Storage When Moving House and What It Costs

Storage when moving house costs from £50 to £150 a week for a typical home, or is billed monthly depending on the facility. You usually have two choices to bridge a gap in your moving dates. You can pay a removal firm to pack your belongings into wooden containers at their warehouse, or rent a self storage unit where you hold the key.

When you need storage between homes

Moving house rarely goes to a perfect schedule. You will need a place for your belongings if your completion dates do not line up and you have to vacate your current property before the next one is ready. This happens often in a property chain when a buyer wants to move in but your new home is still occupied. The removal firm will need to clear your old house, hold everything securely, and deliver it to the new property at a later date.

It is also common to use temporary storage if you are moving into short term rented accommodation while looking for a permanent home. Many people choose to store the bulk of their furniture and keep only the essentials in their rental flat. You might also need space if you are downsizing to a smaller property and need time to sort through what you want to keep. Having an offsite unit allows you to clear the clutter while you make decisions.

Other situations include renovating a new property before you move in. Keeping rooms empty makes building work faster and protects your furniture from dust and damage. Temporary storage is also useful if you are relocating for work and living in a hotel or company flat for the first few months. The Self Storage Association UK counts 3,143 self storage stores, with 76 per cent of use by domestic customers, whose main reason for storing is lack of space at home.

Removal firm container storage explained

Removal companies usually offer containerised storage at their own secure warehouse. The crew arrives at your home, packs your goods, and loads them directly into large, strong, purpose built wooden containers. A standard warehouse container holds 250 cubic feet of volume. The removal teams pack your goods carefully so nothing is damaged or crushed during the weeks or months they sit in the warehouse.

The main benefit is that the crew does the packing, loading and unloading, so you do not have to move anything into a storage room yourself. The removal team itemises each container, so you know exactly what is inside. This allows you to choose which specific containers are returned first if you only need some of your belongings delivered early.

Security at a removal depot is strict to protect everyone's property. Customer access is minimal and you are always accompanied by warehouse staff if you do need to visit. This means container storage is not suitable if you want to drop in every weekend to retrieve winter coats or swap out boxes. The British Association of Removers explains that container storage is almost always cheaper than self storage. It suits people in temporary accommodation, people downsizing, or those relocating temporarily for work who do not need regular access to their things.

How self storage works

Self storage gives you a private room or locker inside a larger warehouse facility. You rent the unit for a set period, usually rolling month by month, and you provide your own padlock. You are responsible for getting your belongings to the facility, loading them into the unit, and arranging transport to your new home when the time comes. This makes you entirely in control of how your goods are stacked and organised.

These facilities are built for easy access and high security. Most self storage sites have gated access and security cameras to monitor the corridors and loading bays. You can usually visit your unit during the facility opening hours, and many are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, although not all are and some charge extra for 24-hour access. You can drive right up to the loading bay, sort through boxes, take items out, or add new things without making an appointment.

The British Association of Removers notes that self storage is usually more expensive than container storage. The higher price pays for the convenience, the extended access hours, and the flexible terms. It suits people moving home, those decluttering before putting a house on the market, or anyone needing flexible short or long term storage.

Container storage or self storage

Choosing between the two depends entirely on how often you need to reach your belongings and how long they will stay there. If you know you will not need your furniture or boxes until you get the keys to your new house, container storage makes the most sense. The removal company does all the heavy lifting, the weekly rate is lower, and your goods stay wrapped and untouched. You simply wait for the final delivery day.

Self storage is better if your plans are uncertain or you are managing a complex transition. If you are living in a small rental between house purchases, you might need to swap seasonal clothing or retrieve financial documents. Having a padlock and your own access lets you treat the unit like a spare room. You can also move items out gradually as you decorate different rooms in your new home.

You must also think about transport logistics. With container storage, collection and redelivery are handled by the same removal crew, though they are priced as two separate trips. With self storage, you either have to hire a van and do the lifting yourself, or pay a removal company to drive to the unit, load the van, and deliver to your new house. If you are paying professionals for this transport step, the total cost difference between the two storage types can narrow quickly.

What storage costs

Storage costs depend on the volume of belongings you have, the length of time you need the space, and the region you live in. Facilities in London and the South East charge more than those in the rest of the UK. Short term storage typically costs £50 to £150 per week in most of the UK. This weekly rate rises to £65 to £190 per week in London and the South East.

Most self storage sites bill on a monthly cycle. The price includes the unit space for the agreed term, a secure site with alarms and CCTV, controlled access, and entry during standard operating hours. Removal firms quote storage separately if your move in date is delayed, alongside other extras such as packing, dismantling and parking suspensions.

This table shows typical published prices for monthly self storage based on the size of the unit and the contents it holds.

Unit size and typical contents	Rest of UK monthly cost	London and South East monthly cost
Locker up to 15 sq ft (few boxes, a bike)	£15 to £50	No separate figure
Small up to 35 sq ft (studio or one-bed flat)	£60 to £130	£80 to £170
Medium 50 to 75 sq ft (one to two-bed home)	£100 to £220	£130 to £280
Large 100 to 150 sq ft (two to three-bed home)	£180 to £300	£230 to £400
Extra large 200 sq ft plus (four bed plus home)	£300 to £450 plus	No separate figure

These figures are typical published prices for 2026, and local quotes will differ by site, exact location and length of stay. Container and mobile storage often costs less per square foot than traditional self storage. This makes container storage a cheaper option for large family homes holding multiple rooms of furniture.

Extra costs to budget for

The headline weekly or monthly rate is rarely the final amount you will pay. Several services are usually charged separately and you must add these to your moving budget. Collection and delivery are often a significant extra cost. Getting your belongings into self storage and out again is essentially booking two separate removal jobs, which increases the total amount you pay to the moving firm.

Packing materials are another separate cost that adds up quickly. You will need strong double walled boxes that can bear weight when stacked, along with packing paper, bubble wrap and heavy duty tape. Premium access can also increase your monthly bill. Standard access during working hours is included, but premium 24-hour access often carries a surcharge.

You might also need to pay for help with loading and unloading at the facility. If you hire a van yourself, you have to carry everything from the loading bay down the corridors to your specific unit. If you need staff to help move heavy furniture, expect this to be charged separately. To keep costs clear from the start, read our guide to removal company costs so you understand how the transport side of the job is priced.

Insurance for belongings in storage

Insurance is usually charged separately from the unit rental. You must not assume that your home contents cover automatically extends to goods kept in a storage facility. The HomeOwners Alliance advises that you ask your home insurance provider whether belongings in storage are covered before you pay for anything else.

If your home policy does not cover goods off the premises, you will need to take out a specialist policy or buy the cover offered by the storage provider. You must check the details of the storage company's own insurance carefully. Look at the maximum claim limit per item and check what perils are covered, such as fire, theft, and water leaks.

Insurance premiums vary with the declared value of your goods. You must declare a realistic replacement value for everything you are putting into the unit. If you undervalue your belongings to save money on the premium, the insurer may reduce any payout in proportion. Keep a detailed inventory of what is in the unit, supported by photographs, to make any future claim straightforward.

Packing furniture and boxes for storage

Items going into storage need more careful preparation than items moving directly from one house to another. Because boxes will be stacked for weeks or months, you must use strong materials and pack them full to the top so they do not crush under weight. Do not use supermarket boxes or thin single walled cardboard that will collapse over time.

You must store items clean and dry. Moisture left in a washing machine, fridge or outdoor furniture can cause mould and mildew. Defrost fridges and freezers well before moving them, wipe them completely dry, and store them with the doors wedged slightly open to allow air to circulate. Clean all garden tools and vacuum out sofas and armchairs.

Storage facilities and removal firms set rules on what they will accept. One remover's published terms, for example, exclude potentially dangerous items and things that degrade. Do not pack these for storage:

Potentially dangerous items such as gas bottles and aerosols are banned.
Flammable liquids including paints, fuels and oils pose a fire risk.
Living things including plants and animals cannot be stored.
Perishable items such as fresh food will attract pests.
Items requiring a controlled environment are not permitted.

Label every box clearly on multiple sides and keep a master inventory of what you have packed. If you are using self storage, pack the unit carefully, keeping things you may need soon at the front near the door. Following a moving house checklist will help you organise this packing stage in the right order.

Questions to ask before you book storage

Getting the right storage means asking the facility or the removal firm exactly how they operate. You want to avoid surprises on moving day or when you receive your first invoice. Asking the right questions ensures you compare quotes fairly.

Ask these questions before you sign a contract or pay a deposit:

What is the minimum rental period and how much notice must I give to move out?
Are there any setup fees, padlock charges or security deposits required upfront?
Is the price fixed for the whole stay or can the weekly rate increase?
What are the exact opening hours and does weekend access cost extra?
How close can a removal lorry get to the loading bay and are there goods lifts?
Are collection and delivery included in the quote or billed as separate trips?
What is the maximum liability limit per item on the insurance policy provided?

These details help you look at the total cost of moving your goods in, keeping them there, and getting them out again. A cheap weekly rate is not a good deal if the insurance and collection fees push the total price above a competing quote.

Common questions

What does removals with storage include?

Removals with storage means the moving company handles the transport and the safekeeping of your belongings. The crew packs your items, loads them into a lorry, and takes them to a secure warehouse where they are kept in wooden containers. When your new home is ready, the firm delivers the containers and unloads them into your new rooms.

Is moving house self storage worth the cost?

Self storage is usually more expensive than container storage, but it is worth the cost if you need regular access to your belongings. It allows you to retrieve seasonal clothes, paperwork or smaller items of furniture without arranging an accompanied visit to a removal firm's warehouse. If you do not need access at all, container storage is a cheaper and easier choice.

Can I use temporary storage for a few days?

Yes, temporary storage is available for short gaps between moving dates, and short term storage costs £50 to £150 a week for a typical home. If completion is delayed by a day or so, ask your removal firm what it can offer and what it charges, as waiting time and storage are usually priced separately.

How do I arrange removals to storage?

You arrange removals to storage by asking a moving firm to include it when they do your pre-move survey. They will calculate the volume of your goods and quote for the collection, the weekly storage rate, and the final delivery. If you book your own self storage unit, you simply hire a removal firm or a man and van service to drive your packed boxes to the facility.

Next steps for booking storage

Sorting out your storage early takes the pressure off a delayed property chain or a complicated rental move. You can secure the space you need and budget for the extra transport costs well in advance. Follow these steps to get your plans in order:

Ask your removal company to quote for container storage and final delivery during their survey.
Get prices from two local self storage facilities for a unit large enough for your home.
Compare the total cost, adding in the insurance, padlocks and two transport trips.
Check with your home contents insurer to see if your current policy covers goods in a storage facility.
Book your preferred option as soon as you know your moving dates will not line up.

Organising a secure place for your belongings gives you breathing space when housing transactions face delays. Compare quotes from reliable local professionals to ensure your furniture is packed, transported and stored safely. You can find a mover near you to get the process started and request a pre-move survey.