Buying a Property

Storage Costs When Moving House — What to Budget

Storage is one of the most commonly overlooked moving costs. Whether you need it for a few weeks or several months, this guide explains how self-storage is priced and how to avoid overpaying.

Published: 1 Jan 2026 · Updated: 1 Mar 2026 · 6 min read

When Do You Need Storage?

Storage is needed when your sale and purchase completion dates do not align. Common scenarios include: your sale completing before your purchase, moving into a smaller property and needing time to sort excess furniture, or a new build delayed past its expected completion date.

Our [moving cost calculator](/moving-cost-calculator) includes a storage line item so you can plan accurately.

Types of Storage

Self-Storage

Self-storage facilities (Big Yellow, Safestore, Lok’nStore, and independents) offer individual units accessible with your own key.

**2026 UK pricing:**

Unit size	Suitable for	Weekly cost (cities)	Weekly cost (regional)
25 sq ft	Small boxes, bike	£15–£25	£8–£15
50 sq ft	1-bed flat contents	£30–£60	£15–£30
75 sq ft	2-bed flat contents	£50–£90	£25–£45
100 sq ft	3-bed house contents	£65–£120	£35–£60
150 sq ft	4-bed house contents	£90–£160	£50–£85

London and city-centre locations charge a 30–50% premium over suburban facilities.

**Introductory offers:** Most chains offer the first four weeks at half price. If you need storage for under eight weeks, this can save one to two weeks of cost.

**Insurance:** Self-storage facilities provide secure premises but not insurance for your goods. Extend your home contents insurance to cover stored items, or buy the facility’s own insurance at £3–£8 per week.

Removal Company Container Storage

Some removal companies store your belongings in a sealed container at their depot and deliver when ready. You do not access belongings during storage.

Pricing: typically £100–£250 per month for a standard household.

Advantage: your belongings are handled once rather than twice, reducing damage risk. Disadvantage: no access during the storage period.

How Long Will You Need It?

The most common mistakes: underestimating duration. Budget conservatively — if you think four weeks, budget for eight. Completion date changes, deferred decoration, and estate or probate delays commonly extend storage needs.

Tips to Reduce Costs

Negotiate for three, six, or twelve-month commitments for discounts.
Book in advance during peak season (June–August).
Downsize before you store — paying to store items you later discard costs twice.
Share a unit with a co-mover where practical.

Include storage in your full budget using our [moving cost calculator](/moving-cost-calculator).