You’ve decluttered your home. Or perhaps you’re moving, renovating, or travelling. Whatever the reason, you need storage in the UK. But before you dive in, you’re probably pondering: How much does it cost? And how can I save on it? If these are your burning questions, rest easy. We’ve got you covered.

The UK storage industry has seen an upsurge, thanks to the evolving needs of its residents. With variety, however, comes a broad price range. While the cost largely depends on factors like size, location, and additional services, here’s a basic breakdown:

Personal Storage Units: Ideal for items from a room or apartment. They range from 10 sq. ft. (think a small cupboard) to 200 sq. ft. (the size of a large garage). Prices can vary from £10 to £50 a week for smaller units and £70 to £200 for larger spaces, depending on location and facilities.

Business Storage Units: These cater to business stock or equipment. Costs vary based on size and facilities but expect to pay anywhere from £100 to £500 a month, depending on your needs.

Container Storage: It’s like having a portable garage. Often used for large, bulky items or during house moves, these can cost between £100 to £150 a month.

Lockers: Small personal items or a few boxes? Lockers are perfect. They can range from £5 to £30 a week.

Outdoor Storage: Suitable for vehicles, trailers, or boats, prices can vary widely based on security and location but typically range from £20 to £60 a week.

Remember, location plays a huge role. A storage unit in central London will cost significantly more than one in a smaller town.

Different Containers

Beyond the traditional storage units, there are specialised containers to consider:

Climate-Controlled Units: Perfect for delicate items like wines, artworks, or musical instruments. They ensure that temperature and humidity remain consistent. While they offer great protection, they come at a premium, sometimes 25-50% more than regular units.

Drive-Up Units: Just as the name suggests, you can drive up to these units, making loading and unloading a breeze. Ideal for heavy items.

Indoor Units: These are housed within a building, offering an added layer of protection from the elements.

Mobile Storage: The company delivers a container to your door, you fill it up, and they store it in their facility or move it to your desired location. It offers flexibility but can be pricier due to the added convenience.

Scott Evans from Pink Storage Barry says “When hiring a storage unit, be sure to hire a storage unit that fits your needs.  Storage containers come in many shapes and sizes and getting one for your needs is vital as you could end up paying more for something you don’t need.”

Penny-Pinching on Storage

Even with the myriad of options, there are ways to keep costs down:

Assess Your Needs: It sounds basic, but renting a space larger than you need is a common mistake. List your items and consult with storage companies for size recommendations.

Long-Term Commitment: If you know you’ll need storage for a while, many companies offer discounts for longer commitments.

Avoid Peak Seasons: Just as there are peak seasons for moving, there are for storage. Typically, around the end of academic terms or during summer. Booking outside these times might fetch you a better deal.

Location, Location, Location: Storage units a little away from city centres or popular areas tend to be cheaper. If you don’t need frequent access, this could be a viable option.For example, if you wanted to hire storage in Cardiff but inner city prices were too much then you could look at the outskirts of Cardiff for cheaper storage options, or even in Cardiff Bay.

Insurance: Some home or renter’s insurance policies might cover items in storage. Check with your provider before purchasing additional coverage.

Promotions: Always look out for promotional rates or discounts. Many companies offer them to stand out in the competitive market.

Negotiate: If you’re a long-term customer or renting a larger unit, don’t hesitate to negotiate the price. Storage providers might be willing to offer a discount to secure your business.