Self storage has grown since the late 1960’s across the globe. Though storage first began in ancient China, self storage today can take on many different forms. Whether it is traditional self storage (Big Yellow, Safestore or Access), container storage (Titan, Storebox or Universal Containers) or Mobile Self Storage (Flexistore, Space & Time Mobile Self Storage or The MCR Self Storage Company), the fundamental offering is a place to keep your personal belongings, business equipment or archives safe and sound.

Due to the many variations in the self storage industry, it is always advised to visit a few self storage companies to establish the one right for you. As individual as people are, there will be a storage service ideal for your particular self storage need or circumstance. The location of the storage centre where your items are held could be a factor to some, whereas the security features can play a huge part to others. 

We’ve given some information below detailing how much you can pay within Greater Manchester across the various self storage industry types:

Self Storage Cost

Strictly speaking the larger the size of storage unit, the smaller the rate of £ per square foot (sqft). That doesn’t mean, of course, you should rent and large 250sqft self storage unit and leave it empty(!) The best practise here is to leave a 10% contingency just in case you need a little more.

Mobile Self Storage

The ‘new kid on the block’ as far as self storage variations are concerned. ‘Mobile’ self storage includes transport, offers convenience and is proven to save time while minimising damages to your items. Moreover, the customer will receive a mobile (or portable) storage unit delivered to home or offices. The biggest features and benefits are:

• No need to hire a van or ‘man & van’ company
• Short & long term storage terms with no long-term contracts
• Unit sizes from 35sqft upwards
• All units can be accessed at ground floor level
• Packing and loading services commonly available
• Only pay for the space you need?

Things to consider:

• Not commonly 24-hour access to units
• Call ahead before access is required
• Not ideal for storing items large than 2.7m

How much does mobile self storage cost?

**As always we would also advise to contact at least three container storage companies to establish their price-point, location and access.

The quick guide to the cost of some container self storage companies in and around Greater Manchester and Stockport:

If you are likely to be a customer who needs a storage space for more than 6 months, ask the team at your chosen provider if ‘long-term pay in advance discounts’ are available. This can save money on your bills.

This chart shows examples of how the cost is effected by a 5% discount when pre-paying a 6-month period:

Similarly this table shows the money saved when the storage term is pre-paid at 10% discount:

Container Storage

One of the older types of storage; not only in the UK but across the globe. Though it might not look like much, a lot of container storage providers are emerging in the marketplace bringing a cheaper alternative to the usual traditional ‘run of the mill’ companies:

• 24-hour access to containers/ units
• Short & long term storage terms
• Large 10, 20 and 40ft containers available
• Containers ground-floor, drive-up access

What does container storage lack?

• Smaller units might not be available
• Transport is usually reliant on the customer
• Container yards might get busy in peak periods

How much are container storage units?

As always we would also advise to contact at least three container storage companies to establish their price-point, location and access.

The quick guide to the cost of some container self storage companies in and around Greater Manchester and Stockport:

If you are likely to be a customer who needs a storage space for more than 6 months, ask the team at your chosen provider if ‘long-term pay in advance discounts’ are available. This can save money on your bills.

This chart shows examples of how the cost is effected by a 5% discount when pre-paying a 6-month period:

Similarly this table shows the money saved when the storage term is pre-paid at 10% discount:

Traditional Self Storage

The most common type of self storage provider on the market and frequently the most costly. The features and benefits of using a traditional self storage company regularly are:

• 24-hour access to storage units and (where applicable) offices

• Short & long term storage contracts, pay four-weekly or monthly

• A variety of unit sizes to suit the customer

• Transport services usually discounted

What kind of short-falls come with traditional self storage:

• Multiple loading means double-handling which can be time consuming
• Storage units are commonly on first and second floors
• The goods-lifts can get busy at peak times

How much are self storage units?

The approximate cost of self storage from a traditional storage operator can differ considerably in Manchester. We have given a rough guide below of how much you can expect to pay within a 3-mile radius of the city centre.

The ‘rough-guide’ to the cost of self storage from a ‘traditional’ provider:

From time-to-time self storage companies may offer a 5% or 10% discount for a 6 or 12 month storage period if paid in advance. Always ask the company as this can save £’s in the long-run.

The table below shows how much money can be saved when the storage term is pre-paid with a 5% discount:

This table shows how much money will be saved when the storage term is pre-paid with a 10% discount:

We always advise our customer to start loading the largest pieces of furniture first. The only exception to this is if the items being stored may leave pressure marks or indentation if stored for significant periods of time i.e. leather suites etc. Once the large items have been loaded, the smaller items can be packed around them. Mirrors and picture frames can be stored in-between the furniture and the wall of the unit.

We always say if items are worth storing they are worth protecting. Think back to how your items were packaged when you first purchased them. Ideally you are trying to do a very similar (if not) the same. This way your items will be well protected not only in transit but whilst in storage too.

We can offer you our Storage-Cover for peace of mind up to the value of £12k. Let us know how much you would like to cover your items by and we will add this on to your account.

Not at all. It’s entirely up to you if you choose to insure you goods or not whilst in storage.

We are constantly trying to get the best price for you and regularly bringing out new special offers. The cost largely depend on how many Mobile Self-Storage Units you need and how long you need to store for. For a free quote, click here and we’ll get in touch. Alternatively, call 0161 877 1260 to speak with one of a members of staff.

Not a problem. We are in and out of the city centre daily. Leave that to us!