How much does storage cost when moving house?
Self storage averages £27.40 per square foot per year, and a removal company's storage container in London about £26–£30 a week. Here is how storage is priced, how much space you need, and what gets added on top.
Last updated: October 2026 · 4 min read
Written and fact-checked by the Removly editorial team · How we research prices
How much does storage cost when moving house?
Self storage in the UK averages £27.40 per square foot per year, excluding VAT, according to the SSA UK annual report 2026. With a removal company, a storage container in London costs about £26–£30 a week. House move storage costs in the UK come down to two things: how much you store, and for how long.
| Type | Priced by | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Self storage, UK average | Square foot, per year | £27.40 ex VAT |
| Self storage, by region | Square foot, per year | ~£20 to ~£45 |
| Removal-firm container, London | 250 cu ft container | £26–£30 a week |
Sources: SSA UK / Cushman & Wakefield self storage annual reports (2025 and 2026) · published 2026 price lists from London removal firms (2026) — regional range from the 2025 report: West Midlands and Wales lowest, London highest
One container a month in London works out at roughly £110–£130. A whole house usually fills several, so ask the removal company how many your load needs.
When the same firm moves and stores your things, removal and storage costs can arrive as one quote. Ask for the storage as its own line, so you can set it against self storage you arrange yourself.
Need the move and the storage together? Compare removal companies that do both, free and with no obligation.
How much storage space do you need?
As a rough guide, a 1-bed flat fits in about 25–40 sq ft of self storage, and a typical 3-bed house needs around 150 sq ft. Lofts, garages and garden furniture push those up quickly.
The cheapest space is the space you don't rent. Sell, donate or clear what you won't use before the move, not after you've paid to store it for six months.
What adds to the cost of storage?
- VAT. Storage has been standard-rated at 20% since 1 October 2012. Check whether a quote includes it.
- Insurance. Many providers ask for cover. Check whether your home contents policy already includes goods in storage.
- Collection and delivery. Moving your things in and out is often charged separately from the storage itself.
- Packing and handling. Ask whether access visits or repacking cost extra.
Source: HMRC VAT manual (VATLP17550) (Dec 2025)
Self storage or container storage?
Container storage suits a gap between moves: the removal company loads a sealed container, keeps it at its depot and delivers it to your new home. Self storage suits anyone who needs to get at their things, because you hold the key and visit when you like.
Our storage options guide compares them in depth, and removals and storage shows how booking both together works. If you only need a week or two, see temporary storage when moving.
Storage costs: FAQs
How much does storage cost when moving house?
Self storage in the UK averages £27.40 per square foot per year excluding VAT, according to the SSA UK annual report 2026. With a removal company, a storage container in London costs about £26–£30 a week. Your total depends on how much space you need and for how long.
How much storage space do I need for a 3-bed house?
Roughly 150 sq ft of self storage for a typical 3-bed house, and about 25–40 sq ft for a 1-bed flat. A removal company's survey gives a more exact figure because it counts what you actually own.
Is VAT charged on storage?
Yes. Storage has been standard-rated for VAT at 20% since 1 October 2012. Some providers quote without VAT, so check before you compare prices.
Is self storage or container storage cheaper?
It depends on how long, how much, and whether you need access. Container storage with your removal company is collected and delivered for you; self storage lets you visit any time. Price both for your load and your dates.
Do I need insurance for my things in storage?
Many providers ask for it. Check whether your home contents policy already covers goods in storage before you buy cover at the counter.