The UK Self Storage Market: National & City Overview

The UK has the most established self storage industry in Europe. With more than 1,050 providers and 2,460 facilities, the sector covers everything from large-scale branded self storage operators to smaller garagebox facilities, container-based storage yards, and an emerging set of pick-up and delivery storage providers.

What drives demand in the UK?

Several long-term trends explain why self storage has become part of everyday life in Britain:

• Housing market pressures: high property prices, smaller flats, and limited storage space in urban homes push households to look for flexible storage options.

• Life transitions: moving house, studying, separation/divorce, or inheriting belongings are all moments where extra space is needed.

• Business usage: SMEs and online retailers increasingly use storage for stock management and logistics.

• Lifestyle shifts: more remote work and multi-purpose homes make storage units an extension of living space.

It’s important to stress that our analysis includes all forms of storage in the UK market: traditional self storage units, garageboxes (common in suburban and rural areas), container storage, and modern pick-up and delivery services. Together, these categories explain both the depth and diversity of the market.

On a national level, the average unit rents for £193 per month with an average size of 10.8 m², equating to about £18 per m². But averages mask the striking differences between cities.

Self Storage in London

London is the UK’s most competitive and most expensive self storage market. With 258 facilities and 70 providers, the capital has more supply than any other city. But demand is so strong that average rents remain high: £251 per month for units averaging 7.6 m², or nearly £33 per m².

This reflects the scarcity of land and high real estate values. For consumers, location and accessibility are the main differentiators - inner-city units come at a premium. London is also one of the strongest markets for pick-up and delivery services, as urban households often lack cars to move goods themselves.

Self Storage in Manchester

Manchester ranks second nationally with 92 facilities and 51 providers. Average rents of £179 per month for 8.7 m² units translate to £20 per m².

The city’s mix of students, young professionals, and SMEs creates steady demand. Manchester’s relative affordability compared to London makes it a balanced market: operators can offer larger units while still maintaining strong occupancy.

Self Storage in Birmingham

Birmingham is close to Manchester in facility count (84 facilities, 60 providers) but shows a slightly different profile. The average monthly rent is £242, with units averaging 11.7 m², making for around £21 per m².

In other words, Birmingham customers pay more per unit, but also get more space.

Self Storage in other key cities

Beyond the big three, storage demand spreads widely across regional centers. Each city reflects its own mix of residential patterns, housing density, and local business use (note that the ranking is based on the number of facilities in the city/region) :

• Cardiff: £167 average rent, £18/m²

• Bradford: £154 average rent, £19/m²

• Liverpool: £121 average rent, £14/m²

• Sheffield: £154 average rent, £14/m²

• Leeds: £138 average rent, £16/m²

• Bristol: £236 average rent, £23/m²

• Glasgow: £149 average rent, £15/m²

• Coventry: £133 average rent, £22/m²

• Leicester: £140 average rent, £13/m²

• Edinburgh: £129 average rent, £16/m²

• Belfast: £168 average rent, £20/m²

Summary Table

Conclusion

The UK self storage sector is diverse and well-established. London remains the most expensive by far in terms of price per square metre, while Manchester and Birmingham showcase how regional markets balance affordability with scale. Regional hubs like Bristol, Coventry, and Belfast underline that demand is not just confined to the capital - it is nationwide.

What makes the UK unique is the breadth of formats: from branded self storage operators to garageboxes, container storage, and fast-growing pick-up and delivery services. Together, these categories explain why the UK has become the most advanced self storage market in Europe, and why demand continues to grow year after year.