What is the cheapest self storage solution?
When moving home, space for your stuff costs a bit of a premium. More people are starting to look to external storage solutions to safely and securely keep their belongings. But what exactly is self storage, and how do you know which option is cheapest? Find out in this post.
With space being at a premium, more and more of us are having to look to external storage solutions to safely and securely keep our belongings. Whether you simply don’t have enough space for all your possessions in your home, or you're looking for somewhere to keep everything between house moves, a self storage solution may be just what you need.
What is self storage?
Self storage typically consists of a commercial site with lots of individual units in varying sizes. There are several types of self storage facilities from container units to fully equipped and purpose-built warehouse buildings with fully fitted security and keypad entry systems. Most self storage sites cater to both businesses looking for space to keep their stock and other items, as well as individuals or “retail” customers.
Unit sizes start as small as 16 square foot lockers and can go up to in excess of 400 square feet depending on the storage company and their site.
Types of self storage units
The most common types of self storage units solution are those in a purpose-built facility or warehouse, a container unit within a yard, and a lock-up garage unit. Prices can vary widely based on location, size of the unit, and the type of storage solution you choose to go for.
Container units
This self storage option consists of hiring a shipping container which is typically 20 feet and goes up to 120 square feet in length. The containers are stored in a yard or outdoor site and are usually protected with fencing and, in most cases, a CCTV system. Container units are a cost-effective option, however there are limitations such as when you can access your unit. Also, due to them being stored outdoors, if you have anything that is sensitive to low temperatures or damp, it may not be the best option for you.
Garage lock up
Garage lock ups are a popular storage solution, as there are lots of these units scattered around the country. The main limitation to this storage option is the unit size (a typical single garage unit is 125 square feet at most), as well as the fact that the only security you have is a lock on the garage door. Whilst it is still secure, it’s probably not the best option for high-value or delicate items.
Self storage warehouse
A self storage warehouse is the most expensive solution. Here, you have the most options when it comes to choice of unit size, as well as knowing your belongings will be housed in a storage unit within a purpose-built building. And your items will be in a dry, temperature-controlled environment. Some of these self storage units even offer 24/7 access and as standard, they have alarm systems, full CCTV, and secure keypad entry systems.
What’s the cheapest solution?
As mentioned above, the actual price you pay will depend on your location and unit size, but the most expensive option will definitely be a self storage warehouse. A garage lock up will most likely be the cheapest option overall, as it will simply be a case of storing your possessions in a small garage unit with a lock on the door. Some lock up garages can cost as little as £40 a month, with higher prices expected in the South East and London.
The “halfway house” option is to go for a container unit in a yard, as storage units in these compounds are protected by fencing and typically have some sort of security system in place such as CCTV. A typical 20 square-foot-long container offers around 160 square feet of storage space, which is the equivalent of six transit vans worth of items, or 275 medium-sized boxes. Including VAT, the typical cost for a unit like this would be around £150-£175 per month.
A similar-sized self-storage unit in a dedicated warehouse would cost around £400-£450 which is clearly much higher.
Summary
When it comes to space, most of us would agree that there’s never enough of it for all our possessions, especially if you’re living with a partner or have a growing family. Self storage solutions are a great way to avoid swimming in clutter around your home or to offer peace of mind during house moves. Regardless of your requirements, knowing your possessions are secure and in one place can offer great peace of mind.
From a cost point of view, it’s clear that the cheapest self storage option would be something like a garage lock up, as it offers the simplest storage solution. However, if you are concerned about security, ensuring you have your items in a container yard is a better option - even if the costs are typically higher. The most costly solution is a purpose-built self-storage facility where your items are easily accessible via secure keypad entry with 24/7 security monitoring that even Ethan Hunt would struggle to crack into.
For many people, having easy access and high security is worth the extra cost, but if you're looking for a quick and simple solution and don’t have to worry about high-value goods, a lock up can be an excellent and cost-effective storage solution. As a final thought, it can be a good idea to try to declutter as much as possible, as, by doing so, you may find that you can fit your ‘must-store’ items in a smaller storage unit in a purpose-built facility without breaking the bank.