A guide to storage unit costs in Southampton

Introduction: why storage costs matter in Southampton

From Maybush to Hedge End, it seems like Southampton is getting busier every year. The facts bear this out – according to the last census, the city’s population grew by over 5% in the previous decade.

The 1990s and early 2000s also saw a boom in consumer spending – meaning items that would have been considered very expensive in the 1970s were suddenly affordable for many.

The result? More stuff for everybody in Southampton to store!

Decluttering the home and putting items you no longer need into self storage has become a popular solution worldwide. It’s little wonder so many people are looking for cheap self storage in Southampton.

Other reasons people seek out self storage include moving home – when you might need somewhere to store your items for a few months while your new property is being prepared. Businesses use self storage units as well. These can be a safe, convenient way to store business files or inventory short or long term.

In this post, we will look at some of the many factors that go into the price of storage units in Southampton and explain some important variables. While the price of self storage definitely matters, there is a little more to it than that.

Factors influencing storage unit costs

When investigating the price of self storage, you will quickly see many different types of units and storage centres. Here are four things that will play a role in their price.

Unit size

Most self storage centres have units that range from very small to very large. The size you choose will affect the price.

Facility location

Self storage in large cities is usually more expensive than in an out-of-town location.

Rental duration

Most self storage centres charge on a monthly basis. The longer goods are in storage, the higher the total cost.

Amenities and features

A storage centre can offer a long list of amenities. Security – which varies from centre to centre – and other features, including climate control and guest areas, will impact the price.

Average costs of storage units in Southampton

Let’s look at some ballpark figures for storing your items in the city.

Our research shows that storage prices in Southampton for a large unit measuring around 14-15m² (which is usually sufficient for the contents of a 2-3 bedroom home) are between £180 and £220 per month.

Some self storage centres don’t advertise their prices, however, which makes it difficult to assess the full range of prices.

At the opposite end of the scale, smaller units of around 6-7m² cost around £80-£130 per month.

Some centres have incredibly small units that are no bigger than a cupboard. However, don’t take it as a given that these will cost pennies, as you don’t pay the same amount per square metre across the board.

For example, a 1m² unit won’t be 10 times cheaper than a 10 m² unit.

Consider all services and features when assessing the cost

If you are considering putting goods in storage, try to assess the full value you will get from your centre that extends beyond the unit you are renting. Look for desirable features such as 24-hour CCTV, gated entry systems, and a great reputation.

As a rule, the better the facility, the higher the cost. The benefits are often worth it, though, as you will likely want your goods in storage to be well protected.

Popular storage providers in Southampton

The city has a wide variety of self storage solutions for businesses and individuals who want to stash away goods and possessions.

Some of the better-known centres include:

Shurgard

This depot on Third Avenue has units in a variety of sizes, from extremely small to very large. Access your unit between 7am and 9pm.

Fox

Based on the Calmore Industrial Estate in Totton, Fox has been around for many years and now has eight self storage centres nationwide. The company also sells cardboard boxes and offers moving services as an add-on.

TITAN Containers

TITAN is a well-known name in the self storage space, with centres in almost 30 locations across the UK. All units in TITAN’s Southampton centre – east of the city in Titchfield, Fareham – are self-contained shipping containers made of toughened steel. 24/7 access, too.

Access Self Storage

This self storage centre in Millbrook, near the Costco store, is run by a company that boasts 57 stores nationwide. They claim their largest unit is the size of a football pitch.

As you’ll see when you start doing some research, there’s no clear answer to ‘What do storage units cost in Southampton’? Many factors influence the price at each centre.

Special offers and discounts

Self storage centres value your business. Many people rent their units for a year or more; as a result, special offers are not hard to find when renting storage space in Southampton.

For example, Shurgard offers your first month at just £1, while Access advertises 50% off up to 8 weeks of storage. TITAN Containers, meanwhile, offers 20% off your entire bill if you book a year in advance.

Tips for choosing the right storage unit

Before you decide which storage centre is right for you, put aside some time to do your research. Three things to consider:

How to estimate the required unit size?

There are tools online that can help you understand the total space you are likely to need, but you can also do this using a pen and paper. Just remember you can stack items!

Checking reviews and facility ratings

These words from real customers can be helpful in assessing what kind of centre and storage unit is best for you.

Comparing prices and features to fit your budget and needs

Depending on what you plan to store, ‘luxurious’ features such as climate control may not be worth paying for. Also, if you are only storing old books and CDs, it might not be the best use of your cash to pay for a centre that looks like Fort Knox – and charges accordingly.

Additional services offered by storage providers

Moving your items into storage usually comes with extra costs. Occasionally, storage centres will offer these services as an add-on – but more commonly, you will need to source them yourself.

Packing services and supplies

Medium-size cardboard boxes typically cost around £1.50 each – or you might be able to pick them up for free from a local supermarket. Don’t underestimate how much parcel tape you will need! Securing a single box can take as much as a metre.

Van hire and transport assistance

Removal firms cost anything from £500 per day to several thousand, depending on what you are moving. It is cheaper to hire a van, with prices starting at around £50/day. Pitter Self Drive in Southampton offers van hire by the hour.

Insurance and digital access tools

Check if your contract includes any fees for digital access or online management of your goods. You may also wish to take out insurance, as self storage centres don’t always provide this. Third-party cover may also be obligatory, so check your contract.

Environmental and sustainability considerations

If storing your items in an environmentally friendly fashion is important, here are a couple of things to consider.

Eco-friendly storage practices

Check out your provider’s website to see if it has information about solar energy use, recycling or green packaging.

Providers with sustainable business practices

Dig a little deeper into storage companies’ websites and you may see something about their commitment to the environment or social initiatives. TITAN Containers, for example, promotes social responsibility, equality and positive change. Access Self Storage, meanwhile, mentions its sustainability initiatives on its website.

Common hidden fees and cost traps

When looking at your available options for self storage in Southampton, be on the lookout for hidden costs. Examples include:

Booking fee

Does your self storage centre charge an admin fee to use their service?

‘Inconvenience’ costs

This indirect fee relates to the time you may need to spend travelling to a self storage centre that is miles from your home. Similarly, if your centre is only open during business hours, you may need to take time off work to visit.

Late payment penalties

Check the small print to see if you will be penalised for a late payment.

Conclusion: making an informed choice

Now that you have an idea of the average cost of storage units in Southampton and the things to look out for when choosing a centre, you will be better equipped to make a decision that suits your needs.

We always recommend weighing up the pros and cons of several centres before making your decision. Each one has a variety of features, and the decision-making process should involve not just the total price but the facilities and security of the centre you are interested in.

Get the storage space you need at the right price – start comparing your options in Southampton today.