How Much Is a Storage Unit in the UK? Prices, Sizes and What to Expect
If you're asking how much is a storage unit, you're not alone. Thousands of people search this question every month across the UK, and prices vary widely depending on size, location, and how long you need the space. This guide cuts through the confusion.
You'll find real price ranges, a clear breakdown of what affects cost, and practical tips to avoid paying more than you need to. If you're clearing out before a move, storing business stock, or between homes, Giant Van has you covered. Message us in the live chat to get a same-day quote.
How much is a storage unit in the UK? Storage costs between £20 and £300 per month in the UK. The price depends on unit size, location, and facility type.
A small locker (10 to 25 sq ft) costs £20 to £65 per month.
A medium unit for a one-bedroom flat (50 to 75 sq ft) costs £70 to £130 per month.
A large unit for a three-bedroom home (100 to 150 sq ft) costs £130 to £220 per month.
London prices are 30 to 50 per cent higher than the UK average.
Insurance, admin fees, and access charges may be added on top of the base monthly rate.
Giant Van offers transparent storage pricing with no hidden fees.
Message us in the live chat for a confirmed quote.
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Local Property Guide
Understanding the property mix helps us plan the right crew size, van, and equipment for your move.
Storage: Tailored to Your Needs
The short answer: storage in the UK typically costs between £20 and £300 per month, depending on unit size, location, and the type of facility you choose.
For a small locker-style unit (around 10 to 25 square feet), prices start at roughly £20 to £40 per month. These suit a handful of boxes or small furniture pieces. A medium unit (50 to 75 square feet) runs between £60 and £120 per month and comfortably holds the contents of a one-bedroom flat.
Large units from 100 to 200 square feet cost £130 to £300 monthly and can store a three-bedroom house worth of belongings.
Location plays a big role. Storage in Central London costs significantly more than storage in the Midlands or North of England. A 75 sq ft unit that costs £90 in Manchester might run £160 in Zone 2 London.
Type of facility also matters. Self-storage warehouses with 24/7 access and digital security tend to cost more than basic container storage. Climate-controlled rooms for wine, documents, or electronics add a 15 to 25 per cent premium on top of standard rates.
The good news is that most providers, including Giant Van, offer flexible terms. You pay weekly or monthly with no long-term contracts required, so you are never locked in. Call and we will give you a firm price for your specific requirements straight away.
On-Site Logistics for Storage
Understanding exactly what drives the price helps you make a smarter decision.
Here is a detailed look at the main pricing factors across the UK market. Unit size is the single biggest cost driver. Sizes are measured in square feet, though some providers also list cubic footage.
A 10 sq ft locker (about 1 metre wide by 1 metre deep) runs around £20 to £35 monthly.
A 25 sq ft unit costs approximately £40 to £65. Move up to 50 sq ft and you will pay £70 to £110. At 100 sq ft, expect £120 to £200 per month.
Location premium by region (approximate monthly costs for a 50 sq ft unit):
Central London: £120 to £180
Greater London and South East: £90 to £140
Midlands: £65 to £100
North of England: £55 to £90
Scotland: £50 to £85
Additional costs to be aware of include a refundable security deposit (typically four to eight weeks of rent), a one-off admin fee of £15 to £30, and padlock purchase if not supplied.
Insurance is often required and may cost £5 to £15 per month separately, or be bundled into the quoted price.
Short-term bookings of one to four weeks often carry a slight premium.
Booking for three months or more usually unlocks a discount of between 10 and 20 per cent. Giant Van pricing is transparent with no hidden fees. Message us in the live chat to confirm exact rates for your chosen size and duration.
UK Storage Unit Price Guide at a Glance
Here is a quick reference for typical UK storage costs by unit size. These are approximate monthly prices for a standard, non-climate-controlled unit in a mid-tier location. London prices will be higher; prices in rural or northern areas may be lower.
10 to 25 sq ft (small locker): £20 to £65 per month. Fits a few boxes, small appliances, or seasonal items.
25 to 50 sq ft (medium locker): £45 to £90 per month. Suitable for a student room or small office clearance.
50 to 75 sq ft (small unit): £70 to £130 per month. Holds contents of a one-bedroom flat.
75 to 100 sq ft (medium unit): £100 to £170 per month. Suitable for a two-bedroom home.
100 to 150 sq ft (large unit): £130 to £220 per month. Three-bedroom house capacity.
150 to 200 sq ft (extra large): £180 to £300 per month. Ideal for business stock or large home contents.
Always confirm whether insurance, admin fees, and access charges are included in the quoted price before committing. Ring Giant Van in the live chat for a personalised quote with no hidden extras.
All prices include a fully insured crew, van, and moving blankets. Packing services available as add-ons.
Work Out Your Moving CostStorage Prep: What to Do First
Follow these practical steps before you book.
Most people overestimate how much space they need. Stack boxes and furniture tightly and you will often fit more than you expect into a smaller, cheaper unit. A rough guide: one room of furniture = roughly 50 sq ft.
Facilities regularly offer 10 to 20 per cent off for three-month or six-month bookings. If you know you will need storage for at least a quarter, ask for a longer-term rate upfront.
A facility five miles from your home may charge 30 per cent less than one at your doorstep. If you do not need daily access, the drive is worth the saving.
Many UK storage operators run first-month deals or waive admin fees for new customers. These promotions are rarely advertised online, so it is worth calling directly. Giant Van offers competitive introductory pricing when you ring.
Before paying to store something, ask whether it is worth the cost. Selling, donating, or recycling items you no longer need can reduce your required unit size by one tier, saving £30 to £60 a month.
Damaged goods from poor packing sometimes need replacing, which costs far more than the few pounds you saved on boxes. Invest in quality packing supplies before loading your unit.
How Removals Work
- 01
Tell us about your move
Enter your collection and delivery addresses, select your property size, and list any large items. See a fixed price in under 60 seconds.
- 02
Choose your moving day
Pick a date and time slot that works for you. Add packing materials or extra helpers if you need them.
- 03
Relax while we move you in
A fully insured crew arrives on time, wraps and loads your belongings, and delivers everything to your new home.
Storage: What Every Customer Receives
Knowing what you get for your money helps you compare providers on a like-for-like basis.
Here is what is typically included, and what is often charged as an extra.
Usually included in the quoted monthly price:.
Access to your unit during facility opening hours (or 24/7 access at premium sites).
On-site security such as CCTV, perimeter fencing, and individual unit alarms.
Clean, dry, and weatherproof storage space.
Use of common trolleys, lifts, and loading bays during your visit.
Typically charged as extras:.
Insurance cover for your stored goods (required at most facilities).
Climate control for temperature-sensitive items such as wine, electronics, or documents.
Padlocks (some providers insist you purchase their approved lock).
Packing materials such as boxes, bubble wrap, and tape.
Van hire or man-and-van collection services.
Giant Van bundles storage and transport, which removes the need to arrange separate collection and delivery.
If you need a van to get your belongings to storage, booking both through us means one contact, one price, and no coordination headaches.
Ring to ask about our combined storage and removal packages.
Always read the fine print on insurance.
Standard contents insurance policies from home insurers often exclude items in self-storage.
Check your policy documents or take out the facility's own cover.
DIY Move vs Professional Removal
DIY Move
- Van hire: £80–200 per day plus fuel
- No transit insurance for belongings
- Physical effort and injury risk
- Friends needed — plans fall through
- Multiple trips if van too small
Professional Removal
- Fixed price — no surprise charges
- £500 goods-in-transit insurance
- Trained crew handles heavy items
- Right-sized van every time
- Furniture blankets and straps provided
A Straightforward Storage Booking
- 01
Booking storage through Giant Van is straightforward.
Here is exactly what the process looks like from first enquiry to moving day.
- 02
Get a quote.
Call and tell us what you need to store, how long you need storage for, and your postcode. We will confirm availability and give you a firm price on the call. No vague estimates, no surprises later.
- 03
Reserve your unit.
You pay in full when you book — there's no deposit and nothing to pay on the day. Payment is by card over the phone or online.
- 04
Pack your belongings.
We recommend labelling every box and keeping an inventory list. Use sturdy double-walled boxes, wrap fragile items, and disassemble large furniture where possible to maximise space.
- 05
Collection or drop-off.
If you have booked our man-and-van service alongside storage, our team arrives at your address at the agreed time, loads your goods carefully, and transports them to the facility. If you are dropping off yourself, we confirm the address, access code, and any other arrival details in advance.
- 06
Access your unit whenever you need it.
You receive your own access details. For routine visits, most facilities allow access seven days a week. Some Giant Van partner facilities offer 24/7 access.
- 07
End your storage when you are ready.
Give us the agreed notice period (usually two to four weeks) and arrange collection or a removal date. We handle the rest.
Popular UK Removal Routes
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Distance, drive time and fixed prices for the London to Bournemouth move.
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Edinburgh → Aberdeen
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Edinburgh → Dundee
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Full UK Storage Coverage
The UK self-storage market is one of the largest in Europe, with over 1,500 facilities and more than 50 million square feet of rentable space.
Despite this scale, many renters still overpay because they do not know what questions to ask.
UK storage prices rose by approximately 8 to 12 per cent between 2022 and 2024, driven by rising property costs and increased demand during the cost-of-living squeeze.
Many households chose storage as a way to delay expensive home moves or to downsize temporarily while managing mortgage costs.
As a result, occupancy rates at UK facilities now average above 85 per cent, meaning availability in major cities is often tight.
Consumer rights in UK self-storage are governed by the Self Storage Association UK code of practice and standard contract law.
You have the right to receive a written contract before you pay, clear notice periods before any price increase, and at least 14 days' written warning before a lien is placed on your goods in the event of non-payment.
Seasonal demand affects pricing and availability.
January to March is the cheapest period to book storage in the UK, with some facilities offering discounts of up to 20 per cent to fill vacancies after the Christmas peak.
Summer, particularly June to August, is the busiest and most expensive period due to house move activity.
Giant Van operates year-round with stable pricing.
We do not apply seasonal surcharges.
Message us on live chat to check current availability in your area.
A Note From Our Drivers
Our drivers navigate local streets daily, handling everything from narrow terraced house access to large detached properties. Every move is treated with care because our reputation depends on it.
Giant Van operations
A Better Standard of Storage
Giant Van has helped thousands of UK households and businesses with storage and removals since our founding.
Here is what sets us apart from booking direct with a storage facility.
One point of contact.
When you book storage and transport together, you deal with a single team.
No chasing two different companies if something changes on moving day.
Transparent pricing.
What we quote on the phone is what you pay.
No admin fees dropped in at checkout, no insurance upsells you did not ask for, no surprise charges when you collect your belongings.
Flexible terms.
We do not tie you into long contracts.
You can book week by week or month by month and extend at any time.
Most customers who start with a one-month booking and find they need longer appreciate not being penalised for changing plans.
Range of unit sizes.
We work with partner facilities offering units from small lockers right through to large commercial storage.
Whatever your situation, there is a size that fits.
Experienced team.
Our staff know the difference between moving day nerves and a genuine problem.
If something unexpected comes up, we work with you to find a practical fix rather than quoting terms at you.
Fast turnaround.
Start a live chat before noon and, in most cases, we can confirm your storage booking the same day.
For urgent situations such as emergency moves or post-flood clearances, we often accommodate same-week starts.
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When Is the Best Time to Move?
UK moving demand follows seasonal patterns. Off-peak months typically offer lower prices and more crew availability.
When Storage Demand Drops
Depending on your situation, one of these alternatives may be cheaper or more practical.
Companies deliver a container to your driveway, you pack it at your own pace, and they collect and store it off-site. This removes the need to hire a van.
If you need large-volume storage for six months or more, hiring a shipping container outright can work out cheaper than a commercial storage unit. Expect to pay £80 to £150 per month for a 20-foot container (160 sq ft). You will need off-road space or a yard to park it.
If you have unused space at home, converting it for storage costs a one-off investment but eliminates ongoing monthly fees entirely. A basic loft boarding project runs £600 to £1,200 with professional fitting.
Free, but comes with relationship risk. Only suitable for short periods and non-valuable items.
Some UK platforms now connect homeowners with spare space to people who need storage. Prices vary but can be 20 to 40 per cent below commercial facility rates. Quality and insurance cover vary significantly, so check carefully before committing.
Giant Van can help you decide which option fits your situation. Call for honest, no-pressure advice.
Self-Storage vs Portable Pods vs Container Hire: Which Costs Less?
You can visit your unit any time the facility is open. Most include CCTV, individual alarms, and staff on site. Monthly costs for a 50 sq ft unit typically run £70 to £130 outside London. Insurance is usually available on-site. This is the right choice if you need to retrieve items regularly.
You pack at your own pace. The pod is then collected and stored at a warehouse. Monthly costs are similar to self-storage, typically £70 to £150 per pod, but access during storage is inconvenient as you usually need to schedule a visit in advance.
A 20-foot container gives you around 1,265 cubic feet of space for £80 to £150 per month, which is significantly cheaper per cubic foot than self-storage. The downside is you need land or a yard to site it, and moving it requires a vehicle with a flatbed or crane.
Giant Van works with vetted facilities and can help you pick the right type for your budget. Message us in the live chat for a comparison quote.
Storage unit costs in the UK range from £20 per month for a small locker to £300 or more for a large room-sized unit.
The exact price depends on location, unit size, contract length, and what is included in the quote.
In high-demand cities such as London, prices are noticeably higher than in regional towns.
Booking early, committing to a longer term, and choosing a facility slightly outside the city centre are the three fastest ways to reduce what you pay.
Giant Van makes the process simple.
You get a clear price, flexible terms, and the option to combine storage with a removal or collection service so you do not have to coordinate multiple suppliers.
Our team handles thousands of storage enquiries every year and can advise on the right size and location for your needs.
If you are storing for two weeks or two years, we treat every booking with the same attention.
Message us in the live chat today and get a confirmed quote within minutes.
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How Much Is a Storage Unit in the UK? Prices, Sizes and What to Expect — FAQs
How much is a storage unit per month in the UK?
Storage units in the UK cost between £20 and £300 per month depending on size and location. A small locker runs £20 to £65 monthly. A unit big enough for a two-bedroom flat costs roughly £100 to £170. London prices are highest. Rural and northern locations are typically 20 to 30 per cent cheaper.
Call Giant Van on for an exact quote.
What size storage unit do I need for a two-bedroom house?
A two-bedroom house typically requires a storage unit of 75 to 100 square feet. This gives you enough room for beds, sofas, wardrobes, appliances, and boxes when packed efficiently. If you are storing only partial contents, a 50 sq ft unit may be sufficient. Our team at Giant Van can help you estimate the right size. Call for guidance.
Is there a minimum rental period for storage units?
Most UK storage facilities set a minimum rental of one month, though some offer weekly contracts for short-term needs. Giant Van storage bookings are flexible. You can book month by month with no obligation to commit long-term. If your plans change, you can extend or end your storage with standard notice.
Message us on live chat to confirm the terms for your situation.
Are my belongings insured while in storage?
Insurance is rarely included automatically in the monthly storage price. Most facilities require you to hold valid insurance cover for your stored goods. Your home contents insurance may not extend to self-storage, so it is worth checking your policy. Many facilities offer their own cover starting from around £5 per month.
Giant Van can advise on insurance options when you call.
Can I access my storage unit at any time?
Access hours depend on the facility. Standard self-storage centres typically offer access seven days a week between 7am and 10pm. Some premium facilities offer 24-hour access seven days a week for an additional fee. Giant Van works with partner facilities across a range of access tiers.
Call and tell us your access requirements so we can match you to the right facility.
What items cannot be stored in a self-storage unit?
UK storage facilities prohibit a standard list of items regardless of provider. You cannot store perishable food, living plants or animals, flammable or explosive materials, illegal goods, or hazardous chemicals. Firearms require specialist licensed storage. Certain high-value items such as cash and jewellery may be excluded from standard insurance policies. Always check your contract.
Call Giant Van on with specific questions.
How much notice do I need to give before ending my storage contract?
Most UK self-storage providers require 14 to 28 days written notice before you vacate your unit. Giant Van asks for standard notice in line with your contract terms, typically two to four weeks. Notice should be given in writing or by phone. We confirm receipt and arrange your final access or collection date at a time that suits you.
Start a live chat to discuss your end date.
Does Giant Van offer combined storage and removal services?
Yes. Giant Van offers combined storage and man-and-van services. This means we collect your belongings from your property, transport them to the storage facility, and return them to your new address when you are ready. Booking storage and transport together through one provider saves time and often reduces overall cost compared to arranging them separately.
Message us on live chat to get a combined quote.
Sources and further reading
These are the official UK sources that set the rules for a job like this one. Each link goes straight to the source so you can check it yourself. Links open in a new tab.
- Self Storage Association UK
The UK trade body for self-storage operators, and where to check the standards a facility works to.
- Consumer Rights Act 2015, s.49 (reasonable care and skill)
Section 49 of the Consumer Rights Act 2015: a service you pay for must be carried out with reasonable care and skill.
- Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013
The regulations covering what a trader must tell you before you book, and your right to cancel a service booked online or by phone.
All links checked on or after 1 August 2026.
Compiled by the Giant Van editorial team
Giant Van Ltd is registered in England and Wales, company number 16071027.