How Much Does Self Storage Cost in the UK?
Updated April 2026
Self storage prices in the UK vary widely by location, unit size, and how you find the facility. The short answer: expect to pay £20–£50/month for a small locker outside London and £100–£200/month for a garage-sized unit in the capital. Here's how to read those numbers — and how to reliably beat the advertised price.
UK Average Prices by Unit Size
| Unit size | Typical use | Outside London | London |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 sq ft (locker) | Boxes, documents, small items | £15–£30/mo | £30–£55/mo |
| 50 sq ft | 1-bed flat contents (partial) | £30–£55/mo | £55–£100/mo |
| 100 sq ft | 1–2 bed flat (full) | £55–£100/mo | £100–£200/mo |
| 150 sq ft | 3-bed house contents | £80–£140/mo | £150–£280/mo |
| 200 sq ft | Large house / office move | £110–£180/mo | £190–£360/mo |
Prices shown are monthly averages. Introductory offers (often 50% off month one) can reduce your first-month cost significantly.
Prices by City
| City | 50 sq ft avg | 100 sq ft avg |
|---|---|---|
| Central London | £70–£100/mo | £130–£200/mo |
| Outer London (e.g. Croydon, Walthamstow) | £45–£75/mo | £85–£145/mo |
| Manchester | £35–£55/mo | £65–£110/mo |
| Birmingham | £30–£50/mo | £60–£100/mo |
| Leeds | £28–£48/mo | £55–£95/mo |
| Bristol | £32–£52/mo | £60–£100/mo |
| Edinburgh | £35–£58/mo | £65–£110/mo |
| Glasgow | £28–£45/mo | £55–£90/mo |
What Affects the Price?
Location
City-centre facilities pay higher rents and pass that on. A unit five miles from the centre of London can cost 30–50% less for the same size.
Contract length
Monthly rolling contracts are the most flexible but often the priciest per month. Committing to 3–6 months can knock 10–20% off.
Access type
Drive-up units (where you pull your van to the door) typically cost more than internal corridor-access units.
Climate control
Adds roughly 20–30% to the monthly price. Worth it for wine, artwork, electronics, or wooden furniture.
Insurance
Most operators require contents insurance. Some include basic cover; others charge £5–£15/month extra.
Promotional offers
The UK market runs heavy introductory promotions — "first month free" or "50% off for 8 weeks" are common. These are priced into the annual total, so compare the ongoing rate, not just month one.
How to Get a Better Price
The standard approach — going directly to a facility's website and paying the listed price — almost always costs more than it needs to. Operators have empty units they want to fill, and they will compete on price if given the chance.
On GetStorageSpace, you post your storage need once (location, size, move-in date). Operators near you then send competing quotes. Because they can see other operators are bidding, they put their best price forward — typically 15–40% below the walk-in rate.
The £50 reservation deposit is credited to your first month's rent, so you effectively price-lock your unit before you've committed to anything.
Ready to compare?
Post your storage need and get competing quotes from operators near you — no sign-up required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is self storage VAT-exempt in the UK?
No. Self storage is subject to 20% VAT. Prices quoted by operators may be ex-VAT, so always check whether the monthly price shown is inclusive or exclusive before comparing.
Can I negotiate the price?
Yes — and you should. Facilities prefer a negotiated booking over an empty unit. GetStorageSpace automates this by making operators bid against each other.
Are there hidden fees to watch for?
Common extras include: admin fees (£10–£25 on move-in), padlock purchase if you don't bring your own, insurance if not included, and late-payment charges. Always ask for the total monthly cost including all fees.
How much notice do I need to give?
Most UK operators require 14 days' written notice to vacate on a monthly rolling contract. Some require 28 days — check before signing.