Self-storage facilities allow you to store valuable and important items on a short-term, month-to-month basis. They are a practical solution if you need some extra space or you are moving home.
As well as their practicality, self-storage units are also reasonably priced. This article will seek to break down the prices you can expect to pay and what sort of other costs are involved in the process.
What is the Average Cost of Self Storage in the UK?
As an approximate guide, data from the SSA (Self Storage Association) UK annual industry report (2021) states that the average rental cost of a UK self-storage facility is £23.94 per square foot per year.
However, do keep in mind that this figure is a national average and how much you pay for self-storage will vary depending on the geographic location of the self-storage unit you use.
(Please note that the value quoted by the SSA is also the base rate – which does not include potential additional costs such as VAT and insurance.)
Other factors like the length of time you will be using a self-storage unit for, and what size that unit is, will impact how much self-storage will cost you. The storage unit cost can vary depending on a range of factors.
Here is a guide to roughly how much self-storage space varies in cost across the UK.
Self-Storage Average Cost by Region
The price of self-storage can vary between storage companies. However, storage prices can also be affected by the geographic location you find yourself in.
Let’s explore some of the different storage unit costs found across the UK.
| Region | Average Cost Per Ft² |
|---|---|
| London | £33.06 |
| South East of England | £23.27 |
| East of England | £23.15 |
| Scotland | £21.04 |
| South West of England | £19.33 |
| Yorkshire & Humber | £18.77 |
| North of England | £17.10 |
| East Midlands | £15.71 |
*The prices quoted above are National Averages reported in the SSA UK Annual Industry Report in 2021 and are not representative of a specific storage location or provider and do not include VAT or insurance.
It is important to discuss your storage needs with your chosen facility to make sure you rent the right amount of storage space for your personal belongings.
What is the Average Self-Storage Prices in Scotland?
The average cost per square foot for storage facilities in Scotland is £21.04 per square foot. If you are storing belongings in Scotland, it is worth noting Glasgow is Scotland’s biggest city with lots of great transport links to the rest of Scotland & the UK.
It is also a good idea to have your goods covered by some sort of insurance policy whilst they are in a self-storage facility. Most reputable self-storage companies will require you to have cover arranged for the duration of your usage. If your current insurance does not cover you, you can visit Insurastore which specialises in insurance for self-storage.
How to Get an Accurate Price for Self Storage
Knowing exactly how much self-storage you will require for your belongings can be hard to calculate. It is best to get a quote from a self-storage facility and to discuss with them how much self-storage you will need. This way you will get an accurate price from experienced storage companies and will not have to make any last-minute arrangements about additional space, which could prove costly. Click here to get a quote now.
Most professional self-storage businesses will also provide a selection of storage essentials that you can either buy or borrow to efficiently store your items too – from storage boxes and bubble wrap to step ladders and pallet trucks!
What Factors Impact Self-Storage Cost?
If you’re busy thinking “how much will I actually pay?!” or “how much does it cost?” it’s worth considering the main factors that will affect how much it will cost you.
Location
Firstly, the geographical location of a facility will impact the price you pay for it. If you are closer to the centre of a city; you will generally pay more money than if you opt for an out-of-town/more remote facility. As previously illustrated, in a comparable way to house prices, the further north you go, the less a storage facility will generally cost you.
Size of Self-Storage Unit
The size of the storage unit needed for your stuff will also affect how much pay. Self-storage facilities generally charge per square foot of space required. Typically, the bigger the unit the cheaper the price per square foot. Most storage facilities will have a wide range of lockers/units/warehouses available.
Length of Stay
The length of stay that you require a storage unit for obviously also impacts the price you pay for it. It’s also worth enquiring as to whether the facility offers an introductory discount to new customers or some form of long-term discount offer (i.e., a year or more.)
Replacement Value
The cost of insurance will also depend on the replacement value of your goods. It is unlikely anything untoward will happen to your belongings whilst they are in storage, however, it is pertinent to have insurance cover for peace of mind. As previously mentioned most facilities will insist that you have insurance cover in place for your possessions.
Climate Controlled Storage – Is it Worth the Cost?
Climate-controlled storage is a type of facility that maintains a controlled environment, typically in terms of temperature and humidity, within the self-storage units.
This added level of protection comes at an additional cost compared to traditional, non-climate-controlled storage facilities.
Here’s a more detailed exploration of whether it’s worth the extra cost:
Protection Against Temperature Extremes
Climate-controlled storage units are designed to maintain a consistent temperature range, usually between 55°F and 85°F (13°C to 30°C).
This helps protect sensitive items such as electronics, wooden furniture, and delicate fabrics from extreme heat or cold.
If you’re storing items that can be damaged by temperature fluctuations, the extra cost can be well worth it.
Humidity Control
In addition to temperature control, climate-controlled storage units often manage humidity levels. This is crucial for preventing moisture-related damage to items like artwork, books, and documents.
If you live in a region with high humidity or plan to store moisture-sensitive belongings, climate control can be essential.
Business Storage Needs
For businesses using self-storage for important documents, inventory, or sensitive equipment, climate-controlled storage can be essential. It ensures that your business assets remain in good condition, reducing the risk losses due to damage.
Try GTW Today for Self-Storage in Glasgow
GTW has a range of affordable options when it comes to self-storage. If you require any storage and are curious what prices you are going to pay, contact our team today.
Alternatively, you can request a quote straight from our site here.