How to Save Money on Self Storage with The Storage Scanner
Save money on self storage by comparing prices across Europe. Learn how The Storage Scanner helps you find the cheapest self storage units near you.
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Ever needed additional space during a move? You’re not alone. Most people don’t think about self storage until they’re surrounded by boxes, halfway through packing, or realising that their new place simply doesn’t have enough space. Maybe you’re between homes and need a temporary space for your furniture. Or perhaps you’re renovating and want to keep your belongings safe and clean. Some people use storage when relocating abroad for a few months, others when welcoming a new baby, downsizing, during a divorce, or clearing space for a home office.
Self storage can make these transitions far easier. It gives you flexibility, security, and peace of mind when life gets a bit crowded and messy. The challenge for most people? Finding affordable, trustworthy, and nearby self storage facilities that truly fit their needs. Prices, unit sizes, and service levels can vary widely between providers, and researching them all takes time.
That’s where The Storage Scanner comes in. We’ve analyzed thousands of self storage facilities across the UK. We have compared their sizes, prices, features, and security measures, so you can quickly find the best option near you. From short-term moves to long-term storage, we make it simple to find a space that’s clean, safe, and right for your situation.
When choosing a self storage unit, you’re not just looking for a place to store your things, you’re looking for security, convenience, and peace of mind. After analysing thousands of facilities across Europe while building The Storage Scanner, we’ve identified a few key factors that define a truly great self storage experience.
Secure and Well-Monitored
Trust is everything in self storage. Look for gated access, keypad or smart entry systems, and 24-hour CCTV that covers entrances and hallways. Many top facilities also include individual unit alarms, motion sensors, and proper lighting — small details that make a big difference in keeping your belongings safe.
Flexible Access and Opening Hours
Life doesn’t always happen between 9 and 5. The best facilities offer extended or 24/7 access, allowing you to retrieve your items whenever you need. Digital entry systems and smart locks make this easier than ever.
Clean, Dry, and Well-Maintained
A clean facility protects your belongings from dust, moisture, and pests. Take a moment to notice the smell and condition of the hallways and doors. A fresh, well-lit, tidy environment is usually a good sign of professional management.
The Right Size and Flexibility
From small lockers for personal items to large rooms for furniture or business stock, a good provider offers multiple sizes and lets you upgrade or downsize without hassle. Choosing a unit slightly larger than you think you need makes storing and accessing your items easier.
Fair and Transparent Pricing
Clear pricing without hidden fees is a mark of a trustworthy operator. Always check if VAT, insurance, and admin costs are included. Introductory discounts can be attractive, but what matters most is the long-term rate and flexibility to rent monthly.
Convenient Access and Loading
Drive-up or ground-floor units, trolleys, and nearby parking make loading and unloading quick and stress-free, especially if you’re moving house or storing heavy items.
Helpful Staff and Simple Booking
Good service matters. Friendly, professional staff who explain options clearly are a great sign. And ideally, booking should be effortless, either online through instant quotes or on-site within minutes.
Extras That Make Life Easier
Features such as climate control, business storage options, or verified badges can add real value. These ensure your items stay in perfect condition and your rental experience stays smooth.
In short, we can state that a great self storage facility is secure, clean, flexible, and easy to use. And above all, run by people who care about keeping your belongings safe. Platforms like The Storage Scanner make it easy to compare all these aspects. From prices and sizes to access hours and review. This enables you to find the right space for your situation without the stress of endless searching. A more detailed guide to find the most convenient self storage unit can be found here.
If you’re searching for reliable and secure storage across the UK locations with 24-hour access, we’ve compared leading providers based on security, range of sizes, accessibility, pricing, and customer experience. To help you find the best option near you, our platform, The Storage Scanner, makes it easy to compare storage unit sizes, prices, and locations.
Below are the top storage companies that consistently stand out for quality and trust:
Best for: high-end, city-based units and easy booking
Big Yellow Self Storage is still one of the most well-known names in UK storage. People know them for their modern buildings and high security standards.
Why People Choose Big Yellow:
100+ facilities in easy-to-reach city areas
Units with 24/7 CCTV and secure PIN access
Rental terms that can be changed for short or long stays
Perfect for people who are moving, cleaning out their homes, or putting away business equipment and want an easy way to book online.
Best for: Long-term storage options that are affordable
People, students, and businesses all like Safestore because it offers secure space at a fair price.
Main Benefits:
More than 130 storage sites in the UK with various sizes and extra spaces that suit your needs
24-hour monitoring and safe access to the building
In-store staff will help if you face any problem
Good for storing personal things, business stock, and records.
Safestore is dependable, affordable, and easy to get to from most big cities and towns.
A downside is that they do not show prices on their website.
Best for: Storage in flexible containers that you can drive up to
TITAN Containers makes self-storage easy with secure steel container storage. This is great for customers who want pick-up and unload easily, have access from the ground, and don't want to deal with complicated contracts.
What Makes TITAN Different:
More than 25 facilities to store your items in the UK
Drive up to load quickly
Steel units that can be locked and are weatherproof
Rental terms that are easy to understand
Great for moving, storing things for a season, tradespeople, and small business stock. Titan Containers is especially helpful if you want to rent a relatively large storage space, although some facilities also offer smaller units.
Best for: Storage options that are short-term and flexible
Shurgard makes it simple to book a unit online and safely access your things whenever you need them.
Main points:
More than 80 places in the UK
Units with alarms and CCTV
Different sizes of units to meet all needs
Good for both short-term and long-term storage
Easy to book online
Easy to use, safe, and good for people who need to store things for a short time. Shurgard’s booking system makes it easy to rent a storage unit in seconds. However, we would recommend to compare prices beforehand on The Storage Scanner to check whether you have the best deal.
Best for: affordable self-storage throughout the United Kingdom
Storebox is a popular choice for students, families, and businesses because it offers safe storage that you can access at any time. Their facilities are well spread-out over the UK, so you will find a Storebox facility near every big city in the country.
Why Storebox is an interesting option to explore:
29 locations across the UK
Units that are safe and weatherproof
Book online quickly and get quotes right away
Flexible rental options.
Best for: Students and businesses that need flexible storage
Across the UK, Storage King has a variety of secure unit sizes and clear pricing.
40+ locations across the country
Rooms that are safe
Options for renting for a short time or a long time
Easy to use, available, and dependable.
There are many storage units all over the UK, and The Storage Scanner staff is always there to help you find the right unit. As of today, The Storage Scanner scans over 2,400 storage locations across the UK. This makes your storage experience easy, convenient, and stress-free.
There are trustworthy storage companies near you no matter where you live in the UK. Here's a quick look at who is popular in each area:
Modern storage units in every part of London. Prices in London are however significantly more expensive than in other parts of the UK (ca. 30% more expensive).
Suggested Providers: Safestore, Big Yellow Self Storage, Shurgard, Space Station, Attic Self Storage and Vanguard Self Storage
Modern facilities, both in the city center and in the outskirts. Generally speaking, self storage in Birmingham is cheaper than the national average (ca 15%).
Suggested Providers: Space Station, Storage King, Storage Giant, Storage Works, Cuboid Self Storage, U Can Store It
A mix of modern state-of-the-art facilities, container storage, and smaller storage locations run by independents. Not all providers provide clear pricing information on their website. Based on the available information, Glasgow is ca. 35% cheaper than the UK average.
Suggested: Storage Vault, Safestore, S1 Storage, The Storage Zone, Hassle Free Storage, Russel
Manchester offers a wide variety of self storage. Prices are however 5-10% more expensive than the UK average.
Suggested: Safestore, SureStore, APEX Self Storage, Secure Store Self Storage, Easy Access Self Store, Cuboid Self Storage
Below, you can find a list of 12 expert tips to choose the right storage unit. In case you would like to read more about these 12 points, we recommend our blog post about choosing the right self storage unit.
Choose a convenient location that matches how often you’ll access your items. The Storage Scanner shows all providers, facilities and units in an easy way.
Prioritise strong security with gated entry, CCTV, and unit alarms.
Check for cleanliness. Dry, well-lit, and pest-free facilities are essential.
Pick the right unit size to avoid paying for unused or insufficient space.
Compare prices transparently on The Storage Scanner, all rates are shown including VAT, so you always see the true cost.
Consider climate-controlled units for valuables or temperature-sensitive items.
Look for flexible opening hours or 24/7 access that fits your schedule.
Value good staff and customer service, helpful teams make a big difference.
Protect your belongings with proper insurance coverage.
Read reviews and reputation before booking to spot red flags.
Explore useful additional features like drive-up access or online booking.
Visit in person whenever possible to check safety, lighting, and overall condition.
These simple steps will ensure your stored items remain securely protected in the state-of-the-art facilities of the UK’s best storage providers.
Whether you’re moving house, renovating, storing business documents, or simply running out of space, the UK’s self storage market offers something for everyone. From small secure lockers to large, flexible units, containers or garageboxes at affordable prices.
With The Storage Scanner, it’s easy to compare trusted self storage providers near you. Browse different unit sizes, view real prices, and request a free quote. All in one place. Our friendly team is here to help you find a storage solution that fits your needs perfectly. No hassle, no hidden costs, just transparent, secure, and flexible storage options across the UK.
With The Storage Scanner, you’ll always find the right space and enjoy complete peace of mind knowing your belongings are safe, accessible, and handled by professionals.
The Storage Scanner is a website that lets you find, compare and book storage units all over the UK. We show prices, locations, features, and storage sizes available all in one place, so you don't have to check each company separately. This makes it easier to choose the best option for you.
Yes, we list a wide selection of nationwide providers, including large brands like Safestore, Big Yellow Self Storage, Storage King, and Shurgard as well as many trusted local providers. This gives you more options and makes it easier to compare them.
The largest company in the UK is Safestore, followed by other major providers such as Big Yellow Self Storage. You’ll find all of these listed on The Storage Scanner, so you can compare them in one place. Besides large providers like the ones mentioned above, The Storage Scanner also shows many smaller independent professional storage providers.
The average price in the UK is 173 GBP per month. This gives you ca. 9 sqm self storage unit which is sizeable enough to store the interior of an average apartment. Storage units of 0-5 sqm are on average 90 GBP. Medium sized units of 6-10 sqm are 166 GBP, whereas larger units of 10 sqm+ are on average 312 GBP. Prices vary based on size, location, and how long you store your items. The easiest way to check is to have a look at The Storage Scanner and to get a quote on our website for your preferred storage unit.
Self storage is used whenever you need extra space or a safe place for your belongings. Most people use it for:
Keeping items secure during a house move or renovation
Providing extra space during major life changes, such as a divorce, the loss of a loved one, or the arrival of a new baby.
Creating more room at home by storing furniture or boxes
Storing business stock, tools, or equipment
Holding seasonal items, sports gear, or hobby collections
In short, self storage gives you flexible, secure space whenever you need it, whether for a few weeks or long term.
Save money on self storage by comparing prices across Europe. Learn how The Storage Scanner helps you find the cheapest self storage units near you.
Discover 12 key factors for choosing the perfect self storage unit. Compare 10,000+ facilities in Europe easily with The Storage Scanner
Learn the top 10 tips to find affordable self storage near you. Compare prices, unit sizes, and trusted providers easily with The Storage Scanner.
Need temporary storage for a move, renovation, or your business inventory? The Storage Scanner compares thousands of storage units near you. Start your search now and find the storage space that suits your needs!
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