A beginner’s guide to decluttering and using self storage units
Self storage is one of the most practical ways to create space in your home or business. Whether you are moving house, renovating, heading to university or managing stock for a growing company, a secure storage unit gives you the flexibility to store your belongings safely for as long as you need.
This guide covers everything you need to know about self storage in the UK, from how the process works and what you can store to choosing the right unit size and finding the right facility. We also explain how Pickfords Self Storage works across our 15 locations nationwide.
What is a self storage unit?
Self storage units allow you to rent a secure unit to store your belongings for as long as you need. Units come in a range of sizes, from small spaces suitable for a few boxes to large containers that can hold the contents of a full family home. You bring your items to the facility, place them in your unit and access them whenever you need to.
How does self storage work?
The process is straightforward. You choose a facility and unit size based on what you need to store, agree a rental term and then move your belongings in. Here is how it typically works at Pickfords.
Choose your location and unit size. Pickfords has 15 self storage facilities across the UK. Browse the options on our self storage page or speak to the team at your nearest facility, who can help you estimate the right size based on what you plan to store.
Agree your rental terms. Pickfords offers flexible rental terms with no hidden fees. All prices are inclusive of VAT and you can adjust your unit size or end your rental when your needs change.
Move your belongings in. You can bring your items to the facility yourself or take advantage of the free collection service available at Edinburgh, Horsham and Manchester for drive-up storage and containers.
Access your unit whenever you need to. Most Pickfords facilities offer 24/7 access, so you can add, remove or check on your belongings when it suits you. Confirm access arrangements with your chosen facility.
Who uses self storage?
Self storage suits a wide range of needs. At Pickfords, our facilities serve three main groups of customers, each with different requirements.
Personal self storage
Personal self storage is the most common reason people use our facilities. You may need space during a house move when completion dates do not align, during a renovation when furniture needs to be kept safe from dust and damage or simply because your home does not have enough room for everything you own.
Self storage is also a practical solution during life transitions such as downsizing, separating households or managing the belongings of a family member. Having a secure space to keep your possessions while you work through these changes takes the pressure off making rushed decisions.
At Pickfords, personal self storage starts from £8.98 per week, with units available from 15 sq ft upwards.
Student self storage
Students often need somewhere to store their belongings between academic terms, particularly over the summer when accommodation contracts end. Rather than transporting everything home and back again, a self storage unit near your university provides a convenient and affordable alternative.
A small unit of 15 to 25 sq ft is usually sufficient for textbooks, bedding, kitchen items and personal belongings. Students at UK universities can save 10% at any Pickfords Self Storage facility by showing a valid student ID.
Business self storage
Businesses of all sizes use self storage to manage stock, equipment, documents and seasonal inventory without the cost of a dedicated warehouse or commercial lease. Self storage gives you the flexibility to scale your space up or down as your needs change, with no long-term commitment and no business rates to pay.
Common uses include holding overflow stock for online retailers, storing tools and equipment for tradespeople, keeping archived documents and records in a secure location and providing temporary space for office furniture during a refurbishment or relocation.
At Pickfords, drive-up units and containers are particularly well suited to business storage, as they allow direct vehicle access for loading and unloading stock.
What can you store in a self storage unit?
You can store most household and business items in a self storage unit, provided they are clean, dry and non-hazardous. Below is a guide to the most common categories of items our customers store, along with practical advice for each.
Furniture
Sofas, beds, dining tables, wardrobes, bookcases and other household furniture are among the most commonly stored items. If you are moving home, renovating or downsizing, a self storage unit keeps your furniture safe until you are ready for it.
Before storing furniture, disassemble any items that can be taken apart, such as bed frames, flatpack wardrobes and dining tables. Wrap wooden surfaces and upholstery to protect against scuffs and stand mattresses upright to save space and allow airflow. Keep items slightly away from the walls of the unit to allow air to circulate.
Books and documents
Books, paperwork, financial records, legal documents and archived files store well in self storage when packed correctly. Use sturdy, lidded boxes and avoid overfilling them, as heavy paper can cause boxes to collapse if stacked. Label each box clearly so you can locate specific documents without unpacking everything.
For businesses, self storage provides a cost-effective alternative to keeping archived records on-site. Rather than using valuable office space for filing, you can move older documents into a secure unit and access them whenever needed.
Vehicles
Drive-up units and containers can accommodate vehicles such as cars, motorbikes and bicycles, subject to the size of the unit and the access arrangements at the facility. Vehicle storage is popular for seasonal vehicles, classic cars and motorbikes that are not used year-round.
If you are considering storing a vehicle, contact your nearest Pickfords facility to discuss unit sizes and access. Vehicles should be clean, have fluids topped up and ideally have the battery disconnected for longer-term storage.
Seasonal items and sporting equipment
Holiday decorations, camping gear, ski equipment, golf clubs, surfboards and garden furniture are all ideal candidates for self storage. These items are often bulky, take up valuable space at home and are only needed for part of the year.
A small unit of 15 to 25 sq ft is usually sufficient for seasonal items, while larger sporting equipment may require a 50 sq ft unit. Pack fragile items carefully and keep everything you will need first near the front of the unit for easy access.
What you cannot store
Most self storage facilities, including Pickfords, do not permit the storage of perishable goods, flammable or hazardous materials, explosives, firearms, illegal items or living creatures. If you are unsure whether a specific item is permitted, check with your facility before moving it in.
Ask Amanda what you cannot store in a self storage unit.
How to choose the right unit size
Selecting the correct unit size ensures you are not paying for space you do not use. The table below provides a practical guide based on what each size can hold.
Unit size | What it holds | Best suited for |
15–25 sq ft | A few boxes, suitcases, sports equipment or items from a single room | Students, seasonal items, small declutters |
50 sq ft | Contents of a studio flat or one-bedroom property or a transit van load | House moves, short-term personal storage |
100 sq ft | Furniture and boxes from a two to three bedroom home | Larger house moves, renovations |
160–165 sq ft | Contents of a three to four bedroom home or significant business stock | Container storage, business inventory |
200+ sq ft | A large family home, commercial archive or substantial business inventory | Long-term storage, commercial use |
If you are unsure which size is right for you, the team at each Pickfords facility can help you estimate before you commit. You can also start with one unit and add more if your requirements grow.
Types of self storage unit
Understanding the different types of unit available helps you choose the most suitable and cost-effective option for your needs.
Unit type | How it works | Best suited for |
Drive-up self storage | Ground-level units you can drive directly to for loading and unloading | Long-term storage, heavy or bulky items, business stock |
Container storage | Secure containers at the facility, often with vehicle access for loading | Full house contents, large-volume business storage |
Traditional self storage | Indoor units accessed via corridors and lifts within a purpose-built facility | Quick access needs, frequent visits, smaller items |
At Pickfords, most locations offer drive-up units from 50 sq ft, with several also providing container storage. Cambridge, Norwich and York additionally offer smaller units from 15 to 25 sq ft.
What to look for when choosing a self storage facility
Not all self storage facilities are the same. Before committing, consider the following.
Security. Look for a facility that keeps your belongings safe at all times. At Pickfords, all facilities are secure and only you hold the key to your unit.
Access hours. Check when you can visit your unit. Most Pickfords facilities offer 24/7 access, though it is worth confirming the arrangements at your chosen location.
Transparent pricing. Make sure you understand the full cost before you sign up. All Pickfords prices are inclusive of VAT with no hidden fees. Prices start from £8.98 per week.
Flexible terms. Your needs may change. Choose a facility that allows you to adjust your unit size or end your rental without lengthy notice periods.
Location and accessibility. A facility that is easy to reach saves time and makes it more practical to access your belongings when needed. Pickfords has 15 locations across the UK, from Cambridge and York in the east to Truro in the south west and Edinburgh and Glasgow in Scotland.
Insurance. It is advisable to have your stored belongings covered by insurance. Check with your home contents insurer, as some policies can be extended to cover items in self storage. Your Pickfords facility can also advise you on cover options.
Frequently asked questions
How much does self storage cost?
At Pickfords, prices start from £8.98 per week in York and from £18 per week for a 50 sq ft drive-up unit or container at most other locations. For a full pricing breakdown by location, see our guide to self storage costs.
How long can I store my belongings?
You can store your belongings for as long as you need. Pickfords offers flexible rental terms, so whether you need storage for a few weeks during a house move or for several months while you renovate, you can adjust or end your rental when your circumstances change.
Can I change my unit size after I move in?
Yes. If you find you need more or less space than you originally estimated, speak to the team at your Pickfords facility and they can arrange for you to move to a different unit size.
What items are not allowed in self storage?
You cannot store perishable goods, flammable or hazardous materials, explosives, firearms, illegal items or living creatures. If you are unsure about a specific item, check with your facility before moving it in.
Do I need insurance for my stored belongings?
It is advisable to arrange insurance cover for your belongings while they are in storage. Some home contents insurance policies can be extended to cover items stored off-site. Your Pickfords facility can advise you on the options available.
Can I access my unit outside of standard hours?
Most Pickfords Self Storage facilities offer 24/7 access, meaning you can visit your unit early in the morning, late in the evening or at the weekend. However, access arrangements can vary by location, so it is worth confirming the hours with your chosen facility before you move in.
Get started with Pickfords Self Storage
Whether you are storing a few boxes between university terms, keeping furniture safe during a renovation or managing business stock across multiple locations, Pickfords Self Storage has a solution to suit your needs.
With 15 locations across the UK, secure units, flexible access, transparent pricing and flexible rental terms, getting started is straightforward.
Find your nearest self storage facility today or contact our team to discuss your requirements and get a quote.
Contact Pickfords today to discuss your storage needs.