Exchange is done. Completion is three weeks away, and you have a full house that needs to go somewhere in between. Getting the wrong storage unit size is one of those avoidable moving mistakes that costs you either money (too big) or a second van trip (too small). This guide gives you a clear, practical way to work out what you need before anything gets loaded.
Why London Moves So Often Need Storage
A gap between exchange and completion is more common in London than anywhere else in the country. Chains break, dates shift, and buyers and sellers rarely move on the exact same day. According to The Box Co., 44% of domestic storage demand in the UK is directly linked to the moving process, not decluttering or business use. That figure makes sense when you consider how London moves work: tight timelines, limited parking, and properties that rarely sit empty for long.
Short-term secure storage gives your removal crew a safe place to put everything while you wait for the keys. Done right, it takes the pressure off having to line every date up perfectly. It also means you are not rushing the unload or leaving furniture on a pavement waiting for access.
Storage Unit Sizes Explained
Most UK facilities measure units in square feet of floor space. Ceiling heights typically run to around 8 feet.
25 sq ft (5 x 5 ft): About the size of a large wardrobe. Good for boxes, a bicycle, sports equipment, and a small amount of furniture. Not enough for a full bedroom's worth of belongings.
50 sq ft (5 x 10 ft): The most popular size for flat removals in London. You can fit a double bed frame, a small sofa, a wardrobe, a chest of drawers, and around 20 to 30 medium boxes. A good crew can usually get a one-bedroom flat in here comfortably.
75 sq ft (7.5 x 10 ft): Comfortable for a two-bedroom home. Think two bed frames, sofas, a dining table and chairs, white goods, and 40 to 50 boxes. This is often the right call for couples moving out of a two-bed and temporarily downsizing.
100 sq ft (10 x 10 ft): Half a single garage in floor space. Enough for a three-bedroom house removal if the crew packs the unit well and stacks items to the ceiling.
125 to 150 sq ft: Suitable for a four-bedroom home or anyone with large, bulky furniture that cannot be dismantled. A king-size bed, three sofas, a large dining table, wardrobes, and appliances all fit at this size.
One consistent piece of advice from storage professionals: most people book one size too small. Going up a size typically adds £15 to £30 a month to your bill. That is considerably less than the cost of a second van trip to fix an undersized unit.
Which Size Is Right for Your Property?
A common industry rule of thumb is 50 square feet per bedroom. In practice, it depends on how much you own and how efficiently the unit can be loaded. Use this as your starting point:
- Studio or bedsit: 25 sq ft
- One-bedroom flat: 35 to 50 sq ft
- Two-bedroom home: 75 sq ft
- Three-bedroom home: 100 sq ft
- Four-bedroom home or larger: 125 sq ft or more
If you have a lot of bulky items, such as a large corner sofa, a piano, or a king-size bed, go up one size. If you have used professional packing and the team is compressing everything well, you might manage on one size down. When in doubt, round up. The cost difference is modest. The inconvenience of a unit that is too small is not.
What You Cannot Put in a Storage Unit
Knowing what is off the list matters as much as getting the size right. Most London storage facilities have the same set of restrictions.
Food and perishables. Even dried food attracts insects and rodents. Empty your fridge and freezer fully, and do not put any food in your boxes before they go into storage.
Damp items. Anything that is not bone dry will go mouldy in an enclosed unit. Defrost appliances completely, and check the bottom of every box for moisture before it gets loaded.
Flammable materials. Petrol, paint, solvents, and compressed gas are not allowed in any standard facility. Check labels if you are unsure about a product.
Living things. No pets, no plants. Both are prohibited, and for good reason.
Cash and high-value documents. Standard storage units are not secure enough for large amounts of cash, passports, or jewellery. Use a specialist safe deposit facility for those items instead.
If you are unsure about a specific item, call the facility before moving it in. Getting turned away on the day with a full van is a problem nobody needs.
London Storage Tips Worth Knowing
A few things matter more in London than they do elsewhere.
Book early, especially in summer. London storage demand peaks between May and September. The Cushman & Wakefield and SSA UK annual report shows UK facility occupancy running between 83% and 87%, and London sites typically run higher. If you are moving in June, July or August, book your unit two to three weeks ahead at a minimum.
Check access hours. Some facilities are 24/7. Others have set opening hours. If your completion date shifts and you need to collect something at short notice, being locked out of your own unit is a real problem. Clarify this before you sign.
Think about the delivery route. Your removal crew will need to get a van to the facility. Some London storage sites have restricted vehicle access, narrow entrances, or limited parking bays. A professional team will handle the logistics, but it is worth flagging your access questions when you book the removal.
Location matters, but it is not everything. Storage close to your old property is easier on move-out day. Storage close to your new home is more convenient when you collect. For short gaps of two to four weeks, pick whichever is more convenient for the removal crew. For longer gaps, choose based on how frequently you will need access.
Making the Most of Your Storage Unit
Packing a storage unit well means less floor space wasted and easier access when you need something.
Put heavy items, including wardrobes, appliances, and bed frames, against the back wall and stack upwards. Lighter boxes go on top. Keep anything you might need before completion, such as clothes or kitchen essentials, near the front.
Label every box on the side facing outward, not on the top. Write the room it belongs in and a short contents list. Your crew can then unload directly into the right room when completion comes through, rather than stacking boxes in the hallway to be sorted later.
Use wardrobe cartons for hanging clothes. They keep garments clean and wrinkle-free and take up far less floor space than bin bags. Disassemble bed frames and remove table legs where possible: flat-packed furniture stacks neatly and saves significantly more space than fully assembled pieces.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does storage in London cost per month?
Short-term storage for a one-bedroom flat typically costs between £60 and £150 a month in London, depending on location and unit size. Central London facilities charge more than those further out. Most quotes include a small admin or insurance fee. Always confirm what is included in the monthly price before you sign.
How long can I keep a storage unit when moving house?
There is no fixed limit. Most London facilities offer weekly or monthly rolling contracts. A typical house move gap needs four to eight weeks of storage. If your chain collapses and the wait extends to three to six months, ask the facility about longer-term rates. Most will negotiate.
Do I need insurance for belongings in storage?
Yes. Most facilities offer basic cover as standard or as a paid add-on. Check whether your home contents insurance policy extends to items in storage, and what the maximum payout per item is. Separately insuring high-value items such as antiques or artwork is often worth the small additional premium.
What is the difference between short-term and long-term storage?
Short-term storage (under three months) is typical during a house move where completion dates do not align. Long-term storage (three months or more) suits people downsizing, working abroad, or going through a renovation. Short-term contracts are usually weekly or monthly rolling, while longer commitments often come with a reduced monthly rate.
Can my removal company collect from storage on completion day?
Yes, and this is often the smoothest way to handle a two-stage move. The crew loads your belongings into storage on move-out day, then collects from the unit and delivers to your new home on completion day. Ask about this when you get your quote so the team can plan the vehicle and timing accordingly.
Should I choose storage near my old home or my new home?
Near your old property works best if move-out is imminent and completion is several weeks away. Near your new home works better if the gap is short and you will want to start moving items in quickly. If you are unsure, prioritise whatever is easiest for your removal crew to access on both days.