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Self storage

What is Self Storage?

Time to read: 2 minutes

Contents
  1. What is Self Storage?
  2. Who uses Self Storage?
  3. How does Self Storage work?
  4. Is Self Storage secure?
  5. How much does Self Storage cost in the UK?
  6. FAQs About Self Storage
  7. What is self storage?
  8. How much does self storage cost?
  9. Is self storage secure?
  10. Can businesses use self storage units?
  11. Ready to get started?

Wondering what self storage is? Learn how secure self storage works, who uses self storage, and how much units cost. Whether you’re moving house, decluttering, or a business running out of room for stock, this handy guide has got you covered.

In this guide, we will answer your most common questions about self storage services including what it is, how it works, and why it could be exactly what you need.

Two people standing in a storage location, holding boxes. They're viewed from inside a storage unit, with a lamp placed to the right of the scene.

What is Self Storage?

Self Storage refers to a secure facility where individuals and businesses rent units to store their belongings. These units come in various sizes and customers can access when they need to, making it a convenient and cost-effective option.

Whether you need to store a few boxes or the entire contents of your home, there’s a self storage solution for you.

Who uses Self Storage?

Self storage is not just for house moves. Thousands of people and businesses across the UK use it every day.

  • Moving home – Store furniture and personal items securely between house moves
  • Renovating – Keep your space clear of dust and debris during construction
  • Decluttering –  Free up valuable space without parting with your belongings
  • Business storage – Store excess stock, documents, or equipment securely
  • Students – Store items during university holidays or while relocating

How does Self Storage work?

A flowchart depicting the process of getting started with self storage

Getting started is simple

  • 1️⃣ Choose your location – We have secure self storage units in several locations across the UK
  • 2️⃣ Pick your unit size – From small lockers to large units that fit an entire household, there’s something for everyone
  • 3️⃣ Move in – Arrive at the facility with your items or use our trusted van hire partner to make moving easy
  • 4️⃣ Access – Majority of our facilities offer extended hours access through our Ready Steady Store App

Is Self Storage secure?

A photograph of security cameras secured to the side walls of a storage unit. Each camera is positioned such that there are no blind spots.

Security is our top priority. With Ready Steady Store, you’ll get:

Your belongings stay secure until you need them with the freedom to come and go, during access hours.

How much does Self Storage cost in the UK?

The price depends on

  • The unit size you need
  • Location of the Facility
  • How long you need it for

Often, self storage is far more affordable than upsizing your home or renting extra office space. Plus, you can find great deals, long-term discounts, and exclusive online offers. Get a quick quote online to see what works for you.

FAQs About Self Storage

What is self storage?

Self storage is a secure facility where individuals and businesses can rent units to store their belongings short or long-term.

How much does self storage cost?

Prices depend on unit size, location, and rental length. Discounts are often available too.

Is self storage secure?

Yes with 24-hour CCTV monitoring and access control, your items are protected round the clock.

Can businesses use self storage units?

Absolutely, many businesses use self storage for stock, documents, equipment, or even office furniture.

Ready to get started?

Whether you’re decluttering, moving house, or need secure storage for your business, we’re here to help.

From Leeds, Manchester down to Wokingham, Bournemouth and Great Yarmouth, we’ve got stores right across the country.

Find your nearest Ready Steady Store and book your self storage unit online today!

Karishma Darji

Head of Central Operations & Marketing, Ready Steady Store

Karishma is Head of Central Operations & Marketing at Ready Steady Store, bringing over 10 years’ experience in the UK self storage industry. She oversees central operations, process strategy, customer experience, and digital performance across multiple self storage locations nationwide, ensuring customers have access to affordable, secure, and easy-to-use storage solutions.

Her work is closely informed by real customer behaviour and day-to-day store operations, helping ensure all advice and guides are practical, transparent, and relevant.

Making it as easy as possible

Exclusive Enterprise Van Hire for our customers

cartoon van image

We've teamed up with Enterprise to bring our Ready Steady Store customers an exclusive deal. Book via our link and enjoy a 5% discount on live prices for van hire, making your move easier and more affordable.

  • Exclusive customer savings - 5% off live Enterprise hire prices
  • Flexible 24-hour hire periods to suit your schedule
  • Convenient pick-up and drop-off from your nearest Enterprise branch
Find out more

Secure storage for your belongings, around the clock

At Ready Steady Store, security is built into everything we do. Our stores are designed to help protect your belongings while giving you complete peace of mind, whether you're storing for the short or long term.

These measures are in place to help deter unauthorised access and provide safer storage for our customers.

Our security features typically include:

  • 24/7 CCTV monitoring
  • Smart locks for controlled, secure unit access
  • App-controlled entry, so only authorised users can enter

Expert insight from our store teams

Customers often underestimate how important access control and good lighting are when choosing self storage. Our teams regularly highlight these features as key reasons customers choose Ready Steady Store.
Security camera icon
  • 24/7 CCTV
  • Smart locks
  • App-controlled entry

Here's what our storage customers are saying

Our sustainability commitment

With climate change now at the forefront of most people’s minds, action needs to be taken. At Ready Steady Store we’re already taking steps to reduce our carbon footprint, a major factor in combating climate change.

Our latest tree planting initiative will see us reduce our footprint even further. That’s because trees absorb CO2, so they’re a great way to minimise the harmful effect of CO2 emissions on the environment. And with more trees planted, the closer we’ll be to achieving a carbon-neutral Britain, along with our goal to become a carbon-neutral business.

We’re doing everything we can to help create a sustainable future for the planet, and now you can help too. All you have to do is leave us a Google Review, and for every one posted we’ll plant a tree with our partner more:trees.

logo for sustainability partner: more:trees

Help Us Raise Money for the Alzheimer’s Society

This year, we’re proud to support the Alzheimer’s Society—our chosen charity partner—by committing to raise £5000 to help fund vital research and support services for those affected by dementia.

We’ve made fantastic progress with cake sales, sponsored walks, and other team-led activities. You can follow our journey and check in on our progress via our JustGiving page.

Want to help?

You can make a difference by donating just 50p Or feel free to give more, share the link, and encourage friends and family to get involved.

Together, we can make a real impact for people living with dementia.

Get your essentials from the Box Shop

Moving house? Making space? We’ve got you covered for all the essentials you’ll need in our box shop.

Page last updated: February 17th, 2026

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