Moving house and need somewhere to put your stuff whilst you sort out the chaos? You’re probably weighing up formal storage units against DIY solutions, wondering if there’s a cheaper alternative to storage unit options that still keeps your belongings safe.
The truth is, when you’re in the middle of a move, the “cheapest” option isn’t always the one with the lowest upfront cost. Let’s break down what actually works – and what might leave you stressed, skint, or both.
The Real DIY Storage Options (And Their Hidden Costs)
Storing with Family and Friends
The appeal: Free storage, people you trust, easy access to your stuff.
The reality check:
- Relationship strain: Nothing tests friendships like months of boxes cluttering someone’s spare room
- Limited space: Most people can only accommodate a few boxes, not furniture
- No insurance: If something gets damaged or goes missing, you’re stuffed
- Awkward retrieval: Having to coordinate around their schedule every time you need something
Hidden costs: Potential friendship damage, gifts/favours to say thank you, multiple trips to collect everything.
When it works: Small amounts of non-valuable items for very short periods (under 4 weeks).
Garage and Shed Rentals
The appeal: Often cheaper than commercial storage, more space than spare rooms.
The reality check:
- No climate control: Your furniture could warp, electronics could fail, clothes could get musty
- Security concerns: Domestic garages aren’t designed for valuable storage
- Access issues: Dependent on the owner’s availability and goodwill
- No proper insurance: Most home insurance won’t cover your stored belongings
Hidden costs: Potential damage from moisture/temperature changes, replacing damaged items, storage materials you’ll need to provide.
When it works: Sturdy items that aren’t sensitive to temperature changes, very short-term storage.
Professional Storage Units: What You’re Actually Paying For
Standard Self-Storage Facilities
What you get:
- Professional security systems
- Insurance options
- Regulated access hours
- Purpose-built storage space
What you’re responsible for:
- Getting your stuff there
- Packing everything properly
- Providing your own storage materials
- Making multiple trips if needed
Typical costs in London: £40-100+ per month depending on size and location.
Full-Service Storage Solutions
What you get:
- Professional collection from your home
- Expert packing with proper materials
- Secure storage
- Delivery back to your new home
- Full insurance coverage
- Inventory management
What you’re responsible for:
- Basically just booking the service and being available for collection/delivery
The cost reality: Often less expensive than you’d expect when you factor in all the DIY costs.
The True Cost Comparison (London Example)
Let’s say you need to store a 2-bedroom flat’s worth of belongings for 3 months during a house move:
DIY Option: Multiple Friends’ Houses
- Monetary cost: £0 upfront
- Time cost: 6+ hours coordinating, multiple trips
- Relationship cost: Potentially significant
- Stress cost: High – constant worry about imposing
- Risk cost: No insurance, potential damage
- Real total cost: Often higher than expected once you factor everything in
DIY Option: Self-Storage Unit
- Storage unit (50 sq ft): £60/month × 3 = £180
- Van hire: £80 for collection day + £80 for delivery day = £160
- Packing materials: £40-60
- Your time: 2 full days minimum
- Fuel and parking: £30-50
- Total: £430-450 plus significant time investment
Professional Storage Service
- Complete service: £400-600 for 3 months
- Your time required: 2 hours (being present for collection/delivery)
- Stress level: Minimal
- Insurance: Comprehensive coverage included
- Total: £400-600 with virtually no hassle
The reality: Professional services often cost only slightly more than DIY when you account for all factors, but save enormous amounts of time and stress.
When DIY Storage Actually Makes Sense
Short-Term Gaps (Under 2 Weeks)
If you just need to bridge a small gap between moving out and moving in, informal storage can work:
- A few boxes with friends for valuable documents and essentials
- Clothes and basics in suitcases stored temporarily
- Large items in a friend’s garage if they’re not weather-sensitive
Very Limited Budgets
If money is extremely tight and you have time to spare:
- Declutter ruthlessly first – store only absolute essentials
- Use multiple small favours rather than burdening one person
- Accept the risks and plan for potential replacement costs
Simple Storage Needs
If you’re storing:
- Non-valuable items that could be replaced cheaply
- Weather-resistant garden furniture or tools
- Books and papers that aren’t irreplaceable
When Professional Storage is Worth Every Penny
Complex Moving Situations
Professional storage becomes essential when you’re dealing with:
- Property chain delays that could extend indefinitely
- Renovation overlaps where your new home isn’t ready
- International moves requiring extended UK storage
- Downsizing where you need time to decide what to keep
Valuable or Sensitive Items
Some belongings need professional care:
- Wooden furniture that could warp in uncontrolled conditions
- Electronics sensitive to temperature and humidity
- Antiques or heirlooms where replacement isn’t possible
- Important documents that need secure, organised storage
Time-Pressed Situations
When moving stress is already overwhelming:
- Job relocations with tight timelines
- Family circumstances where you can’t manage DIY logistics
- Health issues that limit your ability to handle heavy lifting
- Multiple commitments where time is more valuable than money
Moving is stressful enough: Professional storage eliminates one major worry, letting you focus on everything else that needs your attention.
The Happy2Move Advantage: Professional Storage That Costs Less Than You Think
As 2024 Packer of the Year winners, we’ve perfected storage solutions that deliver professional service without the premium price tag. Here’s what makes our approach different:
Transparent Pricing That Actually Saves Money
No hidden costs: Our quotes include everything – collection, professional packing materials, storage, and delivery back to you.
Efficient processes: Award-winning packing techniques mean we often need less storage space than you’d estimate, reducing your monthly costs.
London logistics expertise: We handle parking, congestion charges, and access issues that would cost you extra in DIY scenarios.
Real Cost Comparison
What clients often expect to pay: £600-800 for professional 3-month storage service
What Happy2Move actually charges: From £400-550 for the same service level
Why we can offer better value:
- Efficient route planning reduces transport costs
- Professional packing maximises space usage
- Established relationships with secure storage facilities
- No middleman markups – we handle everything in-house
The Service That Eliminates DIY Headaches
Professional collection: We come to you, pack everything properly, and handle all logistics.
Secure storage: Climate-controlled facilities with comprehensive insurance coverage.
Flexible retrieval: Delivery to your new home when you’re ready, with unpacking assistance available.
Peace of mind: Full accountability from a professional team with proven expertise.
Ready to Make Storage Simple?
Don’t let storage become another moving headache. Happy2Move’s professional storage solutions cost less than most people expect whilst delivering the expertise and peace of mind that DIY options simply can’t match.
Get a transparent, no-obligation quote that includes everything – you might find that professional storage isn’t the expensive option you thought it was.
