Whether you need self-storage during a home renovation, house move, or to safeguard important documents, understanding the cost of self-storage is key. Read on to discover all you need to know.

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When choosing the right kind of self-storage for your belongings, it's not just about cost; it's about peace of mind.

While the average cost for a standard 100 sq ft storage unit is around £190 per month, the overall price will vary depending on your needs, taking into account size, duration, and security options.

Here, you'll find the average cost of storage units in the UK, the factors that can influence your self-storage quote, and the hidden costs to watch out for.

How much does a storage unit cost in 2026?

When renting a self-storage unit, two of the main cost variables will be size and duration.

For example, if you're looking at the average storage costs for a 3-bedroom house, you'll need a price for a 100 sq ft unit.

• For one week, this will set you back around £44

• For one month, budget around £190

• Need storage for a year? You could pay up to around £2,310

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Cost of self-storage by square foot

Not sure how much space you're going to need in your storage unit? Here’s a rough guide.

Average cost of a 50 sq ft storage unit

A 50 square foot storage unit is about half the size of a standard single domestic garage. It’s roughly big enough to accommodate the contents of a 1-bedroom flat.

• £22 per week

• £95 per month

• £1,155 per year

Average cost of a 100 sq ft storage unit

A 100 square foot storage unit is roughly the size of a standard single domestic garage, this will typically fit the contents of a 2-bedroom flat or house.

• £44 per week

• £190 per month

• £2,310 per year

Average cost of a 200 sq ft storage unit

Equivalent to a double garage, a 200 square foot storage unit can usually accommodate the contents of a large 4 or 5-bedroom house.

• £88 per week

• £380 per month

• £4,620 per year

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Self-storage prices by property size

So how does the price vary based on the volume of belongings you have? Say you're moving house and need somewhere temporarily in between properties, what might you be charged for storage? Let's break down the costs.

Storage costs for a 3-bedroom house

To accommodate general furniture, a small sofa, garden furniture, bikes and sports equipment, you'll typically need a storage unit of around 100 square feet.

Based on that size, storage costs for a 3-bedroom house will likely be around:

• £44 for a week

• £190 for a month

• £2,310 for a whole year

Storage costs for a 4-bedroom house

To store the contents of an average 4-bedroom house, you'll need roughly 200 square feet of storage space.

This would fit the contents of your home, including a fridge freezer, washing machine, large sofa set, dining table and chairs, and garden equipment.

The average storage costs for 200 square feet will be in the region of:

• £88 for a week

• £380 for a month

• £4,620 for a year

However, every home is different. So, it’s worth discussing your storage needs with your local facility to make sure you book the right amount of storage space for your needs.

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Self-storage cost calculator UK

To get an estimate for a self-storage unit based on your size needs and hire period, give our interactive cost calculator a try.

Or keep reading for more on self-storage prices by project.

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Self-storage prices by project

Self-storage is often needed for those life-changing milestones — perhaps you're downsizing and need somewhere to store furniture, or moving house and need a temporary solution. Let's take a look at two example scenarios.

Furniture storage costs

Need to store large pieces of furniture, such as sofas and other upholstered furniture? Climate-controlled storage can help to protect your furniture from damp.

For more information about the cost of furniture storage, head over to our dedicated guide.

Self-storage prices during a house move

If there's a delay in your house move and you need somewhere to store your belongings temporarily, a storage unit can offer a short-term fix.

• The cheapest storage costs per month in the UK sit around £95 if you're moving the contents of a 1-bed flat

• Expect to pay £190 for a unit that could hold the contents of a 3-bedroom house

Storage costs per month (UK)

Many homeowners look for a monthly cost for storage to tide them over between house moves.

When it comes to the cost of storage per month, you're looking at roughly:

• £95 for a storage unit of 50 square feet

• £190 for a storage unit of 100 square feet

• £285 for a storage unit of 150 square feet

• £380 for a storage unit of 200 square feet

Weekly storage costs

What about storage costs per week, if you need a really temporary solution?

As a guide, budget around:

• £22 for a storage unit of 50 square feet

• £44 for a storage unit of 100 square feet

• £66 for a storage unit of 150 square feet

• £88 for a storage unit of 200 square feet

What affects the cost of self-storage?

When you're calculating the cost of self-storage, there are several factors you'll need to take into account:

• Location: Self-storage in London generally costs quite a bit more than in the North of England

• Size: The bigger the unit you need, the higher your costs will be. However, bigger units typically come with a lower price per square foot

• Duration: The longer you need storage for, the higher your costs will be

• Facilities: Some facilities may charge you extra for add-ons, such as climate-control (great for storing delicate items)

• Replacement value: Usually, you'll have to take out insurance for your belongings while they're in storage. The more valuable your items are, the costlier your insurance will be

Hidden costs for self-storage to watch out for

Some of the additional costs to watch out for when using a self-storage unit include:

• Admin fees: Some companies charge a one-off fee for this

• Access charges: For after-hours or frequent access

• Padlocks: You may need to buy a padlock to secure your unit

• Late payment fees: These can be substantial — check the terms of your agreement

• Security deposits: It's not uncommon to have to pay a refundable deposit upfront

• Packing materials: Many self-storage units offer packing materials, but at an added cost

• Exit fees: You could be charged extra if you end your agreement early

Cost of storage vs DIY options

As we've discovered, self-storage prices can add up, particularly if you need a long-term solution.

If your home feels like it's bursting at the seams, a declutter could save the need for external storage.

Skip hire starts from around £75 per week. Don't forget, you may have items that a local charity or community would be glad to take off your hands.

Is hiring a self-storage unit worth it?

If you’re deciding between a self-storage unit or borrowing space from friends or family during a move, it helps to weigh up convenience, security, and access.

With a professional self-storage facility, you can usually expect:

• 24/7 CCTV monitoring for added security

• Bright, well-lit units for safer access

• Flexible access hours (often 24/7)

• Free on-site parking

• Support from on-site staff

• Covered loading bays to protect your belongings from the weather

• Trolleys and lifting equipment to make moving easier

• Forklifts for heavier items

While borrowing space might save money short-term, a dedicated storage unit can make the whole process simpler, safer, and far less stressful — especially if you're storing valuable or bulky items.

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Self-storage cost checklist

• When researching storage units near you, be sure to consider the facilities and level of security available, as well as your storage unit cost

• Aim to get at least three quotes to ensure you pay a fair and competitive price

• Ask about fees, insurance, facilities, contract obligations, and access

• Always use a checked storage company with a proven track record of providing secure storage

• Ideally, choose a storage company that is a member of the Self-Storage Association UK, or similar

FAQs about self-storage costs

Average storage costs for a 3-bedroom house UK?

For a 3-bedroom house, you'll typically need a storage unit of around 100 sq ft. This will cost around £44 for a week, or £190 for a month.

Cheapest storage costs per month UK?

Smaller units, around 50 sq ft cost around £22 for a week, or £95 for a month, but factor in fees and any extras.

Storage costs for a 4-bedroom house UK?

For a 4-bedroom house, you'll likely need a 150-200 sq ft unit, costing between £285–£380 per month.

How much is self storage per month in the UK?

The cost of self-storage is not just down to duration, it depends on unit size and what facilities you need.

As a guide, self-storage unit costs per month are around:

• £95 for a storage unit of 50 square feet

• £190 for a storage unit of 100 square feet

• £285 for a storage unit of 150 square feet

• £380 for a storage unit of 200 square feet

Cheapest storage costs for a 3-bedroom house UK?

This depends on your needs. The cheapest storage costs for a 3-bedroom house would either be a short-term rental (around £44 for a week), or by securing a discount on a long-term storage agreement.

What are good ideas for under stairs storage?

An alternative to hiring a self-storage unit is to create more space-saving solutions at home. Under stairs storage ideas include:

• Pull-out drawers for shoes or everyday items

• Built-in cupboards for hidden storage

• Open shelving units for books or décor

• Mini home office setups

• Coat and boot storage for busy hallways

How much does under stairs storage cost in the UK?

For a carpenter to build a three-door under stairs cupboard, budget around £1,750. Off-the-shelf under stairs units are cheaper, but won't always fully maximise the available space.

Our cost guide to under stairs storage has lots more information.

On Checkatrade, you'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 checks.

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