The search for “cheap storage near me” can lead you down some strange rabbit holes. From practically abandoned warehouses with “Buster” the bulldog on guard, to a dark and musty attic in your mate Dave’s flat – it’s enough to make you throw in the towel and accept defeat. But don’t.
Whether you’re downsizing, decluttering, or just need a safe haven for your valuables, finding affordable self storage is not impossible; you just need a few cost-saving tips.
Read on to find out how much self storage will cost you in the UK and 8 easy ways to cut costs without compromising on quality.
How Much Does Self Storage Cost in the UK?
Self storage costs are influenced by several factors, but it can still be an affordable solution that fits your budget.
Firstly, the size of the storage unit you choose affects the price — bigger units, bigger bucks. Then, there’s the location to think about.
For example, storage facilities in Manchester Central tend to cost more than those on the outskirts of the city. The size of the unit you choose and whether it’s on the ground floor or up a flight of stairs can also change the storage unit price quite dramatically.
Additionally, the amenities provided, such as climate control or 24/7 access can bump up the cost.
Here is a breakdown of the average costs of a self storage unit in UK:
8 Easy Ways To Cut Storage Costs
1. Search for Cheap Storage Facilities Near You
Nothing narrows down your search for budget storage like the good ol’ “cheap self storage near me” search on Google. But once you have a list of potential options, you’ll need to put on your detective hat and filter out the ones that are affordable from the ones that are, for lack of a better term, just plain cheap.
Here’s how you can go about it:
- Seek reputable providers: As you browse through the search results, look for those with positive customer reviews and ratings; they are more likely to offer reliable service.
- Get competitive with prices: Your goal is to find storage facilities that offer competitive prices. Dive into their websites or give them a call to get an idea of their rates for a proper comparison.
- Uncover hidden surprises: Just like a suspenseful plot twist, hidden fees can pop up when you least expect them. Read the terms and conditions and be on the lookout for any additional charges that could sneak up on you.
2. Ask About Discounts
When you’re on the hunt for cheap storage solutions, don’t forget to ask if there are any promotions running.
Many storage facilities offer first-time renters great discounts, like “first month free” or “50% off first month’s rent”. Sometimes you can snag a percentage off your monthly rent if you’re a business storing large amounts of stock or a homeowner looking for long-term storage during large-scale renovations.
3. Declutter & Downsize
The less stuff you have, the smaller the storage unit you’ll need — it’s simple maths. By decluttering your belongings and donating the things you no longer need, you’ll save yourself from paying for unnecessary space and free up room in your home or office.
If you’re unsure whether you should keep something or give it away, use the golden one-year rule: if you haven’t used or needed an item in the past year, it’s probably time to let it go. Even if you love it.
4. Find the Right Size
Finding the right size storage unit is like finding the perfect pair of shoes — it’s essential! But as any newbie to self storage will tell you, it can be incredibly tricky to choose the correct one when there are so many options.
Fortunately, many storage facilities have nifty online size guides that help you visualise the different unit sizes and what can fit into each. Spend some time browsing the facility’s website and get a clear idea of how much stuff you can comfortably squeeze into each unit.
If you’re still unsure or need expert advice, don’t hesitate to call the facility. The staff know their stuff and help you avoid the hassle of underestimating or overpaying for your storage space.
5. Buy Affordable Packaging
When it comes to packing up your belongings for storage, opting for budget-friendly packaging materials can make a big difference to your wallet.
But being affordable doesn’t mean sacrificing quality. You can still find packaging materials that offer adequate protection for your precious belongings without blowing your budget.
Look for deals online, hunt at recycling centres, or browse your self storage facility’s box shop. Get all the essentials like tape, bubble wrap, and cardboard moving boxes, but first remember to do an estimate of what needs to be packaged to ensure you don’t overspend.
Top tip: Instead of using reels of bubble wrap and packing paper, wrap items that aren’t very fragile in soft towels, linen or clothes. Rolled-up socks also make excellent padding for those pesky gaps.
6. Utilise Vertical Space
You might only have a 25 sq. ft unit, but you can double the number of stored items by simply packing vertically.
With some creative rearranging and strategic placement, you’ll be amazed at how much extra room you can squeeze out of your unit. Here are a few tips to help you maximise the vertical space in your unit:
- Use sturdy shelves to stack boxes vertically.
- Hang clothing, bags, and tools on wall hooks or racks.
- Utilise overhead racks for bulky or seasonal items.
- Install pegboards or hanging organisers on the walls.
- Stack items in stackable bins or crates.
- Choose tall, narrow shelves for more space.
- Hang bikes or sports equipment using wall brackets or hooks.
- Use hanging file organisers for paperwork or documents.
7. Organise Regularly
Visiting your unit every now and then is key to keeping it organised and clutter-free. During these visits, you can reassess what you have stored, reorganise the space to be more efficient, and identify items you no longer need or use. Letting go of those unnecessary items means you can downsize your unit and cut your storage costs.
If you realise you need a smaller unit, most facilities are more than happy to help you downsize to a more suitable unit. They’ll guide you through the process, helping you find the perfect smaller unit that fits your reduced storage needs.
8. Speak to the Experts
Lastly, speak to the pros. At Storage World, we have a team of advisors that can help you unlock serious savings with a quick phone call, whether it’s finding affordable removals service in the area or choosing the right insurance option and lease.
Selecting the wrong size storage unit can also be a serious time and money waster. But, with the expert insights of our storage advisors, you can find the right size unit for your needs and ensure you never pay for space you don’t need.
For secure self storage you can trust, turn to Storage World — Manchester’s leading self storage operator.
With Storage World, you can rent a customised unit for as long as you like, and enjoy added perks like our quality box shop and moving service. Visit our primely located storage facilities for a tour, or get a competitive online quote today.
