How Much Does Storage Cost When Moving House in the UK?
Typical UK costs for self-storage and removal-firm storage during a move, how units are sized, and tips to avoid paying for space you do not need.
Sometimes completion dates do not line up, a new flat is smaller than the old house, or you are between lets for a few weeks. Storage fills the gap. It is also one of the easiest costs to underestimate because prices are quoted per week while the real expense is the number of weeks.
The two main routes
Self-storage units
You rent a unit, load it yourself or hire help, and keep the key. Units are priced by size and usually charged weekly or four-weekly. Typical ranges are around £10 to £25 a week for a small locker and £25 to £70 a week for a unit holding a one or two-bed home. Prices differ a lot between city centres and smaller towns, with London higher.
Removal-firm storage
The firm collects, takes your belongings to its warehouse and delivers them later. It is often priced per container or per cubic foot, typically a few pounds a week per container. It is convenient and keeps everything in one chain, but you may not be able to access items easily.
Typical unit sizes
| Unit size | Roughly holds |
|---|---|
| 15 sq ft | Boxes, a few small items |
| 25 sq ft | Contents of a studio or a bedroom |
| 35 sq ft | One-bed flat contents |
| 50 sq ft | Two-bed home |
| 75 to 100 sq ft | Three-bed home or more |
Sizes differ by operator, so ask for an equivalent description such as "fits a three-seater sofa, double bed and 30 boxes".
Costs that are easy to miss
- Admin or set-up fees. Often a one-off charge on top of rent.
- Insurance. Some operators require you to take their cover or prove your own.
- Padlock. You may need to buy a specific type.
- Minimum term. Some require a month or more upfront.
- Introductory discounts. First weeks may be cheap and then rise.
- Collection and delivery. If a firm handles it, there is a charge each way.
Planning how long you need
Write down the likely gap and add a safety margin of at least a week. Completion dates slip and a short extension is cheaper than an emergency solution. Check how many days' notice you must give to leave.
If your new place has less space, store the items you actually intend to keep, not everything. Our guide on self-storage tips covers what to store and how.
Ways to keep the bill down
- Declutter first. Selling or donating items reduces the unit size you need.
- Dismantle furniture. Flat items stack better, see disassembling furniture.
- Use vertical space. Shelving and stackable boxes use the height.
- Compare more than one site. Prices a few miles apart can differ noticeably.
- Ask about move-in discounts and flexible terms.
Questions to ask the storage provider
- What is the weekly price after any discount ends?
- What are the access hours, and is there a charge for out-of-hours access?
- Is the unit heated or climate controlled, and is it damp-proof?
- What cover is included, and what must you arrange yourself?
- How much notice is required to end the contract?
Do not assume your home contents policy covers items in storage. Check your policy and the operator's terms.
When a mover is carrying your things to or from storage, you can include both addresses in a request on Compito so providers can price the two legs correctly.
A worked example
Imagine you are selling a three-bed house and buying a two-bed flat with a three-week gap. You need about 50 to 75 sq ft. At £35 to £60 a week, that is roughly £105 to £180 for three weeks. Add a set-up fee, a lock and a van trip each way, and the total might reach £300 to £450. If completion slips by two weeks, you add another £70 to £120. Planning a buffer from the start keeps you from paying more for emergency solutions.
Weekly price versus total cost
| Cost | What to include |
|---|---|
| Weekly rent | Multiply by number of weeks, plus buffer |
| Set-up or admin fee | One-off charge |
| Lock and supplies | Padlock, covers, boxes |
| Cover | If required or optional |
| Transport | Two journeys, in and out |
| Notice or minimum term | Weeks you pay even if you leave early |
Add them up for each provider so you are comparing the whole cost, not only the headline rate.
Common mistakes
- Choosing a unit that is too large because it is cheap this week
- Forgetting that discounts end
- Not checking access hours before signing
- Storing items that will deteriorate, such as damp-prone upholstery or electronics
- Not giving enough notice to leave
Short gap alternatives
For a gap of only a few days, consider whether a family member's garage or keeping some items with a friend might be easier. Each has trade-offs on security and cover, so check carefully.
Reading the contract
Before signing, check the term, how rent is charged, what happens if you pay late and what the operator can do with items if you fall behind. Take photos of the unit and any marks when you move in.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to store with a removal company?
Not always. Per-week charges can be low, but delivery and collection are extra. Compare the whole cost, not just the weekly rate.
How much space do I need for a two-bed house?
Typically a 50 to 75 sq ft unit, depending on how much furniture and how many boxes you have, and how well you stack.
Can I store food or plants?
Most operators prohibit perishable food, plants and anything flammable or hazardous. Check the list of prohibited items in the contract.
Can I split storage between two units?
You can, but it usually costs more per square foot and complicates access. One unit that is slightly larger is often better value.