Thinking about renting a storage unit but unsure where to start? You’re not alone. Thousands of people across the UK type “storage questions” into Google every month—and with good reason. Whether you’re moving house, renovating, downsizing, or just decluttering, self storage can be incredibly helpful, but it comes with its own set of rules and decisions.
In this guide, we’ve answered the most common questions people ask about self storage, including what you can store, how much it costs, how to prepare your items, and what to look for in a facility.
According to the Self Storage Association UK, 81% of customers are domestic users, and confidence in the sector is growing—so let’s make sure you go in informed.
1. What can I put in a self storage unit?
One of the most common storage questions we hear is: “Can I store [insert item]?” The good news is you can store most everyday household or office items, including:
- Furniture and furnishings
- Seasonal clothing and sports gear
- Toys and collectibles
- Books, electronics and documents
- Gardening tools and DIY equipment
Need ideas? Here are 25 Everyday Items You Can Put in Self Storage
2. Are there storage rules I need to follow?
Yes—every facility has its own storage rules to keep everyone safe and secure. At Space Centre, we follow industry best practices and common-sense regulations. Items you cannot store include:
- Flammable, explosive or hazardous materials
- Live plants or animals
- Perishables or food items that could attract pests
- Illegal or stolen goods
- Firearms or ammunition
If you’re not sure about a particular item, check our Self Storage Rules Guide or speak to the team in Bristol, Stroud, Stonehouse, Gloucester & Cheltenham.
3. How much does self storage cost in the UK?
Prices vary depending on the size of the unit, location, and length of contract. On average, you can expect to pay between £10 and £30 per week for a standard unit. We offer transparent pricing with no hidden fees and free insurance, making it easier to budget. You can always scale your space up or down as your needs change.
Expert Tip: Avoid facilities that charge admin fees or lock you into long-term contracts.
4. How do I prepare my items for storage?
Proper packing is key. Whether you’re storing for a few weeks or several months, following these steps will help:
- Clean items thoroughly before storing to prevent mould, dust or smells.
- Use breathable materials like fabric covers for furniture.
- Label all boxes clearly—especially if you need to access them later.
- Use vacuum bags for bulky seasonal items like bedding and coats.
- Protect breakables with bubble wrap, paper, or towels.
For more inspiration, check out our guide to Creative Uses for Self Storage
5. Do I need insurance?
Yes, most storage facilities require you to have insurance—either your own or through them. At Space Centre, we include free insurance up to a certain value for every unit, but you can upgrade depending on what you’re storing.
It’s worth reviewing your home contents policy too—some policies extend to stored items, others don’t.
6. How secure is self storage?
Security should be a top concern when researching your options. At Space Centre, we offer:
- Individually locked units
- 24-hour CCTV monitoring
- Alarmed buildings
- Staff on site during office hours
- Controlled gate access
- You’ll also keep your own key—so only you can access your unit.
7. Can I access my things anytime?
This depends on the provider. At Space Centre, you can access your unit anytime during office hours, six days a week. Some companies offer 24/7 access, but this usually comes at a premium.
If flexibility is important, make sure to ask about access times before booking.
8. How long can I rent a unit for?
You can rent a self storage unit short-term (as little as 1 week) or for as long as you need. Many people use storage for temporary transitions—like a house move or home renovation—but others store for years.
There’s no maximum time limit, and we offer flexible contracts without long-term lock-ins.
9. What size unit do I need?
This is one of the trickiest storage questions to answer without seeing your items. As a rough guide:
- 25 sq ft – Small items, a few boxes, bikes, or seasonal gear
- 50 sq ft – 1-bedroom flat contents
- 75–100 sq ft – 2–3 bedroom house contents
- 150+ sq ft – Large home or office
Feel free to contact us for personalised advice—we’re happy to help. You can also find more helpful information on what you can fit in a 120 sq ft storage unit here.
10. Can businesses use self storage too?
Absolutely. In fact, business storage is growing across the UK. From tradespeople and online retailers to accountants and designers, many use storage for:
- Stock and inventory
- Tools and equipment
- Marketing materials
- Archives and old files
It’s a cost-effective solution compared to renting more office space—especially with rolling contracts.
Why choose Space Centre Self Storage?
At Space Centre Self Storage, we make storage simple, secure, and affordable. With facilities across the South West, we offer clean, dry, and individually alarmed units in a wide range of sizes. Whether you’re moving house, decluttering, or running a business, our flexible terms mean you only pay for the space you need, for as long as you need it—with no hidden costs or long-term contracts.
We also provide:
- Free insurance up to £3,000 as standard (choose our provider or your own, like SureWise or Store Insure)
- Ground floor and drive-up units for easy loading
- Helpful, experienced staff who are happy to offer advice
- No deposit required on reservations
If you’re not sure what size unit you need, how storage works, or any other storage questions, reach out to your nearest branch for honest, no-pressure advice.