Storage costs per month vary more than most people expect — the same sized unit can cost very different amounts depending on the city, the facility and whether you need collection. If you’re wondering how much self storage is a month, or what you’ll pay to store a whole house between moves, this guide gives you typical UK ranges, a simple size guide and our own London storage prices.
Storage costs per month: typical prices
Across the UK, self storage is usually priced by square foot of floor space. As a rough guide, small lockers and units can start from around £10–£25 a week, mid-sized units suitable for a flat typically fall in the £100–£250 a month range, and large units for a family house can be £250–£450+ a month. London prices generally sit at the higher end, and central locations cost more than outer boroughs.
Our own secure storage starts from £15/week or £55/month, with the final price set by the volume you store. Because we can collect from your old home and deliver to your new one, you avoid booking separate vans either side.
Weekly and monthly prices aren’t always directly comparable. Some facilities advertise a low introductory rate for the first few weeks, then move to a standard rate. Others quote per four-week period rather than per calendar month, which adds up to thirteen payments a year instead of twelve. When you compare storage costs per month, ask for the total cost of your expected stay, including insurance and any one-off fees.
Unit size guide: what fits
Sizes are usually given in square feet of floor space. Ceiling height matters too — a taller unit lets you stack more in the same footprint.
| Unit size (approx.) | Roughly equivalent to | What typically fits |
|---|---|---|
| 10–15 sq ft | A large wardrobe | 15–25 boxes, suitcases, a bike |
| 25–35 sq ft | A garden shed | Studio contents without large furniture |
| 50 sq ft | A small box room | Studio or small 1-bed flat |
| 75–100 sq ft | A single garage (half to full) | 1–2 bed flat |
| 150 sq ft | A large single garage | 3-bed house |
| 200+ sq ft | A double garage | 4-bed house or larger |
These are guides, not guarantees. A minimalist two-bed can fit in a smaller unit than a cluttered one-bed. Tell us what you have and we’ll recommend a size — better slightly roomy than crushed.
Storage costs for a 3 bedroom house
A typical 3-bed house needs around 150 sq ft. In the UK that commonly costs somewhere around £200–£400 a month, depending on the location and provider, with London and the South East at the upper end. Add the cost of getting your things there: a 3-bed removal in London starts from £749, and you’ll need a second delivery when you move into the new place.
Combining removals and storage with one company usually costs less than two separate van bookings — and means one team has handled your things from start to finish.
A full 3-bed house is the upper end of what most people store. If you’re only storing part of the house — say, the contents of a spare room and the garage while you renovate — you may only need a 50–75 sq ft unit, which brings the monthly cost down considerably. It’s worth separating what genuinely needs to go into storage from what can stay in a room you’re not working on.
Self storage vs managed storage
There are two main ways to store your things, and they suit different people.
- Self storage: you rent a unit, take your things there and access it yourself. Flexible, but you arrange (and pay for) transport both ways.
- Managed or containerised storage: a removals company collects, stores and redelivers. Less hands-on access, but one booking covers everything.
- Drive-up units: convenient for frequent access, usually at a higher price.
- Indoor units: better protected from damp and temperature changes.
If you need to get to your things every week, self storage near home makes sense. If you’re storing between two moves and won’t need access, managed storage usually works out simpler and cheaper overall.
What affects the price
- Location: London and city-centre facilities cost more per square foot.
- Unit size and height: you pay for space, so packing well saves money.
- Length of stay: longer contracts often get better weekly rates.
- Access: 24/7 drive-up units cost more than access by arrangement.
- Insurance: most facilities require cover for the value of your goods.
- Collection and delivery: van and crew costs at both ends.
- Extras: padlocks, boxes, pallets and admin fees.
Worked example: storing between moves
The monthly rate is only part of the picture. Here’s how the total comes together for a common London scenario: a couple selling a 1-bed flat, with an eight-week gap before they can move into their new home.
| Cost | Self storage route | Collection and storage route |
|---|---|---|
| Getting things in | Van hire or man & van to the facility | Collected from the flat by the same crew |
| Storage (8 weeks) | Facility’s monthly or four-weekly rate | From £15/week, set by volume |
| Insurance | Often a separate monthly charge | Ask what’s included in your quote |
| Getting things out | A second van booking to the new home | Delivered to the new address on the day |
| Your time | Two trips, plus loading the unit yourself | One booking, no handling by you |
On paper, a self storage unit can look cheaper per week. But once you add two separate van bookings, two lots of carrying and any insurance charge, the gap often closes — and if you don’t need access during those eight weeks, you’re paying extra for a key you never use.
What we see on real jobs is that gaps rarely stay the length people first expect. Completion dates slip by a week or two more often than they move forward, so it’s sensible to budget for a little longer than your solicitor’s first estimate and to check the notice period for ending the storage early.
Before anything goes in, put together a simple inventory: a list of boxes by room, the large pieces of furniture and photos of anything valuable. It takes half an hour and makes it far easier to ask for a specific box to be brought out mid-stay, or to check everything when it’s delivered.
- Store clean, dry items only — damp clothes and bedding can develop mould.
- Defrost and dry fridges and freezers, and leave the doors slightly open.
- Wrap mattresses and upholstered furniture in breathable covers.
- Keep documents, passports and valuables with you, not in storage.
- Number your boxes and keep the list on your phone.
How to keep storage costs down
- Declutter before storing — don’t pay monthly for things you’ll throw away later.
- Dismantle beds and tables so they stack flat.
- Use uniform, sealed boxes that stack to the ceiling.
- Store only what you need to — keep everyday items with you.
- Be realistic about the length of stay and ask about longer-term rates.
- Book collection and delivery with your removals to avoid duplicate van hire.
It’s also worth reviewing your storage every few months. Short stays have a habit of becoming long ones, and things that felt essential at the start can turn out to be easy to sell or donate.
For packing tips and when storage makes sense, see our simple guide to self storage in London.
FAQs
How much is self storage a month?
In the UK, small units often cost around £40–£100 a month and flat-sized units around £100–£250, with London higher. Phi Movers storage starts from £55/month.
What size storage unit do I need for a 1-bed flat?
Usually around 50–75 sq ft, depending on how much furniture you have and how well it’s packed.
Is storage insured?
Most facilities require you to insure the contents. Ask what cover is included and what it’s based on before you sign.
Can you collect and deliver my things?
Yes. We collect from anywhere in London, store securely and deliver when you’re ready.
Need storage between moves?
Tell us what you’re storing and for how long — we’ll quote collection, storage and delivery together.
See secure storage or contact us for a price.
About the author
Writer
Sameer writes practical, no-nonsense moving guides for Londoners — drawn from real jobs across all 32 boroughs, covering vans, packing, permits and fixed-price removals.