Whether you’re downsizing, moving house, travelling, or need extra space to store business kit, you’ll probably be looking for storage units in your area.
In this guide, we look at the best ways to find storage facilities near you. We’ll also look at how much local self storage might cost.
How to find storage units near me
Finding safe and convenient storage facilities in your area is quick and easy with Checkatrade.
We’ve got two simple ways to get in touch with local storage companies near you…
Option 1: Request a quote
If you’re short on time and want to find local storage units as quickly as possible, this is the option for you.
Simply fill out our request a quote form with a few basic details. We’ll then reach out to approved self storage facilities near you on your behalf. Our members will contact you shortly.
Follow these steps:
- Add your details to the form
- Let us know what you need
- We’ll search our leading directory for you
- Our registered self storage facilities near you will contact you directly
Option 2: Browse our online trade directory
Got a few minutes to browse? Type your postcode in the box below, hit search, and see who comes highly rated. Then, search our directory of storage units near you.
What is self storage?
Self storage is a way to safely store belongings away from your own property. You might need to do this if you have run out of room at home. Or you need to rent a little extra space while you move, downsize, or plan an extension.
It’s important to choose the right storage facilities for your needs and be confident that your belongings are safe, secure, and accessible. You also want to make sure you’re paying a fair and competitive price for self storage.
How much space do I need?
Here’s a rough guide to help you work out how much space you need in your storage container (and to help work out the costs):
- 25 square feet: The size of a small garden shed, ideal for holding a few household items that will fit into several boxes. Will also hold a single mattress, an armchair, dresser, or sports kit.
- 50 square feet: About half the size of a standard single domestic garage. Would roughly accommodate the contents of a 1-bedroom flat such as a queen size bed, dresser, larger TV, appliances, and/or a bike.
- 100 square feet: The size of a standard single garage to fit the contents of a 2-bedroom flat or house. These units are usually higher so you can stack contents and fit larger items in such as sofa sets and garden furniture.
- 200 square feet: The equivalent to a double garage, you can usually fit in the contents of a large 4 or 5-bedroom house. These units are also commonly used as warehouses for businesses to store stock, merchandise, and pallets of goods.
Self storage checklist:
- What items are you planning to store? Is there anything of high value?
- How long do you plan to use the storage unit?
- Is the location of the storage unit important?
- Do you know how to pack a storage container – and do you need packing supplies?
Questions to ask suppliers of storage units near you
Once you’ve found local storage specialists near you, the best way to find out which one is best for you is to have a chat with them. By asking some specific questions you can be confident that you’re hiring the right company.
How secure are self storage units?
Do the storage facilities come with 24-hour security, i.e. CCTV surveillance or security guards?
Can I see a storage unit before booking?
It’s a good idea to visit storage units in person so you can see exactly what facilities are on offer. Ask if you can have a tour of the premises during business hours.
Do I need self storage insurance?
A storage provider’s insurance will not cover your belongings – it’s your responsibility to ensure that your items are covered.
- Self storage insurance is not a legal requirement but as the Self Storage Association UK states: if your belongings are worth storing, they are worth insuring
- In most cases, belongings kept in storage for an extended period won’t be covered by your home insurance cover. They will need a separate self storage insurance policy
- Check what storage insurance covers and if there are any exclusions
- Remember, you can move goods in and out of storage at any time, so the value of insurance may need to change too
What can I store?
Household furniture and clothing, toys, antiques, garden kit, bikes, cars, and motorbikes are allowed. Items that are usually prohibited include perishable goods, pets, combustible, toxic or hazardous materials, and illegal substances and goods (such as drugs, weapons, and counterfeit tobacco).
How much is a storage unit per month (UK)?
Self storage costs can vary hugely depending on various factors. These include where you live in the country, the size of the unit, the length of time you are renting a container, and the level of security offered.
As a benchmark figure, a storage container of 50 square feet will cost about £22. For the month the same container would be around £95. And if you’re looking at paying for a whole year of storage, the cost would be in the region of £1,155.
How do I find storage units near me?
Here are our top three tips for finding the best self storage near you.
1. Search a professional trade directory
Our leading directory is the go-to resource for homeowners looking for quality tradespeople and suppliers for home improvement projects. There were 47.79 million searches last year for quality tradespeople on Checkatrade.
We do all the checking and approving, so you can rest assured you’re getting the real deal. Tradespeople only get our tick of approval if they pass up to 12 of our rigorous checks.
2. Check online reviews
Looking at online reviews can be super helpful when you’re trying to decide which storage facility to use.
A quick online search will help you to check a supplier’s credentials, including the quality of the facilities, and comments from previous customers.
At Checkatrade, we only display honest and verified reviews from real-life customers.
3. Ask for recommendations
Your friends, family, and neighbours can be a great source of recommendations for local storage units. Ask around to see who comes recommended.
And don’t forget to cross-check those recommendations on Checkatrade!
Take a look at our guide to hiring a tradesperson or supplier for more advice and tips.
Ready to find approved storage units near you? Simply add your postcode to the box below to get started.