Key takeaways
UK average is £29.13 per sq ft per year, ex VAT
London is typically the priciest region and rose 14% in 2024
VAT, insurance, deposits, and other fees can add more than expected
How much is self storage per month in the UK?
Most self storage prices are tied to the storage space you rent, measured in square foot (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.
Region | Average cost per sq ft |
|---|---|
London | £44.07 |
South East | £30.79 |
East of England | £27.02 |
South West | £23.39 |
Yorkshire & Humber | £23.39 |
Scotland | £22.94 |
East Midlands | £21.73 |
North England | £20.98 |
West Midlands & Wales | £20.38 |
Weekly and monthly prices by unit size
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.
Unit size | Typical use | Weekly (ex VAT) | Monthly (ex VAT) | Monthly (inc VAT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
10 sq ft | Small lockers, a few boxes | £5.60 | £24.28 | £29.14 |
25 sq ft | A few household items, sports equipment | £14.01 | £60.69 | £72.83 |
50 sq ft | Contents of a one-bedroom house or flat | £28.02 | £121.38 | £145.66 |
75 sq ft | Larger 1-bed, small 2-bed | £42.03 | £182.06 | £218.47 |
100 sq ft | Typical 2-bed home contents | £56.04 | £242.75 | £291.30 |
150 sq ft | 3-bed plus double garage overflow | £84.06 | £364.13 | £436.96 |
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.
Storage prices by location
Average storage costs in London
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.
Unit size | Weekly | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
25 sq ft | £15.97 | £69.18 |
50 sq ft | £31.93 | £138.37 |
75 sq ft | £47.90 | £207.55 |
100 sq ft | £63.86 | £276.74 |
Estimated from the SSA UK Annual Report 2025 UK average revenue per sq ft, with a London uplift based on reported rate growth. Excludes VAT and contents cover and isn’t location-specific.
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.
Average storage costs in the South East
The cost of self storage in the South East rose sharply in 2024, with prices increasing across the region.
Unit size | Weekly | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
25 sq ft | £14.80 | £64.14 |
50 sq ft | £29.61 | £128.29 |
75 sq ft | £44.41 | £192.43 |
100 sq ft | £59.21 | £256.58 |
Estimated from the SSA UK Annual Report 2025 regional return per sq ft. Excludes VAT and contents cover, and is a general guide only, not a quote for a specific facility.
Average storage costs in the North
Modest growth in the north of England overall, with major cities like Manchester, Leeds and Liverpool remaining mid-range for the UK.
Unit size | Weekly | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
25 sq ft | £10.09 | £43.71 |
50 sq ft | £20.17 | £87.42 |
75 sq ft | £30.26 | £131.13 |
100 sq ft | £40.35 | £174.83 |
Estimated from the SSA UK Annual Report 2025 regional return per sq ft. Excludes VAT and contents cover, and is a general guide only, not a quote for a specific facility.
Average storage costs in Scotland
Scotland is the only region showing softer effective rates, likely due to heavier discounting.
Unit size | Weekly | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
25 sq ft | £11.03 | £47.79 |
50 sq ft | £22.06 | £95.58 |
75 sq ft | £33.09 | £143.38 |
100 sq ft | £44.12 | £191.17 |
Estimated from the SSA UK Annual Report 2025 regional return per sq ft. Excludes VAT and contents cover, and is a general guide only, not a quote for a specific facility.
Average storage costs in the West Midlands & Wales
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.
Unit size | Weekly | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
25 sq ft | £9.80 | £42.46 |
50 sq ft | £19.60 | £84.92 |
75 sq ft | £29.39 | £127.38 |
100 sq ft | £39.19 | £169.83 |
Estimated from the SSA UK Annual Report 2025 regional return per sq ft. Excludes VAT and contents cover, and is a general guide only, not a quote for a specific facility.
What affects storage unit cost?
Several key factors influence pricing. In practice, these factors show up again and again, even when two storage facilities look similar.
Location and access
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 and how you pack
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.
Floor level and loading
Ground-floor access is usually priced higher. If you rarely visit and want long term storage, a higher-floor unit can save money.
Rental duration and discounts
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.
Facility type and features
Climate control typically carries a premium. Secure units and higher-spec sites can also raise cost.
What you'll actually pay: common extra costs
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.
Item | Typical amount | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
VAT | 20% if not included | Ask for VAT-inclusive numbers so you can compare like-for-like |
Storage insurance | £2 to £8 per week | Often based on replacement value and an insurance policy |
Deposit | £50 to £200 upfront | Usually refundable, confirm conditions |
Padlock | Varies | Facilities often charge more than online retailers |
Packing materials | Varies | Boxes and tape can add up, buying your own can be cheaper |
Hidden fees | Varies | Ask about admin charges, late fees, and minimum notice |
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.
How to find cheap self storage
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, HOLD Self Storage offers 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.
Storage unit size guide
People often underestimate how much space they need. Use this quick mapping to avoid renting a larger unit than necessary.
What you are storing | Suggested unit size |
|---|---|
Boxes and small items | 10 to 15 sq ft |
A few household items or a single mattress | 25 sq ft |
One-bedroom flat contents | 50 sq ft |
Two-bedroom flat or house contents | 100 sq ft |
Large 4 to 5-bedroom house contents | 200 sq ft |
Use our storage unit size guide to find the perfect unit for you.
Storage options: choose the right fit
Self storage facilities are not the only choice. Here are the most common storage options:
Indoor self storage
Best for: regular access and secure units.
Considerations: it can cost more in city locations.
Container storage
Best for: out-of-town storage with drive-up access.
Considerations: access can be less flexible.
Box storage
Best for: collection and store services.
Considerations: access often needs booking.
Warehouse storage
Best for: business stock and very long stays.
Considerations: you’ll have less control over access.
HOLD: Award-winning London storage
HOLD Self Storage offers secure units in London 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 50% off for 8 weeks and a guaranteed price match (subject to T&Cs).
