Your Guide to Renting a Self Storage Unit in the UK
09 April 2025
Home / Your Guide to Renting a Self Storage Unit in the UK
Renting a self storage unit in the UK is a practical solution for individuals and businesses needing extra space. Whether you’re moving house, decluttering or storing seasonal items, finding the right storage facility is essential.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about renting a storage unit from what unit size you need, to the cost of renting a self storage unit, to tips for picking the right storage rental facility.
Understanding Your Storage Needs

Before you choose a storage unit, think about your specific needs. Here are some of the factors you need to consider.
Unit Size: Find the Right Fit
Deciding on a storage unit size is probably the most important decision you need to in this process in order to make the most of your space and budget. Wigwam Self Storage offers a range of unit sizes, from compact 10 sq ft lockers — perfect for a few boxes or small items — to spacious 300+ sq ft units that can accommodate the contents of a large home, business stock or bulky equipment.
Here’s a quick guide to help you decide on size:
Storage Unit Size Guide
- 10 sq ft: A few boxes, suitcases, seasonal decorations or small personal items
- 25 sq ft: Contents of a small studio or one-bedroom flat
- 50 sq ft: Half a garage/small room
- 75 sq ft: Large room
- 100 sq ft: Single garage
- 150 sq ft: 1.5 garages
- 200 sq ft: Double garage
- 300+ sq ft: Warehouse-style space
Still unsure? Use our Space Calculator to decide the best storage rental size based on your needs.
Short-Term vs Long-Term
Start off by asking yourself if you need to store temporarily or for the longer term. If you need storage just while moving house, a short-term unit is ideal. For extended storage, such as keeping business stock or storing belongings while abroad, long-term storage is a better option.
Accessibility
A convenient location and easily accessible units are key factors when renting a storage unit. If you search for “self storage unit rentals near me”, you will find a facility that is in a location that will suit you best.
Wigwam Self Storage has facilities across the UK, making it easy to find a storage facility near you. Whether you need self storage rental in Alton, Bath, Bromsgrove, Burton-on-Trent, Cheltenham, Chipping Norton, Dorking, Leatherhead, Lincoln, Reading, Shipston-on-Stour, Tewkesbury, or Warminster, we’ve got a space for you!
Choosing the Right Storage Facility

Several factors determine whether a storage rental facility is right for you. These are:
1. Location and Cost
Finding a convenient location near home or work can save time and transport costs. Prices vary based on unit size as well as location. Ask for a quote on a unit size in your chosen location before you commit.
Wigwam offers competitive rates with no hidden fees. Get a price now!
2. Security Measures
A secure storage space is crucial. Choose a storage facility with security measures like:
- 24/7 CCTV surveillance
- Secure access control
- Gated access with PIN entry
- Fire and intruder alarms
3. Extended Access and Facility Features
Look for a storage facility that offers extended hours. This can be essential, particularly for businesses or individuals needing flexibility. Did you know that at Wigwam we offer unlimited free access from 6am to 10pm.
Other useful features to look out for:
- Drive-Up Access: Simplifies loading and unloading, especially for large or heavy items.
- Trolley and Lift Access: Helps move bulky or heavy belongings with ease.
- Box Shop: Offers packaging materials for your move.
Selecting a facility with these features can make a significant difference in overall convenience.
4. Business Storage Solutions
If you need business storage it makes sense to look for a facility that has business storage solutions that cater to a variety of needs, from large commercial units to secure archiving spaces.
Wigwam Self Storage offers businesses flexible storage options, including delivery acceptance services, shelving and racking solutions, lockup garages and well-appointed flexi offices.
Whether you need space for merchandise, stock or documents, our fully secure units and warehouse spaces provide the perfect solution. With rental terms starting from just 14 days, Wigwam makes it easy for businesses to store and manage their inventory with confidence.
5. Flexible Contracts
A good storage facility should offer cost-effective and flexible rental agreements, which allow you to upscale or downscale easily or stay for as little or as long as you need, without loads of red tape.
Wigwam Self Storage offers flexible contracts, allowing you to rent units for as little as two weeks or for an extended period.
6. On-Site Staff and Customer Support
Having on-site storage experts makes renting a storage unit easier by providing friendly staff who can help you choose the right unit size and answer any questions about storage rental on the spot.
7. Insurance Options
While secure storage space reduces risks, many storage facilities offer insurance for added protection.
Wigwam Self Storage provides contents protection cover for extra peace of mind. Find out all about our contents protection cover on our website.
What Does a Storage Unit Cost?

Storage unit prices vary based on several key factors that can significantly impact the cost of renting a storage unit. Understanding these will help you choose the best option for your needs and budget.
Size of the Unit Size
The larger the storage space, the higher the price. A small unit ideal for a few boxes or seasonal items, for example, will typically cost less than a larger unit suited for furniture or business stock.
Location
The location of the storage facility plays a major role in the price. Units in high-demand, central areas or major cities usually have higher rates due to the demand for space. In contrast, facilities located in suburban or rural areas tend to offer more affordable rates.
Rental Duration
Short-term rentals, typically lasting from a few weeks to a couple of months, are ideal for temporary storage needs like moving or home renovations. However, long-term rentals often come with discounted rates, making them a more cost-effective solution for businesses or individuals who need storage for extended periods.
Added Features
Additional features that could increase the cost of a storage unit include 24/7 access for those needing flexibility, drive-up access for easier loading and unloading, personalised access codes for enhanced security, and elevator access for higher-level units.
Some facilities also provide packaging and moving supplies like boxes and tape, as well as insurance for high-value items. Specialised storage options, such as for vehicles, boats or wine, may also come at a premium, along with automated billing or payment systems for added convenience.
Understanding Storage Rental Agreements
Before signing a storage rental agreement, review the terms carefully. Check for details such as insurance coverage, payment terms and notice periods for ending your rental. Wigwam Self Storage provides transparent agreements with clear terms. A flexible rental agreement ensures you can adjust your storage needs as needed.
Whether you need to extend your rental or downsize, Wigwam Self Storage provides adaptable contracts.
Rent Your Storage Unit at Wigwam Today!

Renting a self storage unit is a convenient and cost-effective way to manage extra space. Whether you need storage for personal use, business inventory, or seasonal items, Wigwam Self Storage provides secure, easily accessible units with flexible rental terms.
With locations across the UK, finding storage nearby has never been easier. Get a quote from Wigwam Self Storage today and enjoy a secure, affordable storage experience!
Simon Fothergill has more than 20 years of experience in the UK self storage industry and is Managing Director of Wigwam Storage.He writes practical, easy-to-follow advice to help customers make the most of self storage, whether they are moving house, decluttering, renovating, storing business stock or simply needing extra space.With a long background in self storage operations and customer service, Simon shares useful self storage tips, packing advice and storage solutions designed to make storage simple, flexible and stress-free.
Customer Reviews

Clean, secure, easy access storage facilities at a very good price, would recommend to anyone. Keep up the good work all.
Lenny was not only very efficient and kind, he explained everything clearly making the whole process stress free.
I started by visiting the website, which was easy to navigate and helped me determine the right unit size.
After submitting my details, I received a follow-up call during which all my questions were answered professionally.
The units are clean and well maintained, and having a personal access code made it easy to visit at a time that suited me.
The team here is genuinely lovely and professional.
Thank you for looking after me — highly recommended!
location. Good access in opening hours using the App. (Be prepared to check mail filter if the initial email giving access to the App and hence to your store does not seem to come through.) Clean, well lit. Kasey gave a very helpful introduction and registration process.

I've never used self storage before so it was all new to me but Wigwam have made it so intuitive and simple to use. You download the app which gives you easy Bluetooth access to the entire building. I've only used the facility out of office hours and it was all so easy. There are flat bed trolleys, a pump truck and a sack truck to make moving your items hassle free. Safe, secure storage, easy to use, accessible until 10pm and reasonable prices. Top marks all round.
I'd recommended Wigwam to anyone wanting self storage.


Lenny called as soon as I emailed and was extremely helpful on making this process quick and easy so i could get into the unit the next day.
there was an issue with the app when i went to use the unit but i emailed Lenny and he rang back within 5 mins and managed to resolve the issue very quickly.
would recommend and thanks to Lenny for making the process smooth.
Units are clean and well maintained with easy access.
Many thanks!! 😊
Peter & Heather
Set up went well and app appears to work well and is easy to use.
Cheers

Containers are amazing excellent lighting and very clean.
Thank you Lenny 👍xx
Wigwam are highly recommended by me!
I can’t recommend Wigwam Storage in Lincoln highly enough. From start to finish, the whole experience was fantastic. Every member of the team was incredibly helpful, friendly, and professional — nothing was too much trouble, and they genuinely went out of their way to make the process easy and stress-free.
The facility itself is excellent: clean, secure, well-maintained, and clearly run with a lot of care. It’s obvious they take real pride in what they do, and that gives you total peace of mind when storing your belongings.
If you’re looking for a reliable storage facility in Lincoln with an amazing team and top-quality facilities, Wigwam Storage is the place to go. I wouldn’t hesitate to use them again and will happily recommend them to anyone.
Would recommend to everyone.
The signing up process was easy, and the service from the staff was speedy, friendly, helpful and professional.
The app used to access the premises was easy to use and gave added assurance of the security of my items.
Once inside the premises were modern, clean, well lit, and directions to the storage unit were clear and easy to follow…. Even the lift had step by step instructions!
All in all a fantastic company and storage facility.
Thank you!


The customer service is second to none, and facilities utterly perfect.
11 out of 10.

I was very impressed everything is via the app and that side of things is very responsive and I have had no issues so far.
They even play the radio in there.
Holly was an absolute star, we were panicking as we were in the middle of our house moving and needed a quick storage area. Less then an hour after our first call we were already putting boxes to our Storage.
The site is nice and clean, the entry system is truly clever and makes the storage Access easy and quick.
Customer service is top notch 👌
They talked me through the entering and exiting the facility. Jess was outstanding dealing with all the paperwork quickly and me being forgetful and dim.
Thank you very much, hopefully I won't set any alarms off again


My one suggestion is to extend the timers on the doors when entering the storage unit as sometimes it enough time to unload big deliveries onto a trolley and get back to the unit building before the doors close!
All in all, AMAZING company! Couldn’t recommend more :)


All the staff are very helpful and friendly highly recommended
Access is available 6am to 10pm

System 4 Stars
Sarah 5 Stars

The whole experience was excellent.
TheWigwam staff saw the shipment into the storage unit for us and made it all as simple as is possible when moving home and countries at the same time.
The storage building is well organised, clean, tidy, secure and access was available everyday for a significant number of hours.
Most of all ,the staff were kind, concerned, helpful and friendly. as anyone using the storage facility will learn.
Mary Welstead

Staff were very helpful on the phone setting everything up and compared to other units in Alton Wigwam are very reasonably priced.
Would definitely recommend them
Highly recommend this storage facility to anyone looking for safe, affordable, and hassle-free storage in Bath!



Much Appreciated ☺️
I’d highly recommend them to anyone!

Great service for a great price. Highly recommend.










Very happy client so far, thanks to Lenny and team 🙏😃


The units are easy to access, they are spacious and clean. I have a lot of camping equipment plus all my Xmas decorations (I have a lot) in the winter we will also be storing our hot tub. We also have lots of stuff that was the children’s when they were growing up. It has given us the spare room back at the house.
Staff are always polite friendly and very helpful.





The staff are extremely friendly and helpful. Thank you Lenny for dealing with our emergency fast and supportive,

For full disclosure, we've only just rented the unit and filled it up, but the experience so far has been great. Response times to emails and helpfulness of staff has been excellent.
Thankyou
I would highly recommend .

Would highly recommend.
Beautifully clean facilities, fully automated access. Ample parking and menouvering space for cars and vans.
So easy to use the storage unit.
Thank you to Wigwam self storage Lincoln.
5*****
My wife and I moved back and forth between Cheltenham and other European countries during our two months long trip, Mr.Harrison( Kasey) supported us friendly and professionally.
We will definitely use it again next time.
See you !
We needed sudden storage after selling our parents’ house. I stopped in at the Bromsgrove branch and found it unmanned, (which I now know is normal).
I rang the number and spoke to an extremely helpful employee who offered me immediate, remote access to the building and let me see inside two different sized units.
After that, the set up was extremely quick!
I applied in the morning and was able to drop stuff off the same day. Everything is activated by an app on your phone but staff can be contacted by phone if needed.
On my second visit (after lots of rain) I did notice a pool of water not far from my unit. I rang up and by next day it had been sorted. No recurrence.
I am really happy with the unit and the excellent service.
Lift so you don’t have to struggle in and out with your things lots of parking too
The best thing that made me hire space is the ladies in reception they were so accommodating and helpful so thank you
I hired storage for my daughter to store all her Uni belongings while she was away for the summer.
Sasha provided excellent friendly service. Always at hand to help with any questions from the beginning to the end of our contract.
Great value for money.
Thank you Sascha.
Helen was efficient, proactive, enthusiastic, engaging and more importantly had a great sense of humour.
You could not ask more of a person or company.
Thank you.
Highly recommend this company
Would definitely recommend.

