Reviewed 9 October 2025 by the HOLD Self Storage editorial team. Uses the SSA UK Annual Industry Report, April 2025, and current UK market listings with trusted industry sources.
This guide breaks down average prices by location and unit size, plus typical rates for other storage options in the UK.
Lower storage costs with HOLD's Price Match & 50% Off
*Data based on the SSA UK Industry Report 2025 (2024 data) and market listings from major storage platforms.
Expect to pay £70–£150/month for 20–50 sq ft, £220–£440/month for 75–150 sq ft, and around £580/month for 200 sq ft. London is typically the most expensive region.
These prices include VAT and are for standard, indoor self storage units, excluding any long-term promotions.
When comparing the cost of self storage, ensure to include VAT, insurance and any access charges so quotes are like-for-like.
Want competitive London rates and a price match on your size? Get a quote from HOLD in minutes.
Self storage prices by location (average costs)
*VAT-inclusive monthly estimates for standard indoor units, converted from weekly rates and rounded to the nearest £1. Actual quotes vary by location, access, insurance, and promotions.
At a glance
London: highest average costs; expect the top end of UK pricing
South East and South West: higher than the UK
Midlands, North, Yorkshire and the Humber: mid-range
Scotland and Wales: generally lower than the UK
The North
25 sq ft: £14.13/week; £61/month
35 sq ft: £19.78/week; £86/month
50 sq ft: £28.26/week; £122/month
75 sq ft: £42.39/week; £184/month
Modest growth overall, with major cities like Manchester, Leeds and Liverpool remaining mid-range for the UK.
City snapshot
Manchester
25 sq ft: £80–£120
50 sq ft: £110–£150
100 sq ft: £190–£260 per month
Liverpool
25 sq ft: £70–£105
50 sq ft: £105–£145
100 sq ft: £180–£245 per month
Wales & West Midlands
25 sq ft: £16.12/week; £70/month
35 sq ft: £22.43/week; £97/month
50 sq ft: £32.25/week; £140/month
75 sq ft: £48.34/week; £209/month
A modest year-on-year uptick; still among the more competitive areas on price.
City snapshot
Birmingham
25 sq ft: £71–£96
50 sq ft: £116–£156
100 sq ft: £236–£320 per month
Cardiff
25 sq ft: £66–£90
50 sq ft: £114–£154
100 sq ft: £166–£224 per month
Scotland (including Edinburgh and Glasgow)
25 sq ft: £16.75/week; £73/month
35 sq ft: £23.45/week; £102/month
50 sq ft: £33.50/week; £145/month
75 sq ft: £50.25/week; £218/month
The only region showing softer effective rates, likely due to heavier discounting
City snapshot
Edinburgh
25 sq ft: £81–£110
50 sq ft: £113–£153
100 sq ft: £175–£237 per month
Glasgow
25 sq ft: £69–£93
50 sq ft: £99–£135
100 sq ft: £232–£314 per month
What factors affect self storage prices?
Comparing self storage prices can be tricky. A low headline figure looks tempting until extras such as insurance, admin or access fees raise the real monthly cost.
In practice, unit size and location set the base rate, while features, demand, rental duration and promotions determine what you actually pay. Always ask for a like-for-like, itemised quote so you can see the total storage cost clearly.
Storage location
Prices are usually higher in London and major city centres because site costs and demand are greater.
Suburban or out-of-town storage facilities often offer lower rates, while busy urban hubs tend to stay higher (even when there are several competitors nearby).
Rates can shift through the year, so check current local prices rather than relying on a single national average.
Size of the self storage unit
Larger storage units cost more overall but less per square foot.
To manage costs, choose the smallest unit that comfortably fits your belongings. Start with a quick inventory of boxes, furniture and sports gear to avoid paying for unused space.
If you’re unsure, ask the team to help find the right storage space for your needs (include any seasonal items).
Use HOLD’s storage unit size guide to estimate before you book.
Rental duration
Introductory offers such as HOLD’s 50% off for the first eight weeks can make early costs appear low.
Compare the ongoing monthly price once promotions end. Longer stays or pre-paid terms can also reduce the rate, so ask for a no-obligation quote that shows both the promotional and standard prices for your full stay.
Specification and access
Ground floor or drive up access, extended opening hours or climate control can add convenience (and often a small premium).
Upper floor units reached by lift are typically cheaper.
If you visit rarely, you may not need to pay for extended access.
Some storage companies also provide outdoor container storage, which can be cost effective if drive up convenience matters more than indoor corridors.
Insurance and extras
Most secure self storage facilities require proof of insurance based on replacement value.
You can often choose between in-house cover or an independent policy. Check what’s included from day one, such as locks, packaging materials or padlocks, and note any hidden fees or admin charges that affect total cost.
Not all providers structure fees in the same way, so an itemised quote helps you compare fairly.
Market conditions
Local competition and occupancy influence pricing. Even with many providers, London averages remain higher than regional sites.
When comparing storage companies, look beyond price alone. Weigh security, access, customer support and any added services that matter to you.
Balancing these factors side by side helps you find the best value self storage option for your situation.
Other self storage costs to plan for
The cost of self storage shifts with size, location and spec; the rest is timing and extras.
Insurance
Self storage facilities usually require cover based on the replacement value of your stored items. Check the sum insured, any single item limits, and exclusions so you are properly covered.
Insurance is one of the key elements that can create a significant difference between two similar quotes.
Deposit and initial payment
Some self storage companies take a deposit or ask for the first few weeks in advance, commonly one month’s rent. Confirm what is refundable and how any fees affect your storage unit cost once promotions end.
Ask for a no obligation quote that shows each line so you can make an informed decision.
Transport and moving
Getting items to and from the site adds to the overall cost. Prices vary by distance, access and day of week. Booking off peak can lead to lower costs.
If you have bulky furniture or sports equipment, a removals team might be the best deal once you compare like for like.
Typical ranges (indicative):
- Man and van (London): £60–£80 per hour (usually a 2-hour minimum)
- Man and van (rest of UK): £35–£70 per hour
- Small self-drive van hire: £70–£120 per day
- Full removals service: £400–£600 (1-bed), £800–£1,100 (2-bed), £1,200–£1,700 (3-bed)
Need a van or movers? We work with local partners to ensure smooth removals.
Packing materials
Packaging materials such as boxes, tape, protective wrap, and labels protect items and maximise storage space. Need boxes that don’t cave in halfway up the stairs? Order from HOLD's online Box Shop.
Locks and security accessories
Some sites provide a lock, others expect you to supply one. A solid padlock is a small cost that protects valuable belongings.
If your storage needs change, ask whether security upgrades count as additional services or are included.
Access and specification
Extended hours, 24 hour access, ground floor or drive up storage unit options, climate control, and individual alarms add convenience and may carry a premium.
Upper floors via lift usually price lower than ground floor. If you need drive up only, container storage can be a practical alternative that sometimes yields the best price per square foot.
HOLD Self Storage offers complimentary 24-hour access (upon request).
Admin and other fees
Watch for setup fees, late payment charges, card surcharges where used, and costs to change unit types or to move to a larger or smaller size unit mid term.
With many storage providers, fee structures are not created equal, so line by line quotes are worth discussing before you commit.
Furniture storage
Expect about £21 to £60 per week depending on volume and location. Removal company depositories often average around £48 per week for a typical three bedroom home.
Treat these as guide figures. Use them to get a general idea, then confirm locally as regional differences apply.
Some self storage facilities (like HOLD) also offer tailored furniture storage, so be sure to shop around to find the best fit.
Figures are indicative and based on 2024–2025 UK removals, van-hire and furniture-storage listings; actual quotes vary by provider and location.
How to choose the right storage solution
Think size first, then access, then features. That order saves most people money.
Size
Choose the smallest room that genuinely fits your needs. List what will go inside and check how much space that is with HOLD's size guide.
Picking larger units than you need raises your self storage cost without adding value.
Access
Pick a convenient location and confirm opening hours before you book. Not all storage facilities offer round-the-clock access, and standard hours often come at a lower price.
Ask whether there’s a covered loading bay, trolleys or pallet trucks, and lift access close to the entrance. Confirm vehicle size limits and whether you can reserve a bay on move-in day.
Features
Start with essentials. Your perfect storage solution balances size, access and only the features you need. Prices are shaped by several factors, so keep quotes like for like.
Need help choosing the right storage solution in your area? Check today’s rate for your unit size, and we will match you to a self-storage unit with clear, transparent pricing.
Get a quote and enjoy free 24/7 access (upon request), as well as competitive rates with a local price match (T&Cs apply).
Self storage options and typical prices
An overview of the main self storage options, what they’re best for, and typical prices.
Indoor self storage unit
Secure, weather-protected rooms with stable climate and on-site staff. Usually, a wide range of different unit sizes is available.
Best for: furniture, electronics and household items you access occasionally.
Prices: check your region for a general idea and then compare like-for-like per square foot. This helps you see the true storage unit cost for the unit types you need.
Container storage
Drive-up outdoor containers with easy loading; less suited to moisture-sensitive goods.
Best for: bulky or less delicate items.
Indicative price: £130 to £150 per month for 10 to 20 ft, around £420 per month for 40 ft. Prices vary by provider and region. With many storage providers, you can sometimes get the best deal by booking longer stays.
Box storage services
Collection-and-store service: you pack, they collect; access is by request with a fee.
Best for: when you rarely need to retrieve items.
Indicative price: £5–£7.50 per box per month; £5–£15 per collection or return (per box).
Business storage unit
Flexible rooms for stock, tools and documents on short, renewable terms. Useful for seasonal peaks and simple overflow.
Best for: retailers, trades and SMEs that need flexible overflow for stock, tools or archives, especially during seasonal peaks.
Pricing: follows indoor unit rates for your region; multi-month or prepay discounts may apply.
Explore HOLD Self Storage business solutions.
Figures are indicative and based on 2024–2025 UK removals, van-hire and box-storage listings; actual quotes vary by provider and location.
Why choose HOLD Self Storage?
- Complimentary 24-hour PIN access (enabled on request)
- Price match within three miles
- 50% off for the first eight weeks
- Fast online quote and booking
- Secure, modern facilities with CCTV and alarms
- Free move-in Zipcar credit
- Flexible contracts with clear monthly billing (VAT included)
- Wide range of storage unit sizes
Book in minutes. Our team will help you choose the right size fast.
