How Much Does Self Storage Cost in the UK?

If you’re looking up UK self storage costs, you probably want a straight answer. The honest one is: it depends. Storage is priced a bit like renting a mini room. The bigger the space, the higher the monthly fee. Then location, access, and a few optional extras can nudge the final number up or down.

The good news is that once you know what affects the price, it becomes much easier to budget and to spot a “cheap” deal that is not actually cheap once everything’s added in. This guide breaks it all down with a clear example price guide from Green Oak Self Storage so you can anchor your expectations in real-world figures.

What you’re paying for (and what “self storage” really means)

Self storage is a secure, self-contained unit in a purpose-built facility. You lock it, you keep the key, and you access your belongings during set hours.

Most of your monthly rent covers:

• The space itself (your private unit)

• Building security and controlled access

• Dry, clean storage conditions

• Practicalities like parking and loading access (this varies by site)

At Green Oak Self Storage, for example, the site is family-run, with monitored CCTV and security systems, plus ample parking for cars, vans and removal lorries.

The biggest factors that affect UK self storage costs

1) Unit size (the main driver)

Size is the headline factor. A small unit for boxes costs less than a larger unit for the contents of a house. Storage is normally sold in square feet, and the jump between sizes is often smaller than people expect once they see what fits inside each option.

A practical way to think about it is “how much floor space would my items take up if I couldn’t stack them?” Then remember you usually can stack, which is why many people can go smaller than they first assume.

2) Location and demand

Self storage works like property. Busy areas with higher demand tend to be pricier. More rural or out-of-town sites can be better value, especially if you do not need to visit every day.

Green Oak’s facility is based just outside Middleton, between Tamworth and Sutton Coldfield, with straightforward road access near the M42, M6 Toll and M6.

3) How long you need it for

If you need storage for a few weeks while moving, you’ll care about flexibility. If you need it for months, you’ll care about a consistent monthly cost and clear terms.

At Green Oak Self Storage, contracts are per calendar month, with 14 days’ notice to vacate and a refund of unused rent. This is particularly helpful if your move-in or move-out dates shift. 

4) Access hours and convenience

Longer access hours and easier loading can make life simpler, especially on moving day. Some people are happy with office-hours-only access. Others want early mornings, evenings, and weekend options.

Green Oak’s access hours are listed as Monday to Friday 7am to 7pm, Saturday 7am to 7pm, and Sunday 10am to 3pm.

5) Security and “extras”

Security features, insurance options, and on-site equipment can affect value. Not every site includes the same things.

Green Oak highlights security measures (including monitored CCTV and controlled access), plus practical help like goods lift access and trolleys on site.

Typical unit sizes (and what usually fits)

When comparing UK self storage costs, it helps to match unit size to a real-life scenario. Here are examples from Green Oak’s size guide, which is a handy way to visualise what you’re actually buying:

• 25 sq ft: small van’s worth, one or two items of furniture plus boxes, around 50 archive boxes

• 35 sq ft: roughly “garden shed” equivalent, several items of furniture and boxes, around 75 archive boxes

• 50 sq ft: contents of a one-bedroom flat, around 100 archive boxes

• 75 sq ft: two-bedroom flat, around 150 archive boxes

• 100 sq ft: 2 to 3 bedroom house, garage-sized unit, around 200 archive boxes

Those examples are also a good reminder that storage is not just for house moves. People use it for decluttering, seasonal items, renovation projects, business stock, archives, or student storage between terms.

A clear example: Green Oak Self Storage prices

Here’s a transparent example of how we price storage units at Green Oak Self Storage:

Unit size	Price per month	Price per month (inc VAT)
25 sq ft	£62.50	£75.00
35 sq ft	£86.67	£104.00
50 sq ft	£97.50	£117.00
75 sq ft	£130.00	£156.00
100 sq ft	£162.50	£195.00
125 sq ft	£172.50	£207.00
150 sq ft	£237.50	£285.00
200 sq ft	£302.50	£363.00

These figures give you a feel for how costs scale as you go up in size. They also make it easier to sense-check other quotes you might receive when researching uk self storage costs.

Extra costs to watch for (so your quote does not creep up)

When people get caught out by UK self storage costs, it’s usually because of the add-ons. Not every provider structures these the same way, so always ask what’s included.

Common extras include:

• VAT: Some prices are quoted ex VAT, others include it. Always check which you’re looking at.

• Insurance or protection cover: Many facilities offer insurance options, and some customers choose this for peace of mind. Green Oak can source comprehensive storage insurance to cover possessions.

• A lock: You’ll typically need your own lock, or you may buy one onsite depending on the facility’s system.

• Packing materials and transport: Boxes, bubble wrap, van hire, and removal help are separate to the unit rental.

If you’re comparing quotes, ask for the “all-in monthly cost” so you can compare like for like.

How to reduce your storage bill without cutting corners

If you want the best value on UK self storage costs, these simple steps make a big difference:

1. Choose the right size. Most people overestimate. A quick inventory list and a realistic “stacking plan” often saves you a unit size.

2. Pack like you mean it. Use uniform boxes where possible, label everything, and stack heavier boxes at the bottom. It keeps your unit tidy and helps you use the full height.

3. Think about access frequency. If you only need occasional access, you might not need the most convenient unit location within a facility.

4. Ask about flexibility and notice periods. If your dates are uncertain, look for clear terms. Green Oak’s monthly contracts with notice to vacate and refund of unused rent are designed to keep things straightforward. 

A quick checklist before you book

Before you sign up, make sure you can answer these questions:

• Is the price per calendar month, and is VAT included?

• What are the access hours, including weekends?

• How secure is the site (CCTV, controlled access, alarms)?

• Do you need insurance, and what cover level makes sense for what you’re storing?

• Is it easy to load and unload (parking, trolleys, lift access)?

Final thoughts

UK self storage costs are rarely one-size-fits-all, but they are predictable once you understand the basics. Size and location lead the way, and the details like VAT, insurance, and access hours matter more than most people expect.

If you’re in or around Tamworth or Sutton Coldfield and want a clear, transparent starting point, Green Oak Self Storage publishes its prices and unit size guidance online, plus offers domestic, commercial, document and student storage in a secure, purpose-built facility.