Looking for Cheap Self Storage? Our Guide:

Driving into a city used to mean passing through an outer-ring of small factories and warehouses. Now these industrial hulks seem to have switched to a different type of use: storage. Giant box-shaped buildings rising up beside the arterial roads filled with the overspill of possessions belonging to people who have run out of space.

They offer a way of keeping things that you don't want to throw away but don't have room to store. In particular, it's aimed at bulkier stuff, such as furniture, sports equipment, or large quantities of boxes.

How much will it cost?

The biggest factor is how much space you need. There will be a rising tariff usually linked to how many square feet you want. You can rent in sizes, such as up to 25 sq feet, 50 sq feet, 100 sq feet, 150 sq feet or 200 sq feet. The longer you're planning to use it, the cheaper it becomes.

Check for additional expenses, such as up-front deposits, charges for accessing your storage room, paying for your own padlock or for using lifting and carrying equipment. Storage companies will also try to sell packaging boxes. For the contents of a three-bedroom house, it will cost about £50 in packing boxes.

If you're planning a long storage period, there can be savings made by paying in advance.

Individual branches often have their own offers to attract new business, such as a free first month, or reductions. And there can be differences in price for the same floor space, depending on whether it's in the ground or upper floor.