If you have furniture or belongings you’re not currently using but aren’t ready to part with, traditional self storage is often the most practical solution.
However, storage prices vary across the UK. In this guide, we break down the average cost of self storage, explain what influences monthly pricing, and help you understand what to look for when comparing storage providers.
In this guide:
- Factors affecting the cost of self storage
- Average self storage prices in the UK
- What self storage charges typically include
- Why people use self storage
- Additional costs to consider
- Alternatives to self storage
- How to choose the right storage facility
While price is important, the cheapest storage facility is not always the best option. Security, cleanliness, service standards and flexibility all matter. We always recommend visiting a facility, reviewing security measures and speaking to the team before making a decision. Most providers also offer instant online quotes, making it easy to compare options.
What Affects the Cost of Self Storage?
Several factors influence how much you’ll pay for self storage each month.
1. Location
Location plays a significant role in storage pricing. Facilities closer to city centres typically command higher rents. London has the highest average rates in the UK, while regions further north generally offer more competitive pricing. Local demand, property costs and competition all impact monthly rates.
2. Size of the Storage Unit
Self storage units are usually priced per square foot. Units range from small lockers suitable for boxes and personal items, through to larger spaces for full house contents or business storage.
In most cases, the larger the unit, the lower the price per square foot. Choosing the correct size is important to avoid paying for unused space. Many providers offer online size calculators to help you estimate your needs.
3. Length of Stay
The duration of your rental can affect pricing. Many facilities offer introductory discounts for new customers, particularly for short-term storage. If you plan to stay for six months or longer, some providers offer longer-term pricing incentives.
It is also worth asking about discounts for students, NHS staff, military personnel or emergency services workers, as some facilities provide preferential rates.
4. Insurance and Replacement Value
Reputable self storage providers require customers to insure their belongings. This may be arranged through the storage company or via your own insurance policy. The cost depends on the declared replacement value of your items.
Insurance provides peace of mind and ensures protection in the unlikely event of loss or damage.
Average Cost of Self Storage in the UK
According to the Self Storage Association UK Annual Industry Report (2021), the national average cost of self storage is approximately £23.94 per square foot per year.
It is important to note that:
- This is a national average.
- Prices vary significantly by region.
- The figure typically excludes VAT and insurance.
Regional Averages (Per Sq. Ft Per Year)
- London: £33.06 (highest average rates)
- South East: £23.27
- East Midlands: £15.71
- North of England: £17.10
- West Midlands & Wales: £12.24 (lowest average rates)
These figures provide a general guide only. Local pricing may differ depending on facility quality, security standards and demand.
Depending on the facility you choose, the storage unit prices may include:
- Staff on site to accept deliveries on your behalf
- Sole access to the self storage unit
- Free use of trolleys to load and unload your storage unit
- 24-hour CCTV
- Undercover loading bays
- Free onsite parking
- Free access 24 hours a day 7 days a week
- Flood lighting and security fencing
Not all self storage facilities offer all of these services.
For a more in depth look at storage unit sizes read the helpful article we have written A Detailed Guide to Self Storage Unit Sizes
Why do people use self storage ?
Excess furniture storage; for example, furniture is commonly stored in self storage units (rather than at home or in a garage) because of its bulk and the need to keep it dry. You might choose to use self storage for furniture if you are:
- moving house and need to store furniture temporarily; For a full checklist if you are moving house then read this helpful article
- redecorating or renovating and want to keep furniture safe and clean;
- downsizing and want to keep your furniture for your children
- moving in with a new partner and have duplicate items of furniture.
- big family changes like new babies or parents moving in.
Furniture is stored in the same way as anything else with us. It will be kept in an indoor unit where it will be clean, dry, and safe and protected from the elements. The cost of putting furniture in storage will depend on how much furniture you need to store.
Our handy self storage unit size calculator can help you to decide how big your unit will need to be, or we have helpful, experienced staff on hand at our stores, on the phone and online who can talk you through any questions you may have and offer advice.
If you still need help figuring out how much space you’re going to need in your storage container units to work out the costs, here’s a rough guide.
- 40 square feet – About half the size of a standard single domestic garage. It’s roughly big enough to accommodate the contents of a 1 bedroom flat. You could fit a queen size bed, dresser, large TV, large appliances and/or a bike.
- 80 square feet – The size of a standard single domestic garage, you can typically fit the contents of a 2 bedroom flat or house. These units are usually high so that you can stack contents inside them. Being higher also means this size unit is suitable for large items like sofa sets, garden furniture or other large furniture, bringing your furniture storage costs down.
- 160 square feet – Equivalent to a double garage, this unit can usually accommodate the contents of a large 4 or 5 bedroom house. It will easily fit sofa sets, garden furniture, office furniture, multiple beds and large equipment. These units are also commonly used warehouses for business use to store stock, merchandise and pallets of goods.
Additional self storage costs
There are no hidden fees, additional costs or nasty surprises on a Corby Self Storage invoice. We have clear self storage pricing and will always make sure you understand the total cost of self storage involved. As well as the cost of your self storage units, the following storage costs might apply but we will always tell you whether these will apply to you before you commit to renting a storage unit with us.
StoreProtect costs
We can arrange property protection cover for the belongings that you store with us; simply choose the level of cover that you think you need, based on how much you think it would cost to replace the belongings you’re storing with us. Prices for StoreProtect arranged start at less than £1 per week per £1000 of cover required.
We don’t insist that you take out the policy that we recommend but we do require you to hold adequate insurance of your own if you don’t opt for a policy through us. You can find details of our cover here.
Deposit
You don’t need to pay a deposit to reserve a unit at Corby Self Storage. However, when you move in you will be asked to pay the first month in advance using a credit card.
Moving costs
We don’t offer our own collection/transport/removal service. However, we have relationships with different local providers and will be happy to recommend one for you if you need someone to transport your belongings to us.
Alternatively, you may prefer to hire a van to drive yourself, or hire a removals service, if you don’t have suitable transport of your own.
Packing materials
If you need bubble wrap, boxes or tape, some storage facilities offer these items for sale at a premium so we would suggest you shop for these yourself.
Securing your self storage unit
You will not need to budget for your own padlock to secure your unit. You storage cost includes a factory fitted high security lock box plus a complimentary heavy duty padlock for worry free security on all our storage container rentals. Our indoor units have Smartphone app unique access control to your storage unit, all storage units are individually alarmed and you can remotely, digitally share access to you unit anytime.
Alternatives to self storage units
If you are researching self storage options, it is likely that you lack space at your home or business premises to simply store your belongings yourself. Too often, possessions can be damaged or lost or stolen if stored in a garage, loft or basement. Excess belongings or business stock can also take up valuable living or working space.
Here is a summary of the types of self storage available.
1. Indoor self storage
Sometimes known as warehouse storage, this is one of the types of facility offered by Corby Self Storage. Our conveniently-located store comprises of large warehouses filled with individual, secure units that are protected by CCTV and alarms. Our indoor units have Smartphone app unique access control to your storage unit, all storage units are individually alarmed and you can remotely, digitally share access to your unit anytime.
As they are indoors, these units are protected against the elements. Units are available in a range of sizes from 80 sq ft to 120 sq ft so can accommodate anything from a student’s belongings during the holidays to the contents of a large house or business stock and archives.
Ideal for storing:
2. Container storage rental units
This type of storage container rental facility is made up of large, secure metal containers that are located outdoors. The Corby Self Storage facilities are unmanned but we have a staffed office on the same road to assist you at short notice if required. Our facilities offer extra security in the form of CCTV, perimeter fencing and key-card access. As they are outdoors, the contents can be affected by extreme temperatures so are not suitable for perishable or delicate items.
3. Collection and storage (“Box Storage”)
A relatively new concept is self storage without the need to transport your belongings to the self storage unit. Box storage companies will typically supply you with boxes, simply pack your items yourself and they will collect them for you and take them to a remote storage facility.
When you want your items back, simply request that they be returned and for a fee they will return the items to you at an arranged time. This type of storage really only works if you do not need regular access to your belongings.
4. Warehouse storage units
These are large storage units that we have on the same site as our container storage rental offer are available for long-term rent. Limited in size, most are around 500 sq ft and are mainly used to store larger items.
You can enquire about these storage costs at our sister company Corby Business Centre.
5. Removals depositories
If you are moving house, your removals company may offer their own storage units, where they can store your furniture and belongings from your old house until you are ready for them to go into your new home. Whilst not the cheapest self storage cost, this may be useful if you need to decorate or renovate your new property since doing so will be much easier when the house is empty than when your belongings are all in place.
These indoor facilities are usually in large warehouses that are secure and dry, though you will not normally be able to access your belongings. The warehouses tend to be inaccessible to the public and you may be charged a fee if you need to remove any items earlier than originally planned.
Find the right type of storage for you
Which storage solution is the right one for you depends entirely on what you want to store and how easily you want to access your belongings. We offer both outside secure storage units and convenient indoor self storage in a wide range of sizes at highly competitive prices.
You'll find more helpful guidance in our FAQs section.
Corby Storage Price Guarantee: We will not be beaten on price, find a cheaper comparable self storage unit anywhere locally and we will match it.
To find a store that’s in a convenient location for your home or business storage, use Google to search for your nearest facility. Look for a store located close to major roads and public transport networks. Checkatrade have some great advice on this. Check that your chosen store has the facilities you need (such as onsite parking and staff available to accept deliveries for you) and then simply click online to reserve your self storage unit, with no deposit to pay. Have a think about insurance as well.
If you are simply trying to figure out whether you can afford indoor or outdoor container storage, then read this article Indoor Self Storage vs Container Storage.
One final tip for the bargain hunters out there, check out our blog on buying abandoned storage unit contents Storage Wars style!
No matter what your reason for storing, Corby Self Storage can help. If you are looking for the cheapest self storage costs in Corby, then contact our friendly team on 01536 402116 to see what we can offer or email [email protected]
No deposit, no reservation fee, no notice period, no hassle, just pay for what you need.
