Sometimes the timing of a house move doesn't work out perfectly. You might need to vacate your old property before you can move into your new one, or perhaps you're renovating and need somewhere to keep your furniture. Storage is the answer.
When You Might Need Storage
- Chain breaks: Your sale completes before your purchase.
- Renovations: You want empty rooms while work is done.
- Downsizing: You're moving to a smaller property and need time to sort belongings.
- International moves: Your container ship takes 4–8 weeks.
- Separation or divorce: You need temporary space for your belongings.
- Decluttering: You're not ready to get rid of items but don't have room.
Types of Storage
Self-Storage Units
You rent a lockable unit (like a garage) and access it yourself.
- Sizes: from 16 sq ft (small wardrobe's worth) to 200+ sq ft (full house contents).
- Access: Usually 7 days a week during business hours. Some offer 24/7.
- Security: CCTV, individual alarms, PIN access.
- Cost: £5 – £30 per week depending on size and location.
Container Storage
Your belongings are packed into a shipping container stored in a secure facility.
- Best for: Longer-term storage where you don't need regular access.
- Cost: Often cheaper than self-storage for equivalent space.
- Access: By appointment, as containers may be stacked.
Removal Company Storage
Many removal companies (including Tanoli Moving) offer storage as part of a moving package.
- Advantage: Your belongings go straight from the van into storage — no double handling.
- Cost: Often competitive when bundled with a removal service.
How to Choose the Right Storage
- How long do you need it? Short-term (weeks) vs long-term (months) affects which option is cheapest.
- How often will you need access? If you need regular access, self-storage is best. If it's a one-off store and retrieve, container storage is cheaper.
- What are you storing? Sensitive items (electronics, documents, upholstered furniture) need climate-controlled units.
- Location matters. Storage near your new property means shorter trips and lower transport costs.
How to Pack for Storage
Packing for storage is different from packing for a move:
- Use uniform box sizes for easy stacking.
- Never store food — it attracts pests.
- Disassemble furniture to save space. Keep screws and bolts in labelled bags taped to the item.
- Cover upholstered items with cotton sheets (not plastic — it traps moisture).
- Leave an aisle down the centre of your unit so you can access items at the back.
- Put items you might need first near the front.
- Use pallets or shelving to keep boxes off the floor.
Storage Costs in the UK (2026)
| Unit Size | Typical Weekly Cost | Fits |
|---|---|---|
| 25 sq ft | £8 – £15 | Contents of a small room |
| 50 sq ft | £15 – £25 | 1-bed flat contents |
| 75 sq ft | £20 – £35 | 2-bed house contents |
| 100 sq ft | £25 – £45 | 3-bed house contents |
| 150 sq ft | £35 – £60 | 4-bed house contents |
Prices vary significantly by region. London and the South East are most expensive.
Tanoli Moving Storage Solutions
Our storage service offers:
- Secure, monitored facilities with 24/7 CCTV
- Climate-controlled units for sensitive items
- Flexible rental terms — from days to months
- Seamless integration with our removal service
- Competitive rates for Southampton and surrounding areas
Need storage as part of your move? Contact us for a combined moving and storage quote.
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