regional return per sq ft.

Wales and the West Midlands experienced a modest year-on-year uptick in storage costs. They are still among the more competitive areas in terms of price.

Estimated from the SSA UK Annual Report 2025 regional return per sq ft.

Several key factors influence pricing. In practice, these factors show up again and again, even when two storage facilities look similar.

City centre sites cost more. Sites near public transport can also be priced higher. If you visit often, paying more for a convenient location can still be best value.

Unit size matters because you are paying for space. Plan how you will stack and arrange stored items so you can use the full height, and keep items properly covered if they are sensitive to dust or damp.

If you organise well, you may get enough space in a smaller unit, which lowers the monthly cost.

Ground-floor access is usually priced higher. If you rarely visit and want long term storage, a higher-floor unit can save money.

Storage providers offer discounts for longer commitments. Always check what you pay after the offer ends. A longer rental period can help, but only if the post-promo price still works for you.

Climate control typically carries a premium. Secure units and higher-spec sites can also raise cost.

Self storage prices aren’t just about the space. They can also reflect what’s included at the storage facilities you’re comparing. Here’s what many storage providers include, and what to check before you book.

This way, you can understand the true storage unit cost and avoid surprise storage costs later.

Loading bays at HOLD facilities

When you compare storage prices, look past the headline figure and check what you’re actually getting.

Easy loading access: look for loading bays or a clear drop-off area. If you’re moving house, this can make a significant difference on move-in day and cut down the overall cost in time and effort.

Trolleys on-site: useful for heavier household items, larger unit moves, and carrying packing materials or a few boxes in one trip.

Lift access: helpful if your storage unit isn’t on the ground floor. It can also affect how easy it is to access your belongings during busy periods.

Parking and convenience: on-site parking, a convenient location, and even public transport links can change the actual costs of using a storage solution, especially in city centres.

Security measures: check what secure storage looks like in practice. Many self storage facilities use CCTV surveillance and controlled access to keep stored items protected.

Access hours: confirm what “access” means. Some self storage facilities offer longer hours, and some offer 24/7 access, which can be important if your storage needs change.

If two self storage units look similarly priced, it’s usually these details that explain the difference. Check them upfront so you can compare storage providers properly and choose the best value, not just the cheapest price.

At HOLD, the aim is simple: secure storage with straightforward access, so you can store your items with confidence. All our storage customers get:

24/7 access via your personal PIN

24-hour CCTV and individually alarmed units

Easy loading access, including loading bays at our locations

Lift access, so it’s easy to reach your storage unit

Tailored business storage and office workpods

This makes it easier to compare storage prices elsewhere, because you’re not trading off access or security to save a few quid.

The advertised price is not always the total. Some facilities require insurance. Others charge deposits, locks, or packing materials.

These additional costs can matter as much as the weekly rate when you compare storage options.

A simple check: ask the provider for a total cost summary for the first month, including any extra costs and any discounts. This is where transparent pricing matters most.

A few of the extra costs come down to how your agreement is set up, so it’s worth checking these bits upfront.

Deposit and payments: you’ll pay a deposit when you sign. Your first payment is taken once your order is accepted, and after that you pay in advance for each storage period.

Contents cover: we don’t insure your items as standard. Your things need to be insured for their replacement value, which is listed on your cover sheet.

Locking your unit: you’re responsible for securing your unit. If you bring your own lock, just make sure it doesn’t interfere with the site’s overlocking point.

We sell padlocks at our online box shop.

Ending your storage: the notice period is shown on your cover sheet, so check it before you commit.

To save money on storage, start with the smallest unit size that fits your storage needs, then check whether the headline price is an introductory offer.

Many major chains run new-customer discounts. For example, we offer 50% off for the first 8 to 12 weeks, so always compare the post-offer rate as well as the deal price. If you’ll stay longer, ask about long-stay discounts or a price lock.

When comparing quotes, don’t just chase the lowest headline. Compare the total once you include insurance, any deposit, and other fees.

People often underestimate how much space they need. Use this quick mapping to avoid renting a larger unit than necessary.

Use our storage unit size guide to find the perfect unit for you.

Self storage is the go-to storage solution for most people, but it isn’t the only one. If you’re comparing storage providers (or you’re trying to keep the monthly cost down), these are the main storage options you’ll come across.

This is the classic set-up: you rent a self storage unit inside a building and come and go during access hours. It’s usually the easiest option if you want secure storage and regular access to your belongings.

Prices can be higher in city centres and busy areas, so it’s worth checking a couple of storage facilities if you’re comparing self storage prices.

Container storage is typically outdoors with drive-up loading, which can be handy if you’re using removal services or moving bulky household items.

It can work out more cost-effective per month if you don’t need to visit often. The trade-off is access: depending on the site, it can be less flexible than indoor self storage.

Good if you’ve only got a few boxes and you don’t need instant access. The provider collects your stuff, stores it, then delivers it back when you ask.

Just bear in mind you’ll usually need to book returns, so it’s not the best fit if you want quick access to your belongings or you think you’ll be dipping in and out a lot.

This tends to suit business storage: stock, equipment, or long term storage where you’re not visiting regularly.

It can be a good option for longer rental periods, but access is usually more controlled, so it won’t feel as flexible as having your own storage unit.

HOLD Self Storage offers secure units with 24/7 security, alarmed storage rooms, CCTV, and complimentary 24-hour access (on request).

We also offer premium business storage; flexible terms with no long lease, business rates included, and the ability to upsize or downsize as your stock or workspace needs change.

Take advantage of exceptional customer service, a perfect 5-star record, and our online Box Shop for boxes and packing supplies. Reserve your unit in minutes and get a guaranteed price match.