How Much Does Storage Cost During a House Move?
Moving house does not always mean leaving one property and entering the next on the same day. Property-chain delays, renovation work, downsizing, temporary accommodation and changing completion dates can all create a period when you need somewhere secure to keep furniture and household belongings.
So, how much does storage cost during a house move? In 2026, Checkatrade uses UK benchmark figures of about £95 per month for 50 sq ft, £190 for 100 sq ft, £285 for 150 sq ft and £380 for 200 sq ft. However, these figures represent general estimates rather than guaranteed prices. Individual storage companies can charge considerably less or more depending on location, availability, promotions and services.
The Self Storage Association UK’s 2026 industry report also shows why a single national price cannot represent every facility: the UK now has more than 3,100 self-storage sites, with different regional markets, occupancy levels and pricing structures.
This guide explains how much storage costs during a house move, which factors change the price, how self-storage compares with removal-company storage and how to calculate the real total cost before booking.
How Much Does Storage Cost During a House Move in the UK?
Storage prices depend heavily on unit size and location. Current UK providers advertise widely different starting prices, so customers should treat national averages as budgeting guides and request a quotation for their actual location and dates.
Typical 2026 UK storage cost estimates
Checkatrade’s current benchmark provides a useful starting point for budgeting: approximately £95 monthly for 50 sq ft, £190 for 100 sq ft, £285 for 150 sq ft and £380 for 200 sq ft. Actual quotations may vary significantly according to location, demand, VAT treatment, insurance and promotional discounts.
| Approximate storage size | Possible use during a move | 2026 monthly benchmark |
|---|---|---|
| 50 sq ft | Boxes and contents from a smaller property | About £95 |
| 100 sq ft | Larger quantity of furniture and boxes | About £190 |
| 150 sq ft | Substantial household contents | About £285 |
| 200 sq ft | Large-volume household storage | About £380 |
These figures provide a budgeting reference rather than a quotation. Some operators advertise lower introductory or location-specific rates. For example, Shurgard lists starting monthly prices from £52 for units between 40 and 70 sq ft and from £97 for units between 100 and 130 sq ft, depending on location and availability.
What Affects Storage Costs During a House Move?
Your monthly unit rate represents only one part of the calculation. The amount of space, facility location, storage period, service type and additional charges can all affect what you eventually pay.
1. The amount of storage space you need
Larger units normally cost more, so accurate sizing matters. Make an inventory of sofas, beds, wardrobes, appliances, boxes and garden items before requesting quotes. Paying for unused space wastes money, but choosing a unit that cannot safely accommodate your belongings can create unnecessary handling and access problems.
2. Where the storage facility is located
Storage prices vary substantially across the UK. Urban land and operating costs can make units in London and other expensive areas considerably more costly than comparable space elsewhere. Current provider data shows meaningful regional differences, so compare facilities near your property rather than relying solely on UK-wide averages.
3. How long you need storage
A short gap between completion dates may require only several weeks, while renovations or a delayed purchase can extend storage for months. Ask how the provider calculates partial months, minimum rental periods and extensions. Also check whether an introductory discount ends before your expected storage period finishes.
4. The type of storage service
Self-storage normally gives you direct access to a dedicated unit. Removal-company or warehouse storage may focus more on collection, professional handling and later redelivery. Neither option automatically costs less overall because transportation, labour, access frequency and handling requirements can change the final cost considerably.
5. Insurance and additional fees
Never assume the advertised monthly rate represents the final bill. Ask about insurance or goods-protection requirements, locks, deposits, administration, collection, redelivery and access charges. Promotional prices may also apply only for an introductory period. Compare complete quotations rather than choosing a provider from its headline rate alone.
Self-Storage vs Removal Company Storage
Both options can work well during a house move, but they solve different problems.
When self-storage may suit you
Self-storage can work well when you want frequent access to your belongings. You normally organise transportation and place the items into the unit yourself or hire movers separately. This approach gives you flexibility, but remember to include van hire, fuel, labour and repeated journeys when comparing the total cost.
When removal-company storage may make sense
Removal-company storage can offer a simpler arrangement when you mainly need belongings collected, stored and delivered when your new home becomes available. Coordinating removals and storage through one provider may reduce the number of separate bookings, although you should always confirm access rules, charges and service conditions before proceeding.
How to Budget for Storage During a House Move
A reliable storage budget starts with your actual belongings rather than an estimated bedroom count.
Step 1: Create an inventory
List furniture, appliances, boxes, bicycles, garden equipment and other possessions that need storage. Photograph larger items where useful. An accurate inventory helps a storage or removal company estimate the space required and reduces the risk of booking significantly more capacity than you need.
Step 2: Declutter before requesting quotes
Do not pay monthly storage fees for furniture or belongings that you intend to discard after the move. Sort possessions into keep, sell, donate, recycle and dispose categories first. Decluttering can reduce both storage volume and removal work, creating savings throughout the relocation rather than only on the monthly storage charge.
Step 3: Estimate your storage period realistically
Use your expected completion date as a starting point, but consider what might happen if plans change. Ask the provider how much an extra week or month would cost. A realistic contingency allowance prevents a modest property delay from creating an unexpected financial problem.
Step 4: Compare complete quotations
Request comparable quotes based on the same unit size, rental period and service requirements. Check whether each price includes VAT where applicable, insurance arrangements, collection, handling and delivery. Comparing like-for-like totals gives you a much clearer picture than comparing promotional monthly prices from different companies.
Step 5: Check access and notice terms
Ask how often you can access belongings, what opening hours apply and whether advance notice is necessary. Also check cancellation and notice requirements. A cheaper storage option may become inconvenient if you regularly need possessions but the service does not provide the access arrangements you expected.
How to Reduce Storage Costs During a House Move
Reducing the amount you store usually provides the most straightforward saving.
Use your storage space efficiently
Dismantle suitable furniture where practical, pack boxes securely and use vertical space sensibly without creating unstable stacks. Keep an inventory and label every box. Good organisation helps you use available space more efficiently and can reduce the temptation to rent a larger unit simply because belongings lack a clear packing system.
Compare total cost instead of introductory price
A promotional offer can look attractive, but calculate what you will pay across your entire expected storage period. Include insurance, transport and any collection or redelivery charges. The cheapest advertised unit does not necessarily provide the lowest final cost once every required service enters the calculation.
What Should You Store During a House Move?
Temporary storage works best when you use it strategically rather than moving everything automatically.
Prioritise furniture and non-essential belongings
Furniture, boxed household goods, books, seasonal possessions and items that you will not need immediately may suit temporary storage. Keep passports, medication, important documents, chargers, valuables and first-night essentials with you. This approach prevents you from needing urgent access to stored belongings immediately after the move.
Prepare furniture for storage carefully
Clean and dry furniture before storage. Protect appropriate surfaces with suitable materials and keep small fittings in labelled bags. Do not trap moisture inside inappropriate coverings. If you have delicate, high-value or unusual items, discuss their storage requirements with the provider before assuming that a standard facility will suit them.
Why Choose Cargill Removals?
Combining removal and storage arrangements can make a complicated property transition easier to coordinate.
Practical support for removals and storage
Cargill Removals can discuss the physical requirements of a household move, including belongings that may need temporary storage. Customers should provide accurate information about furniture volume, access, anticipated storage duration and final delivery requirements so the proposed service reflects the actual relocation rather than a general estimate.
Ask for a transparent quotation
A useful quotation should explain the agreed services and expected charges clearly. Ask about collection, handling, storage duration, redelivery and any circumstances that could change the price. Transparent information allows you to budget properly and makes it easier to compare Cargill Removals with alternative storage arrangements.
Why Trust and Transparency Matter With Storage
Your belongings may remain outside your direct control for several weeks or months, so choosing a provider requires more than comparing prices.
Check evidence rather than marketing claims
Look for genuine customer reviews, clear company details, understandable service terms, authentic photographs and transparent contact information. Strong E-E-A-T comes from verifiable evidence of experience and service quality rather than exaggerated promises. Customers should confirm current terms, insurance arrangements and storage conditions directly before making a booking.
Understand how your belongings will move
Ask who collects your possessions, where they go, how access works and how redelivery takes place. Clear answers demonstrate an organised process and help avoid misunderstandings. Good planning becomes especially important when a property-chain delay means you cannot predict your final delivery date with complete certainty.
How Much Does Storage Cost During a House Move? Final Answer
For budgeting purposes, current 2026 UK estimates suggest approximately £95 per month for 50 sq ft, £190 for 100 sq ft, £285 for 150 sq ft and £380 for 200 sq ft. However, these figures remain benchmarks rather than fixed national tariffs.
Calculate your real cost before booking
The final answer to how much does storage cost during a house move depends on space, location, duration, storage type, insurance and transportation. Current providers show that actual advertised rates can differ considerably from national benchmarks, reinforcing the importance of requesting a location-specific quotation.
FAQs
1. How much does storage cost during a house move?
Current 2026 UK benchmark figures from Checkatrade suggest about £95 monthly for 50 sq ft, £190 for 100 sq ft, £285 for 150 sq ft and £380 for 200 sq ft. Actual costs depend on your location, provider, duration, insurance and additional services, so always request a personalised quotation.
2. How much storage does a three-bedroom house need?
There is no reliable one-size-fits-all figure because two three-bedroom homes can contain very different amounts of furniture. Create an inventory and ask the provider to recommend an appropriate space. Decluttering, dismantling suitable furniture and packing efficiently can substantially reduce the amount of storage capacity you need.
3. Is self-storage cheaper than removal-company storage?
Self-storage may offer a lower unit-only price, but you may need to arrange transportation, loading and unloading separately. Removal-company storage may combine several parts of the process. Compare the total price for collection, storage, insurance, access and final delivery before deciding which option provides better value for your move.
4. Can I store furniture during a house move?
Yes, household moves commonly create a need for temporary furniture storage. Prepare furniture properly, make sure it remains clean and dry and ask about any restrictions before booking. Large, fragile or particularly valuable items may require additional preparation or handling, so discuss those belongings with the provider in advance.
5. Can storage costs increase if my house move gets delayed?
Yes. Longer storage normally increases your overall cost, and an introductory promotion may expire while your belongings remain in storage. Ask the provider how extensions work and what rate will apply after the initial period. Including an additional month in your contingency budget can help you manage unexpected property-chain delays.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how much storage costs during a house move means looking beyond a single monthly figure.
Current 2026 UK benchmarks provide a useful starting point, but actual prices vary substantially between providers and locations. Checkatrade estimates approximately £95 per month for 50 sq ft and £190 for 100 sq ft, while individual storage companies may advertise different starting prices.
Start by identifying exactly what needs storage. Declutter before obtaining quotes, estimate your likely storage period and compare self-storage with integrated removals and storage services.
Most importantly, compare the complete cost. Check storage charges, transportation, handling, insurance arrangements, promotional conditions and final delivery rather than focusing only on the headline monthly price.
If your move involves delayed completion, renovation work or a temporary gap between properties, storage can give you valuable flexibility.
Cargill Removals can discuss moving and storage requirements based on your household contents, access and relocation plans. A clear inventory, realistic timescale and transparent quotation can help you protect your belongings while keeping storage costs under better control.
01542 839867 or 07818 885148
info@cargillremovals.co.uk
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