This article was updated 18th July 2025 to reflect current average pricing across London
Moving and finding storage can be a stressful time – and not to mention a pricey one. With so many storage options available, it can be difficult to work out the best price for the size of storage unit you need.
But exactly how much does storage cost per month in the UK? What’s a fair price, and what level of service should you expect to receive?
It’s important to bear in mind that any of the prices we quote are estimations based on data we’ve been able to gather, and approximations of storage costs in the UK.
The cost of storage in the UK
Storage costs vary greatly depending on the size of the storage unit you’re looking to use. Just like the price of a holiday or insurance, prices fluctuate depending on the location, the length of time, whether you’re paying upfront, and various other factors.
You’re also not likely to receive the same service at every location, with some offering a vast array of services, while others may offer very little.
According to the latest storage cost data from the Self Storage Association UK, the UK average rental rate has risen to £29.13 per square foot per annum in 2025 – a significant 6% increase from 2023 levels. However, we’ve done some research to determine the cost of a 50 sq ft unit over different periods.
For a 50 sq ft storage unit (a unit suitable to store the contents of a small flat), the average UK price for one week ranges from around £22 to £28. That means, the UK average storage unit cost for a 50 sq ft unit for different periods is approximately:
- 1 Week – £25.00
- 1 Month – £95.00
- 2 Months – £190.00
- 3 Months – £285.00
- 6 Months – £570.00
- 1 Year – £1,155.00
These average costs will scale up or down depending on the size of the unit you’re looking to use. So, for example, you may expect UK costs for a 200 sq ft unit for one year to be approximately £4,620.
Average storage prices in London
Like the rest of the UK, storage costs across London can vary significantly. However, London has experienced the steepest regional increase in storage prices, jumping 14% year-on-year in 2025. This surge is due to a combination of rising property costs, limited supply, and high demand, with many facilities now reporting occupancy rates above 80%.
The average monthly price to rent a London storage unit in 2025 is £4.28 per square foot. For a 50 sq ft unit in London, you’re likely to pay between £150 and £220 per month, depending on the specific location and facility.
Based on current 2025 data, the average for a 50 sq ft unit in London for different periods of time is approximately:
- 1 Week – £50.00
- 1 Month – £214.00
- 2 Months – £428.00
- 3 Months – £642.00
- 6 Months – £1,284.00
- 1 Year – £2,568.00
These are of course approximations, and can and will likely change over time. Some storage providers who quote a fixed price may come with additional costs depending on the level of service you’re looking for. It’s important to consider what you need, and make sure the price you’re agreeing to includes everything.
Regional variations in storage costs
The cost of storage varies significantly across the UK regions:
- London: £38.80 per sq ft annually (most expensive)
- South East: £32.50 per sq ft annually
- Scotland: £21.50 per sq ft annually
- North England: £20.34 per sq ft annually
- West Midlands & Wales: £20.34 per sq ft annually (most affordable)
This means a 50 sq ft unit that costs £214 per month in London would cost approximately:
- £187.50 in the South East
- £145.00 in Scotland
- £122.40 in Northern England
- £139.60 in the West Midlands and Wales
Things to be careful of when comparing storage quotes
If a price seems too good to be true, then there’s a good chance that it is. When comparing quotes from storage providers, there are a number of important things to consider:
- What does the quote include?
- Are you free to come and go as you please to collect and drop off?
- Are there any fees for shortening or lengthening the use of your storage unit?
- Is it possible to upsize or downsize if needed?
- When is the self storage unit facility open? Does it close on evenings and weekends?
- Is the facility safe, dry, and secure, and is there CCTV?
- Is the facility supervised at all times?
- Do they have full insurance cover?
- Are collection, loading, and drop-off included?
If any of the above are important to you – and it’s likely that most of them, if not all of them, are – then make sure it’s clearly outlined in the quote you’re provided. If they’re not, but the storage provider offers them, then there’s a chance they’ll be an additional fee which you may not have accounted for earlier.
Additional costs to consider
When budgeting for storage, don’t forget these potential additional costs:
- Security deposit: Often one month’s rent, though some providers now operate without deposits
- Insurance: Typically starts from £13 per month, depending on the value of your belongings
- Padlocks: Usually around £10 if not included
- Packing materials: A pack of 10 boxes costs around £31
- Transportation: Moving costs can range from £60-£80 per hour in London for man and van services
View Happy2Move’s storage solutions
We know it’s important to not only find the right storage solution for you, but one that fits in your budget and is honest about cost. We have a range of storage services and we’re completely flexible with our storage space options.
Our prices start from just £21.95 + VAT – no hidden fees, and we’re completely transparent.
The friendly team at Happy2Move is happy to chat about what you’re looking for and how we can help. Contact us today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Monthly Cost of Storage
What is the average monthly cost of storage in the UK? The average monthly cost of storage in the UK can vary widely, but for a 50 sq ft unit, you can expect to pay around £95 per month in 2025. Prices will fluctuate based on location, duration, and additional services provided by the storage facility.
What factors influence the cost of storage? Several factors influence the cost of storage, including the size of the storage unit, location of the facility, length of rental period, and additional services such as climate control, 24/7 access, and insurance. Prices may also vary if you choose to pay upfront or need additional features like enhanced security.
How do storage costs in London compare to the rest of the UK? Storage costs in London tend to be significantly higher than the rest of the UK. For example, a 50 sq ft unit in London averages around £214 per month, compared to the national average of £95. This difference reflects the higher cost of living and property prices in the capital.
Are there any hidden costs to watch out for? When comparing storage quotes, it is crucial to ask about any additional fees that may not be included in the initial price. These can include charges for insurance, 24/7 access, late payments, or costs for upsizing or downsizing your unit. Always clarify what is included in the quote to avoid unexpected expenses.
Are there discounts available for long-term storage? Yes, many storage facilities offer discounts for long-term commitments. These discounts can reduce the monthly rate if you agree to a longer rental period upfront. Common offers include 50% off for the first two months, or 5-10% discounts for paying 6-12 months upfront.
How can I ensure I’m getting a good deal on storage? To ensure you are getting a good deal on storage, compare quotes from multiple providers, and consider what services are included. Check for hidden fees, and make sure the facility meets your needs in terms of security, access, and conditions. Reading customer reviews can also provide insight into the reliability and quality of the storage provider.
What should I look for when choosing a storage facility? When choosing a storage facility, consider factors such as location, security features (e.g., CCTV, alarms), access hours, cleanliness, and customer service. It’s also important to verify if the facility is supervised, offers insurance, and provides easy access for loading and unloading.
Can I change the size of my storage unit if needed? Yes, many storage facilities allow you to upsize or downsize your unit as your needs change. However, it’s important to check if there are any fees associated with changing unit sizes and if the facility has availability for the size you need.
How do I compare self storage prices in my area? To compare self storage prices in your area, you can research online, visit storage provider websites, or contact them directly for quotes. You can also use price comparison websites to easily compare prices and services offered by different storage providers.
What additional costs should I budget for beyond the monthly rental fee? In addition to the monthly rental fee, there may be additional costs such as a one-time security deposit, insurance coverage, padlocks for the unit, and fees for using certain services or amenities offered by the storage facility.
What size storage unit do I need? When choosing a storage unit, consider factors such as the size of the unit (based on your storage needs), location convenience, security features, accessibility, pricing, and any additional services that may be beneficial for your specific requirements.
How secure are self storage facilities in the UK? Self storage facilities in the UK prioritise security measures to ensure the safety of stored belongings. Typically, facilities use CCTV surveillance, secure locks, access control systems, and security personnel to protect stored items from theft or damage.
