Storage in the UK
Looking for a new home in the UK? You will need a place to temporarily store your things. Want to protect precious belongings while you’re away for a year or more? Invest in a longer term solution to house your furniture in a secure storage unit.
Whether you’re moving abroad or closer to home, you may need to rent a self-storage unit. Short term, long term, or somewhere in between, MoveHub can help.
Alternatively, you can find out how much it’ll cost you to ship your belongings to the UK by popping a few details about your move into this short form. We’ll then put you in touch with our professional suppliers, who will contact you with free shipping quotes to compare.
Calculating ideal storage size
The first step is to figure out exactly how much storage space you need for your belongings. Self-storage prices vary depending on the size of the unit, so decide if you need a small locker, a large container, or something between.
Guide to selecting storage sizes
Below is a guide to help you decide which storage size fits your needs.
| Size of Storage Unit: | Size Equal to: | Perfect for Storing: |
|---|---|---|
| 10 sq ft | Car boot | Student belongings/shedload of items |
| 15 sq ft | Walk in wardrobe | Contents of a bedsit |
| 25 sq ft | Small garden shed | Contents of a studio flat |
| 40 sq ft | Large garden shed | Contents of a 1 bedroom flat |
| 50 sq ft | Transit van | Contents of a large 1 bedroom flat |
| 75 sq ft | Luton van | Contents of a 2 bedroom house |
| 100 sq ft | Single garage | Contents of a 2 or 3 bedroom house |
125 sq ft | 7.5 tonne lorry | Contents of a 3 bedroom house with shed |
| 150 sq ft | One and 1/2 single garages | Contents of a large 3 bedroom house |
| 175 sq ft | One and 3/4 single garages | Contents of a 4 bedroom house |
| 200 sq ft | Double garage | Business equipment |
| 250 sq ft | 30 ft articulated lorry | Contents of a 4 or 5 bedroom house, garage and shed |
| 300 sq ft | 40 ft container | Contents of a 5 bedroom house, garage and shed |
| 400+ sq ft | Studio apartment | Contents of a 6 bedroom house, garage and shed or a big business |
Benefits of storage
The most common reasons for requiring a personal storage unit are:
- decluttering your home (safely storing your book or wine collection)
- temporary storage spaces (for renovation, redecoration, family visits)
- travel or relocation (abroad or across the country)
All of the above reasons require having access to another site that can meet all of your storage requirements.
What are the benefits of using a storage company rather than packing away your things in boxes in a friend’s shed? Firstly, your friend’s shed probably doesn’t have 24-hour security or generous access times. Below are other benefits of using a storage company:
- choose the size of storage you need for the duration you need
- generous access to your belongings
- security, fire alarms, and well lit corridors
- cost efficient way to store your items
Select the size of your move to get free quotes
Additional costs to keep in mind
Insurance
If you’re keeping your belongings stored for an extended period of time, or even just for a winter break, it’s best to insure them. That way if the worst should happen (an unusual act of nature) you don’t have to worry.
Padlock
Depending on the storage company, you will need a padlock to secure your storage space. This is extra security that you are the only one with access to your space.
Refundable security deposit
Unless specifically stated in the policy, you should expect to cover a security deposit. This will be returned to you once you have removed your things from the storage space.
Packing materials
Last but not least, packing materials to keep your stored things in while at their temporary home. You can purchase these items through the storage company if you don’t have your belongings in boxes and bubble wrap just yet.